Anthony Phillips – Sides
Anthony Phillips – Sides
Anthony Phillips’ Sides is a fascinating 1979 album that bridges the former Genesis guitarist’s intricate progressive-rock background with a more concise, song-oriented approach. Released on Arista Records in the UK on 23 March 1979, it was produced by Rupert Hine and recorded between October 1978 and January 1979 at Essex Studios, Matrix Studios and other London locations. Phillips had been a founding member and original guitarist of Genesis, and Sides followed his first three solo releases, The Geese & The Ghost, Wise After The Event and Private Parts & Pieces.
The album is deliberately divided into two contrasting halves. The first side concentrates on shorter, melodic songs such as “Um & Aargh”, “I Want Your Love”, “Lucy Will”, “Side Door” and “Holy Deadlock”, while the second side moves towards the longer and more instrumental progressive pieces “Sisters Of Remindum”, “Bleak House”, “Magdalen” and “Nightmare”. This contrast gives Sides a distinctive character, combining accessible late-1970s rock songwriting with Phillips’ detailed guitar work, layered arrangements and more expansive instrumental passages.
Phillips was joined by an impressive group of musicians, including former King Crimson drummer Michael Giles, bassist John G. Perry and saxophonist Mel Collins, with additional percussion from Ray Cooper, Frank Ricotti and Morris Pert. Vocals were supplied by Phillips, Dale Newman, Dan Owen and Ralph Bernascone. The production by Rupert Hine adds a polished late-70s studio character without losing the progressive elements at the heart of the material.
The original UK vinyl edition also has some collector interest: the first 5,000 copies were issued with a complimentary copy of Phillips' Private Parts & Pieces, while the standalone Sides LP carried the catalogue number SPART 1085. Later reissues expanded the album with additional material, but the original nine-track LP remains the core 1979 sequence.
Tracklist
Side A – First Half
- Um & Aargh – 4:56
- I Want Your Love – 3:53
- Lucy Will – 4:04
- Side Door – 3:23
- Holy Deadlock – 3:46
Side B – Second Half
- Sisters Of Remindum – 4:27
- Bleak House – 6:13
- Magdalen – 7:42
- Nightmare – 7:23
Record Details
| Label | Arista Records |
| Catalogue Number | SPART 1085 |
| Year of Release | 1979 |
| Country of Pressing | UK |
| Speed | 33 RPM |
| Decade | 1970's |
| Media Condition | VG+ |
| Sleeve Condition | VG+ |
| Format Notes | Vinyl LP, incl. Inner |
Details
This record has been play tested and graded appropriately please product description.
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