Live Rails
Steve Hackett · 2011
116 min · 20 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and intricate guitar work that showcases Hackett's live prowess and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Every Day Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Firth of Fifth — This track features an iconic piano introduction that seamlessly transitions into Hackett's soaring guitar solos, exemplifying his virtuosic style and emotional expression.
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Blood on the Rooftops — A poignant reflection on urban life, this performance highlights Hackett’s ability to blend narrative lyrics with haunting melodies, creating an immersive listening experience.
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The Steppes — The instrumental piece showcases Hackett's signature guitar sound and compositional skill, merging complex rhythms with melodic storytelling.
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Ace of Wands — This energetic track combines intricate guitar work with dynamic arrangements, serving as a testament to Hackett's creative evolution over the years.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hackett's live performances blend intricate guitar work with dynamic arrangements, making this a strong entry in his discography.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, introspective moments to powerful climaxes, creating a sense of ebb and flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive journey through melodies
- dynamic progression with peaks
- wave-like pacing throughout album
- long-form listening experience
- virtuosic guitar showcases
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer upbeat, instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Captures live performances, showcasing Hackett's guitar work and stage presence.
- Themes
- Genesis nostalgia· live performance energy· poignant storytelling
- Career context
- Live Rails marks Steve Hackett's return to the stage after a period of extensive studio work, including his album Out of the Tunnel's Mouth in 2009. This live album captures performances from his 2010 tour, highlighting his enduring relevance in the progressive rock scene while reinterpreting classic material alongside newer compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Intro 2:18
- 2 Every Day Start here 6:50
- 3 Fire on the Moon 6:16
- 4 Emerald and Ash 8:59
- 5 Ghost in the Glass 3:22
- 6 Ace of Wands 6:48
- 7 Pollution C 2:21
- 8 The Steppes 6:00
- 9 Slogans 4:22
- 10 Serpentine 6:42
- 11 Tubehead 6:06
Disc 2
- 1 Spectral Mornings 5:57
- 2 Firth of Fifth 10:39
- 3 Blood on the Rooftops 6:31
- 4 Fly on a Windshield 2:06
- 5 Broadway Melody of 1974 1:47
- 6 Sleepers 7:32
- 7 Still Waters 5:31
- 8 Los Endos 7:43
- 9 Clocks 8:04
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Moonmadness
Camel
Shares intricate melodies and lush instrumentation, evoking a similar immersive atmosphere.
Misplaced Childhood
Marillion
Combines poignant storytelling with progressive rock elements, echoing Hackett's lyrical depth.
Larks' Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson
Features complex arrangements and virtuosic musicianship, paralleling Hackett's artistry and live energy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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