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Rainer Ptacek — The Inner Flame
Album: The Inner Flame
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 584









Released: 1998
Length: 5:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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how's your inner flame
does it still burn a lot
do you still complain
when it's way too hot

he was innocent
but that was a long time ago
love comes in a room
love blows out the walls

and we're all consumed
flames in alchohol
I thought between me and you
nothing could come between

what do I know I know about love

saddest song I heard
was so beautiful
and in this light
you look just like her

hold me in your arms
just hold me keep me warm

now don't get wet
take a little step
you ain't there yet
so take another step

everything should come
from the deepest place

what do I know about love

this story's out of place
this story's out of fear
how'd you come in here
how'd you get past the gates

all these coded messages
and you come and give me a hug

love is a crucible
and it's open to all
you can bring your valubles
jump in and let them fall

that's what I know about love
Comments (110)add comment
something special 
Posted 2 years ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Rainer Ptacek - Life Is Fine, Live

July 16, 1993 - Rainer Ptacek on Jools Holland's Later Program (BBC) performing Life is Fine.

"It's like a gift that only he could have given and most of the world is yet to discover. This performance is absolutely heart-wrenching. Rainer was a unique human being who gave us so much in the short amount of time he was here. "     Warstub
  
"Wow! Great version of Langston Hughes poem. So deeply sad the way Rainer plays and sings it. A terrible loss of a great musician who was respected by many other great musicians."    45fingersblues

"I never heard about Rainer Ptacek till now! there is so much beautiful music out there and we just don`t know it exist. i`m happy now to find out something like this!"       smaaaas


 
Sad that this artist passed away, he is worth learning about  (guess it's pronounced "PithSik")
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Emwolb wrote:
Very Knoplerish
 
I thought I was hearing Mark Knopfler too.
Posted 6 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

I guessed Ray Wylie Hubbard but Amazon says that a band called Giant Sand accompanied Rainer for this song. The spooky music and lyrics remind me strongly of Tom Waits. 

David Lynch should make a movie around this song. 

 
I thought it was Howe Gelb.  Maybe not.
Posted 10 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
OK, so there are two (main) guys singing.  Which one is Rainer, and who's the other one?
   

Alexandra wrote:


Sounds like Josh Ritter to me...but I don't know for sure.

 
I guessed Ray Wylie Hubbard but Amazon says that a band called Giant Sand accompanied Rainer for this song. The spooky music and lyrics remind me strongly of Tom Waits. 

David Lynch should make a movie around this song. 
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
It's a pitty he died 1997
Posted 10 years ago by Ghiaap    [ Reply ]
One of those songs that makes me click and find out just who in the unholy hell it is....

Really diggin' it! Thanks for another new artist to me, Bill!!!
Posted 10 years ago by subgyro    [ Reply ]
Very Knoplerish
Posted 10 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
I'm kinda liking this. Sort of why I listen to RP. Something different that doesn't usually see the light of day.
Posted 10 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Love this entire album. 
Posted 10 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
I'm liking this a lot.  
Posted 11 years ago by jimys    [ Reply ]
I like all his stuff, sorry he has gone.
If you like the sound of this one, try "The Hix - Sweet Sunny South" and then ask Bill to include Flatlands! 
Posted 11 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]

Agreed, but you missed out the "swaying in the seat in the grip of the muse" bit.


Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Kaylab wrote:

Certainly is great. If you like this you really need to check out Jeff Lang; The Time We're In.

Very much agree on the Chris Isaaks style vocal.

And for finger picking wonders, check out Kelly Joe Phelps

 
I love his style of playing, but wish he would not ruin his tracks by "singing".


Posted 11 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
No chance with that name, "Rana"...
Posted 11 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
For some reason I'm reminded of the voice of Kevin Welch...just sayin'
 
Now that you mention it, yeah I hear him too.
Posted 11 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
hear this a lot - never check who it is - hideous album cover lol! don't mind the song too much
Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
channelling the Bobster
Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
For some reason I'm reminded of the voice of Kevin Welch...just sayin'
Posted 11 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
that is a cherry - steel it tonight.

Posted 12 years ago by Det    [ Reply ]
 Neil66 wrote:

Yup - commercial radio is just pure garbage - I hate listening to them drivelling on a complete load of toss interspersed with totally SHITE music,and don't start me on contemporary euro-rap trash...!!!  ohhhh the rage... Sorry for the rant, now I feel better, excuse me!
 
...42 years of driving tractor trailer around North America - started when there was nothing but AM radio and a lot of "dead air space". Then there was FM, 8 track, cassette - I've heard the top 40 for every genre there is drilled into my head. Settled down a bit now and just cover the western provinces - still plenty of miles for this old back but made much more pleasurable with the discovery of RP radio - Thanks Bill & Rebecca
Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
 drivingunit103 wrote:
Thats it - just threw the AM/FM in the ditch
 
Yup - commercial radio is just pure garbage - I hate listening to them drivelling on a complete load of toss interspersed with totally SHITE music,and don't start me on contemporary euro-rap trash...!!!  ohhhh the rage... Sorry for the rant, now I feel better, excuse me!


Posted 12 years ago by Neil66    [ Reply ]
Amazing!!!
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
I'm going broke listening here...and buying all this good music... Broke-!  I tell you-!!  I think you're laughing at me...
Posted 12 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
Thats it - just threw the AM/FM in the ditch
Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]

Rainer Ptacek - Life Is Fine, Live

July 16, 1993 - Rainer Ptacek on Jools Holland's Later Program (BBC) performing Life is Fine.

"It's like a gift that only he could have given and most of the world is yet to discover. This performance is absolutely heart-wrenching. Rainer was a unique human being who gave us so much in the short amount of time he was here. "     Warstub
  
"Wow! Great version of Langston Hughes poem. So deeply sad the way Rainer plays and sings it. A terrible loss of a great musician who was respected by many other great musicians."    45fingersblues

"I never heard about Rainer Ptacek till now! there is so much beautiful music out there and we just don`t know it exist. i`m happy now to find out something like this!"       smaaaas



Posted 12 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I love this place!!
Posted 12 years ago by pugg689    [ Reply ]
7 -> 9{#Dance}
Posted 12 years ago by claire_k    [ Reply ]
Song info on the album says: Giant Sand & Rainer Ptáček

Posted 12 years ago by thediceareloaded    [ Reply ]
This guy is wonderful.... Check out his Nocturnes album!!

Posted 12 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
sounds like two guys who want to sound like Tom Waits and Chris Isaak

Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
OK, so there are two (main) guys singing.  Which one is Rainer, and who's the other one?
 

Sounds like Josh Ritter to me...but I don't know for sure.
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
Odd eyebrow.
 
I was looking at the odd cornea
Posted 13 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Never heared this before! Very  nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]

Nice...moody...me likey. {#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Interesting - too bad he died young; what have we missed from him?  I hear shades of John Cippolina in this piece.  (I wonder if Bill agrees?)  Great album cover too!
Posted 13 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
This is one of my all-time favourite albums. A great compilation of good songs and good singers.
Posted 13 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]

Holy smokes!!! Never heard this before! (Like so much else on RP; Thanks, Bill...) I rate this one a 9...
Posted 13 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
Odd eyebrow.
Posted 13 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
OK, so there are two (main) guys singing.  Which one is Rainer, and who's the other one?
 
this album is a tribute...
the song is performed by The Giant Sand, singer could be Howe Gelb... 

Posted 14 years ago by petrfas    [ Reply ]
 nalle wrote:
Rest in peace, remember him. {#Group-hug}
 
Your comment caused me to check his Wikipedia entry.  Jesus, another cancer victim.  Excellent song.

Posted 14 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Rest in peace, remember him. {#Group-hug}
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
OK, so there are two (main) guys singing.  Which one is Rainer, and who's the other one?
Posted 14 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

Certainly is great. If you like this you really need to check out Jeff Lang; The Time We're In.

Very much agree on the Chris Isaaks style vocal.

And for finger picking wonders, check out Kelly Joe Phelps

Posted 14 years ago by Kaylab    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:
I hear Mrk Knofler, yes.
 


Posted 15 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:
I hear Mrk Knofler, yes.
 
I thought it might be him.

Posted 15 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
this is pretty cool!
Posted 15 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]
This entire album is brilliant. I have loved it for years.
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
smdeeg wrote:

Naw. Definitely Tom Waits and Chris Isaak. Great sound, I am going to have to check out some more of his work.
I hear Mark Knofler, yes?

Posted 15 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
Nice--sounds like a Jon Dee Graham song
Posted 15 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
jjbix wrote:
the TUCSON AZ boys! where the hell are they?
Calexico and Rainer aren't enough? No, you're right more from Tucson, AZ!
Posted 16 years ago by BruceNTucsonAZ    [ Reply ]
Me like!
Posted 16 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
jerrydog wrote:
Hey if you like this guy, check out Howe Gelb or Giant Sand.... very similar approach
the TUCSON AZ boys! where the hell are they?
Posted 16 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
Hey if you like this guy, check out Howe Gelb or Giant Sand.... very similar approach
Posted 16 years ago by jerrydog    [ Reply ]
Nabla wrote:
He sounds like Mark Knopfler...
Naw. Definitely Tom Waits and Chris Isaak. Great sound, I am going to have to check out some more of his work.
Posted 16 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
This is AMAZING music. Why does everything on RP sound so good??
Because it's hand picked by the best music pickers anywhere!
Posted 16 years ago by lagger    [ Reply ]
This is AMAZING music. Why does everything on RP sound so good??
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Rainier Ptacek (1951 – November 12, 1997) was a Tucson, Arizona-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His unique guitar technique, which incorporated slide, finger-picking, tape loops, and electronic manipulation, earned him admiration of some notable musicians such as Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top). The tribute album to him, The Inner Flame, included participations by Plant, Jimmy Page, and Emmylou Harris among others, and was indicative of his reputation as a "musician's musician". He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early 1996, and died nearly two years later after the illness recurred.
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I don't hear Mark Knopfler at all? But I like the beat.
Posted 16 years ago by Lazaerus    [ Reply ]
ahoylola wrote:
Gotta throw in an influence of (wait for it), Tom Waits.
Ya think?
Posted 16 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
He sounds like Mark Knopfler...
Posted 16 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
Enjoying this groove.. think it helps that I got the volume up
Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Kinda haunting, I'm liking it.
Posted 16 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Gotta throw in an influence of (wait for it), Tom Waits.
Posted 16 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
also sounds almost like greg brown or mr. zimmerman
Posted 16 years ago by elliotgoettelman    [ Reply ]
guess RP is on the same tune loop from 2/26, based on this song following the battle of evermore once again.
Posted 16 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
Uncle_Fenester wrote:
Like Mark Knopfler channelling Tom Waits - not a bad thing at all!
Anything that keeps Tom Waits from actually singing is a good thing in my book.
Posted 16 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Long live Rainer!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by christof    [ Reply ]
Uncle_Fenester wrote:
Like Mark Knopfler channelling Tom Waits - not a bad thing at all!
That's funny...I thought "hey, is this Nick Cave? No, wait, it's Chris Isaak..."
Posted 16 years ago by dexev    [ Reply ]
jpm9678 wrote:
like this, but am hearing "beatles zebra crossing" from xymox.
sorry i meant shriekback, album sacred city
Posted 17 years ago by jpm9678    [ Reply ]
Outstanding music - another visit to Amazon is due. Sounds even better after 'The Battle Of Evermore' - great segue as usual, Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by Ngoziman    [ Reply ]
like this, but am hearing "beatles zebra crossing" from xymox.
Posted 17 years ago by jpm9678    [ Reply ]
Uncle_Fenester wrote:
Like Mark Knopfler channelling Tom Waits - not a bad thing at all!
Thought it was mark knopfler at first
Posted 17 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
Like Mark Knopfler channelling Tom Waits - not a bad thing at all!
Posted 17 years ago by Uncle_Fenester    [ Reply ]
This, following Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore" - anybody else getting imagery of howling wolves?
Posted 17 years ago by zambuki    [ Reply ]
dire straights with stan ridgeway fronting... very groovy.
Posted 17 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
this sounds like jjcale on some really good acid
Posted 17 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
Three absolutely fabulous songs, then this less than stellar fare. Shucks.
Posted 17 years ago by okobojicat    [ Reply ]
You never know what your gonna hear on this station. Rp pulls them all out on this hallowed night!
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Meh... it still hasn't grown on me. Time to move on.
Posted 17 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
next song please.
Posted 17 years ago by marmite32    [ Reply ]
its 11:00 am and rainig here. this is a great set. my coffee tastes great , my dogs are napping, this set fits my mood perfectly
Posted 17 years ago by chfLarry    [ Reply ]
govna wrote:
so what's the verdict already...mark knopfler?
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
so what's the verdict already...mark knopfler?
Posted 17 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
gonzafr wrote:
Very similar to Jim White... nice!
Yeah, I thought it was a Jim White duet with Mark Knopfler when I wasn't listening too hard. Even after paying attention, I still thought it was Jim White.
Posted 17 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
guitar_man_101 wrote:
I hear almost a mark knofler voice in there! Great tune though!
Though?
Posted 17 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
I get a dylan vibe from it, and I like it.
Posted 17 years ago by Augustus    [ Reply ]
hmmn disturbingly good
Posted 17 years ago by ndfan75    [ Reply ]
NewHorizons wrote:
Wow... Never saw so many different influences rolled into one song!
I go with Mark Knopfler
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of early Dylan.
Posted 17 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
gonzafr wrote:
Very similar to Jim White... nice!
Helchat wrote:
...this guy's voice sounds a bit like Chris Isaak to me...
phillips wrote:
i was going to say he sounds like a young bob dylan....
whereismatty wrote:
It has a Midnight Oil Sound to it
guitar_man_101 wrote:
I hear almost a mark knofler voice in there!
daveesh wrote:
kinda like tom waits without the nicotine
Wow... Never saw so many different influences rolled into one song!
Posted 17 years ago by NewHorizons    [ Reply ]
Bad CD cover - excellent song, I love it.
Posted 17 years ago by BigPete    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by denizenusa    [ Reply ]
kinda like tom waits without the nicotine
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
guitar_man_101 wrote:
I hear almost a mark knofler voice in there! Great tune though!
Voice and style.... very nice ...
Posted 17 years ago by throwback    [ Reply ]
I hear almost a mark knofler voice in there! Great tune though!
Posted 17 years ago by guitar_man_101    [ Reply ]
It has a Midnight Oil Sound to it
Posted 18 years ago by whereismatty    [ Reply ]
Yeah. I like it.
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
i was going to say he sounds like a young bob dylan. i like it! thanks for some new music, bill!
Posted 18 years ago by phillips    [ Reply ]
Well. It sounds like Giant Sand because it IS Giant Sand backing him up. Back to google.
Posted 18 years ago by outerspace    [ Reply ]
I have the volume turned down low due to another person in the office having extra-ordinary hearing...... this guy's voice sounds a bit like Chris Isaak to me.... maybe it's just because I can barely hear it.....
Posted 18 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
I am undecided.
Posted 18 years ago by honeygirl    [ Reply ]
Very similar to Jim White... nice!
Posted 18 years ago by gonzafr    [ Reply ]
Was he part of a band Giant Sand? They did a track on Vic Williams Sweet Relief disc that kicked ass and I can't find them anywhere.
Posted 18 years ago by outerspace    [ Reply ]
First time I've heard of this cat. He's alright....
Posted 18 years ago by nuggler    [ Reply ]
Never heard of him while he was alive. Quite a picker according to AMG. Que lastima.
Posted 18 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
It's not up, it's not down ... it's... Reminds me of that Bob Dylan, "I'm so sick of love..." :iamwith:
Posted 18 years ago by Scottawa    [ Reply ]
mensa menz :roll:
Posted 18 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
It's always a loss to us all when a talent loses the battle.
Posted 19 years ago by diane    [ Reply ]
I think I like this.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]