Not our take on key/best/favourite songs by Big Big Train, but ‘moments’ in their catalogue that raise goosebumps and make the hairs on the back of the neck stand on end.

You know what we mean. Those particular parts of songs that cause a stirring of the blood. The ones where you always used to try and find and drop the needle in the right place (I always had a burst of the keyboard solos in The Cinema Show and Robbery Assault & Battery from Genesis’ Seconds Out before heading off to catch the bus to school back in the day). Same with the CD scanner or dragging the mouse in Windows Media Player these days.

Everyone will have their own favourite ‘bit’s of songs from their favourite bands, but as an alternative to the ‘Passenger’ fan contributions to the BBT tour programmes where fans write about a song that moves them (The Song That Sings To Me), we’re digging deeper to search for the exact moments.

Here’s a couple for starters to whet the appetite…

Brave Captain – Live at Loreley 2018

Cut to 10:17 just after the drum roll from Nick and as the strings swing in and watch until 12:20. Minus the brass section, it’s the eight piece version of the band in, for the time, a huge gig for them and David Longdon at arguably his best, spurred on by the occasion. Hear the strings start to swell and David is clearly hyped as the climax starts.

His foot is on the (slightly wobbly monitor) as he begins the first of the “brave captain of the sky” lines and salutes; leaving Rikard to peel off a solo with foot on the pedals – note Gregory Spawton at the rear, hands on the Rickenbacker whilst delivering the depth charge bass pedals. David’s out on the walkways for some audience participation as the backing vocals carry the melody and we get a chance to admire the work of tow former members – Rachel hall and Dave Gregory and their formidable contributions to Big Big Train, this track and this moment. However, final word to Longdon who’s down on his knees at the climax, suit resolutely remaining fully buttoned!

A hugely dramatic track; an iconic delivery and our ‘bit’ a genuine goosebumper.

East Coast Racer – The version from the Kings Place shows in 2015

Another huge track and a selection at which most BBT fans will nod sagely. Our choice, taken from one of their first live performances that required the brass section to be placed up on the balcony

Our ‘bit’ isn’t a particularly surprising choice. We suggest you head to 9:45 and watch up to 12:15. On this occasion, you can feel the warmth of the brass and note how along with the bassline, it lead this part of the track. David Longdon is again the focal point as he holds his arms wide in knowing but humble triumph as the tale of the East Coast Racer reaches a climax. He and the band and the passengers know what’s coming as he delivers the “Into history, into legend, she flies…..” line. If there had to be just one version of this track and this moment, it would surely be this one. Never bettered? Hard to argue…

And note how young everyone looks!

Keep an eye out for more to come in future episodes of the series of Big Big Train ‘s big big bits.

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