On The Boards

On The Boards is a special album for me as it was the first of Rory I had listened to from his days in Taste. It was evident from the first song that his more recent style, whilst slightly changed still carries those roots heard throughout this album. The songs lyrics then vary across different levels of heartbreak and promises in a relationship.

Taste – Who are they?

Taste (previously known as “The Taste”) were a rock, blues and jazz trio from Cork, Ireland. The original band formed in August 1966, its members being Rory Gallagher on guitar, Eric Kettering on bass and Norman Damery on the drums. Unfortunately they split in 1968. Rory wanted to move to London to gain more momentum and work with higher caliber musicians. Later that year a new band was formed and renamed as Taste. Its members were Rory Gallagher on guitar, Richard McCracken on Bass and John Wilson on the drums. With this new line up and moving to London, Taste gained the momentum Rory was after and signed to Polydor Records. They would soon be opening for Cream and playing on the same stage as Jimi Hendrix at the Isle Of Wight festival.

“What’s Going On”

Starting into the first song of the album we have a mix of rock and blues style playing. This sets the tone for a majority of the songs to follow. Rory Gallagher’s famous stratocaster tone doesn’t miss a beat in the first opening riff, its hard hitting, slightly distorted feel, it is instantly recognizable. This furthers when Rory blasts a solo that would take up near a minute of the songs almost three minute duration. It’s incredible use of speed ,dynamics and pull-offs shows how unique Rory’s style was even in his early days. John Wilson’s drums fill in the lower tones of the song with intent and reason, whilst keeping a hearty vibe to the track. Then finally Taste’s bassist Richard McCracken complemented both musicians sound with such a subtle but present tone that really ties the song together.

“Railway And Gun”

Taste’s second entry to the album comes with a light and quieter start compared to their previous song. All instruments can be heard equally with a place in the sound. Don’t let this fool you as just fifty seconds into the track we are met again with the incredibly electric, rock and blues mix. Rory then taking lead again with his slightly more twangy tone out of the Vox AC30. John still backing it all up with a strong and consistent rhythm. It comes almost too easy to the ear as you can just about forget you’re bopping your head along to each beat. Richard plays a solid repeat bass riff throughout the song which keeps a level field for the band to return to after all intensity slows down.

“It Happened before, It’ll Happen Again”

In the albums third track we get a more jazzy and blues sound. We again get Rory’s incredibly fast playing as he also manages to keep each note incredibly well pronounced. The songs tone switches its levels of intensity throughout with the bassist matching both speed and volume across the board. In a surprising turn the song quietens down and we get Rory swapping out the stratocaster for an alto saxophone. An instrument he is not as known for playing however as he riffed along with the song you will find it incredibly hard to differentiate his tone from that of a seasoned player’s.

“If The Day Was Any Longer”

Our third entry is a softer song where Rory sings on losing a loved one. Perhaps in a one sided relationship as they now drift apart. This is a song of simple lyrics but each word is sang with such sullen emotion that it sets the mood throughout. We also get a nice harmonica solo from Rory, which furthers on the variety of instruments we have seen played on this album.

“Morning Sun”

Picking up the tempo and rock feel for the album is number five “Morning Sun”. The tone sounds a lot more distorted and grungy in this track. All instruments sound hard hitting and each can be heard clearly. Rory alternates tone to a more gentle one throughout for the choruses and returns to that hard hitting rock tone for their verses and solo.

“Eat My Words”

On the albums sixth entry “Eat My Words” we get introduced to a incredibly deep and catchy bass line. As well we get our first taste of slide guitar from Rory. Whilst keeping a similar guitar tone to their previous song the slide adds a level of dynamics to the music leaving it near impossible for you not to pay attention. As common with the previous songs their main focus is the instrumental side of the song. This song however would contain the most lyrics out of all previous we have heard so far.

“On The Boards”

The inspiration for this albums name comes from the albums seventh song “On The Boards”. It is quite a mellow tune, with lyrics that speak of regrets of moving too fast, not checking their actions and losing out on a relationship. This would be their second longest song on the album, at six minutes. The lyrics finish up at around four minutes in and we then get the return of Rory’s alto Saxophone. This plays out much like previously used till the end of the song.

“If I Don’t Sing I’ll Cry”

The albums eighth song is quite bouncy and fast paced throughout. It combines all the instruments we’ve heard previously to create an incredible mix of music. It could be described as hot and playful. The lyrics remain true to the common theme of heartbreak, they let us know that Rory’s turn to comfort will always be singing and music. All band members can be heard throughout, but most notably Rory as their front man.

“See Here”

Their ninth track on the album is our first introduction to Rory’s acoustic side. His playing style could be described as quiet and gentle on the ears. This guitar tone matches the vocals, which very much sits on the edge of a lullaby. The song is in entirety carried by Rory with his acoustic and vocals.

“I’ll Remember”

Onto our final track of the album, called “I’ll Remember”. This brings all our band members back together. It contains similar tone and feel to the first track “What’s Going On” in both tone and chord progressions. Rory pairs his boomy voice along with the strat and vox combo in what feels like a roundabout tie back to the beginning. The lyrics again keeping common to theme, speak of a relationship where Rory promises to be there for his partner.

Final Thoughts

The album for me covers such a variety of music that mostly keeps you on a high with a pinch of a few lows. As a theme across the album I think that heartbreak and relationship issues are something that everyone can relate to. No one is singled out here or requires any additional context to understand the lyrics.

For me each instrument choice has brought its own unique feel and purpose to the album from the jazzy alto saxophone to the gentle acoustics and roaring electric guitar. They make a remarkably odd pairing and yet work so well. It does seem scattered at times with songs perhaps lasting slightly longer than they should but as a whole the album is an incredible second entry to Tastes discography.