Richard Thompson – “Wall Of Death”

This is truly a taste of Something Fine from Richard Thompson.  “Wall of Death” can be found on the album Shoot Out The Lights which was released in 1982.

Recorded by Richard and his wife, Linda Thompson, “Wall of Death” was by far my favorite song on the album and had special meaning to me.  As a young army lieutenant serving in the 82d Airborne Division from 1983 -1985, this was my favorite tune to listen to prior to a parachute jump.  It fully captured the excitement and thrill that can only be found in taking a little risk.

Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
You can waste your time on the other rides
This is the nearest to being alive
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death

Columbia Is First Space Shuttle To Launch

SPACE-SHUTTLE/

Commander John Young, left, and pilot Robert Crippen pose with a model of the shuttle Columbia

April 12, 1981 – The space shuttle Columbia is launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming the first reusable manned spacecraft to travel into space. Piloted by astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen, the Columbia undertook a 54-hour space flight of 36 orbits before successfully touching down at California’s Edwards Air Force Base on April 14.