Eight Frames a Second

Eight Frames a Second is the debut album by British folk musician Ralph McTell. Released in the UK in 1968, it is notable for being the first record produced by Gus Dudgeon, and the first arranged by Tony Visconti. Unusually for a new artist, the front of the album sleeve contained no reference to either McTell or the album title. The entire album cost £350 in total.

Track listing

All songs composed by Ralph McTell, except where noted.
;Side one

"Nanna's Song" – 3:05
"The Mermaid and the Seagull" – 4:05
"Hesitation Blues" – 2:43
"Are You Receiving Me?" – 3:37
"Morning Dew" – 3:10
"Sleepytime Blues" – 3:50

;Side two

"Eight Frames a Second" – 3:20
"Willoughby's Farm" – 2:00
"Louise" – 3:45
"Blind Blake's Rag" – 1:55
"I'm Sorry – I Must Leave" – 2:15
"Too Tight Drag" – 2:29
"Granny Takes a Trip" – 2:40

Personnel

Ralph McTell – guitar, vocals
Mac McGann – double-neck guitar
Mick "Henry VIII" Bartlett – jug
"Whispering Mick" Bennett – washboard
Bob Strawbridge – mandolin
Tony Visconti – arrangements and musical direction

;Technical

Bobby Davidson – cover photography
Nickolas Venet – coordinator

Awards and accolades

Ralph McTell was presented with a Gold Disc of Eight Frames a Second during his 60th birthday concert at the Royal Festival Hall in November 2004.

Release history

Many of the tracks on this album also feature on the Spiral Staircase - Classic Songs compilation.

Track variations

The LP released in South Africa in 1975 omits "Nanna's Song", "The Mermaid and the Seagull" and "Hesitation Blues", that are included on Record 1 of the 2-LP set.
The UK 2007 CD release includes four bonus tracks:

From the original album recording sessions

Live concert recording from 1967

'' Demo recording with Rick Wakeman.''