Curated by Robert Wyatt, this is his second compilation of what he feels is his best work on the disc. The first volume was recordings under his own name, but here it is totally devoted to his collaborations with other artists. Basically, he served on their recordings as a vocalist or even just a backup singer. The thing is when Wyatt opens his mouth and he sings, he pretty much owns that tune. It's not that he has the greatest voice on this planet, but as a vocalist, he's a unique presence, and in a manner, he reminds me of Chet Baker. Not that their voices are similar, but both are musicians who also sing.
Of the seventeen songs here, I only know three songs. They are Phil Manzanera's "Frontera," Nick Mason's "Siam," and one song under his name, but written by Elvis Costello and Clive Langer, "Shipbuilding." Beyond that, all the artists are basically unknown (except for Bjork, Hot Chip, and Epic Soundtracks - artists that I have heard of, but really don't know their music.) Wyatt I think is moving out of his comfort zone, and that makes him an artist of importance. He is an excellent collaborator. I can't say I love every track, but all of them are at the very least interesting. Special notice to his recording of John Cage's "Experiences No. 2" which was an early Obscure Records release.
No comments:
Post a Comment