"Marks" (1972), their first release, is mostly instrumental with a highly jazzy feel. Quite versatile, it features snippets of calypso, circus music, Dixieland and (of all things!) country music. Their best progressive effort, however, is their second album "Mountain Queen" (1973) which features long instrumental passages with prominent lead guitar, whirling Hammond organ, dual saxophones, electric violin and catchy choruses in a slightly Canterbury style. With the release of "Nobody Can Wait Forever" (1975) and "Best Kept Secret" (1976), however, the band went for a more hard rock sound with shorter, more accessible tunes. Two live albums as well as six compilation cd's of their material were subsequently released by Polydor and various other record labels.With the band's cameback in 2003 they released "Blue Planet" (2005) and "Sailors & Sinners" (2009).
The symphonic style of "Mountain Queen" should appeal to progsters; "Nobody Can Wait Forever" is recommended if you like a more bluesy/funky approach.
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Convicts Of The Air
Alquin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mirror painted airplanes floating to some distant fancy fair.
Carrying with them several servant, lovely ladies of the air.
Where will you be tonight?
Where will you be tomorrow?
Where will you be tonight?
Where will you be tomorrow?
Smiles are frozen, on that cheeks.
They cope with tradesman and with freeks, but loating's deep inside their head.
Where will you be tonight?
Where will you be tomorrow?
Where will you be tonight?
Where will you be tomorrow?
The lyrics of Alquin's song "Convicts of the Air" can be interpreted as a commentary on the glamorous but ultimately unfulfilling lifestyle of celebrity and luxury. The "mirror painted airplanes" referenced in the first line could represent the polished, false exterior that many in the public eye maintain, appearing flawless and pristine to those who gaze upon them from a distance. These individuals are "convicts of the air," trapped in a cycle of fleeting appearances at "fancy fairs" and other lavish events, but never really feeling a sense of purpose or connection with the world around them.
The "lovely ladies of the air" who accompany these individuals could be seen as a symbol of the underlying emptiness and objectification that often accompanies fame and fortune. Despite their beauty and elegance, these women are mere servants to their employers, reduced to the status of mere accessories to the grand facade of celebrity. The repeated refrain of "where will you be tonight? where will you be tomorrow?" reinforces the transience of this lifestyle, as these individuals are constantly on the move, seeking out the next opportunity for attention and validation.
The final verse of the song suggests that despite the superficiality of this lifestyle, those who inhabit it are able to maintain a stoic facade, with "smiles frozen" on their faces and "no complaint, no regret." However, the "floating's deep inside their head" indicates that beneath this veneer of composure lies a sense of discontent and unease, a feeling of being adrift and disconnected from the world. "Convicts of the Air" is a powerful critique of the seductive allure of fame and wealth, and a reminder that true fulfillment cannot be found in the trappings of material success.
Line by Line Meaning
Convicts of the air.
Airplanes, painted to look like mirrors, are soaring through the skies referring to them as prisoners of the air.
Mirror painted airplanes floating to some distant fancy fair.
The shiny planes are heading towards an unknown destination, resembling a carnival or festival, indicating their aimless journey.
Carrying with them several servant, lovely ladies of the air.
The planes accommodate a crew of female attendants, who serve them, implying the planes to be luxurious and grand.
Where will you be tonight?
Asking where the planes will spend the night, signaling confusion around their course and a lack of control over their journey.
Where will you be tomorrow?
Questioning their next destination, emphasizing that they have no specific route, and their drive is aimless.
Smiles are frozen, on that cheeks.
The flight's attendants wear a fixed smile despite the monotony of their job, indicating their frustration with their job.
There's no complaint, there's no regret.
They are enduring their job without any protest or remorse, indicating their acceptance of their job and life.
They cope with tradesman and with freeks, but loating's deep inside their head.
They deal with all kinds of passengers and their eccentricities, but a feeling of floatation is digging deep inside their thoughts, signifying that they want to break free from their current circumstances.
Where will you be tonight?
Repeating the first question, emphasizing uncertainty about where they are heading, emphasizing their directionless journey.
Where will you be tomorrow?
Repeating the second query, reiterating the directionless journey of the airplanes.
Contributed by Isabella J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Simon Bradshaw
I also saw them in the early 70s, at Friers in Aylesbuy, one of the best live acts I have ever seen! Mountain Queen was purchaced within days, and I am still playing it (now in cd form) at least every week. Alquin have enhanced my life!
Just a thought
Saw Alquin in early 70s supporting Golden Earring. Apart from Radar Love GE were disappointing whereas Alquin were a discovery. An acquired taste, the album is compelling with moments of brilliance. After 35 years here they are again. Cheers expoonation!
AllcopsRcunts
Found this track going back through my late Fathers collection .Class!
Karen Copeland
Love it !
ahmad soobratty
Excellent Alquin; Only You tube can make people happy with these oldies.
hollies56789
ONE OF THE BANDS IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES--IM HAPPY TO OWN ALL LONGPLAYERS
Keith Gordon
Just brilliant.
MrTheancient
Discovered Alquin via 'Whispering' Bob Harris on the Old Grey Whistle Test. A great band, a great song.
SweetSmoke21
Wonderful, thanks!
cas3003
Fantastic!