In 1975 after graduating high school, I worked at Listening Booth, the local record shop, where it was store policy to play, at least once, every new release that came into inventory. It was also unwritten policy that the album liner notes were to be read so as to further familiarize ourselves with musical artists, their backgrounds, inspirations, etc., their possible studio associations with one another and to garner general knowledge of the world of music. What a dream come true for a music devotee.
It was in this way I was first introduced to the music of Gerry Rafferty.
A gifted songwriter/singer whose music blends the styles of Rock and radio-friendly Pop with heavy Folk music influences in the style of personal story telling in a manner to which the listener can relate. Gerry Rafferty may have drawn on his own personal complex dichotomies and experiences in his songs but, as every great songwriter, is able to make his deeply moving lyrics become universal and understood on not only on an intellectual level, but on an empathic level, as well. Whether by unintended accident or ironic design, Gerry Rafferty speaks to the tortured soul in all of us...
One of my very favorite Gerry Rafferty songs musically and lyrically, Get It Right Next Time from his 1979 album "Night Owl".
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