Kevin Ayers’ “Shooting At The Moon” Now Available on Remastered Vinyl
Kevin Ayers’ music has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I first encountered his work when I purchased his debut album, Joy of a Toy, during my prog-rock exploration phase. My decision to buy albums back then was heavily influenced by financial considerations; I didn’t want to waste money on music that didn’t resonate with me. Unfortunately, Joy of a Toy fell short of my expectations, with whimsical tunes that lacked the gravitas I was seeking in music.
Having dismissed Ayers for over a decade, I recently received the opportunity to revisit his music with a remastered vinyl reissue of his second solo album, Shooting at the Moon. This album, credited to Kevin Ayers and the Whole World, features a lineup of talented musicians, including Mike Oldfield, David Bedford, and Lol Coxhill. The diverse backgrounds of these musicians explain the eclectic nature of the album, which spans various genres from mellow pop to experimental music.
The vinyl edition of Shooting at the Moon condenses the album into four listed tracks, with several parts within each track. The songs range from the stylistic May I? to the experimental Pisser dans un violon, showcasing Ayers’ versatility as an artist. While some tracks like Rheinhardt and Geraldine stand out for their progressive elements, others like the title track fall flat due to repetitive riffs.
Despite its disjointed nature, Shooting at the Moon captures the essence of the musicians involved, each known for their diverse contributions to the music industry. Ayers’ charm and creativity shine through in the album, offering a glimpse into his innovative approach to music. While some listeners may appreciate the album’s genre-blurring nature, I found the overall experience lacking cohesion and depth.
In conclusion, Shooting at the Moon serves as a snapshot of Kevin Ayers’ experimental style and the collaborative efforts of the Whole World. As a remastered vinyl release, the album provides an opportunity to rediscover Ayers’ music in a new light. While not all tracks may resonate with every listener, the album offers a unique blend of genres and artistic influences that showcase Ayers’ distinctive musical vision.