The Getaway (Chris de Burgh album)

Background

The album was spearheaded by the U.S. top 40 hit, "Don't Pay the Ferryman", an upbeat, mythology-tinged pop rock song that evokes images of the Grim Reaper, which also became his first UK hit single, reaching number 48.

Another song from the album which has become a de Burgh fan-favourite is "Borderline", the story of a conscientious objector who chooses to flee with his lover than be drafted for military service. A staple of de Burgh's live act, the song's story was continued in 1986's "Say Goodbye To It All" from the later album Into the Light.

Drums on the album were played by Steve Negus of the Canadian progressive rock band Saga.

Some of the guest vocalists were Anthony Head, Diane Davison (Chris de Burgh´s wife) and Miriam Stockley (who also collaborated with Mike Oldfield on the album "The Millennium Bell" (1999).

Track listing

1. "Don't Pay the Ferryman" – 3:48
2. "Living on the Island" – 3:31
3. "Crying and Laughing" – 4:33
4. "I'm Counting on You" – 4:27
5. "The Getaway" – 3:52
6. "Ship to Shore" – 3:49
7. "All the Love I Have Inside" – 3:18
8. "Borderline" – 4:37
9. "Where Peaceful Waters Flow" – 3:54
10. "The Revolution" – 1:46
11. "Light a Fire" – 2:08
12. "Liberty" – 5:02

The Japanese CD splits the last three tracks differently:

10. "The Revolution" – 3:54 11. "Light a Fire" – 4:30 12. "Liberty" – 0:31

All compositions by Chris de Burgh.

Personnel

Chris de Burgh - 6 and 12 string guitars, piano, lead and backing vocals

Rupert Hine - synthesizers, percussion, orchestral arrangements, backing vocals

John Giblin - bass, fretless bass

Steve Negus - drums

Phil Palmer - electric and acoustic guitars

David Caddick - piano (on "I'm Counting on You")

Tim Wynveen - electric and acoustic guitars (on "Crying and Laughing", Living on the Island", "Light A Fire" and "Liberty")

Anthony Thistlethwaite - saxophones

Stephen W. Tayler - woodwinds, saxophones

Nigel Warren-Green - cello (on "I'm Counting on You")

Anthony Head - voice (on "Don't Pay the Ferryman")

Sue Wilkinson - additional vocals

Diane Davison - additional vocals

Miriam Stockley - additional vocals

Production

Produced by Rupert Hine

Engineered by Stephen W. Tayler

Mastered by Bernie Grundman at A&M Studios (Hollywood, CA).

Art Direction and Back Cover Photography - Michael Ross

Inner Bag Photography - Fin Costello

Illustration - Syd Brak

Typography - Andrew Ellis

Management - Dave Margereson and Kenny Thomson for Mismanagement, Inc.