Record Reviews

ROBERT WYATT ~ COMICOPERA DOMINO 202 (Barcode: 5034202020226) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 9th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which is yet another triumph in his outstanding career over the years, presenting an imaginary three-parts opera abut life and its unexpected aspects, craziness, absurd, love and so on. Supported by an incredible team of musicians from all over the world (UK, Brazil, Norway, Cuba, Colombia, Spain and Israel – bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gilad AtzmonFind albums by this artist) Wyatt creates a continuous stream of relatively short tunes, many richly orchestrated, which is quite different from most of his previous works, which have been mostly intimate in their sound scope. The music is mostly composed by Wyatt, with a couple of tunes by Brian EnoFind albums by this artist and two folk songs used as well. Wyatt and his wife Alfreda BengeFind albums by this artist are responsible for most of the great lyrics, but a Garcia LorcaFind albums by this artist poem is also used, which exemplifies Wyatt´s deep love and appreciation of the Spanish and Ibero-American culture. The music, still very much typical Wyatt, has also another dimension to it at times, being more closely related to contemporary Classical, probably due to the orchestral arrangements. Overall it´s a complex work, which requires several listening sessions to truly appreciate it and is definitely some of the best music recorded lately in complete contrast to the surrounding overwhelming shallow output created nowadays. Brilliant stuff!

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ROBERT WYATT ~ DONDESTAN (REVISITED) DOMINO 44 (Barcode: 5034202204428) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1991 - 1998 Released: 2008 6th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which has a rather convoluted history: the album was recorded in 1991 (making it in fact Wyatt´s 5th album) and released at the time, but seven years later Wyatt remixed the album completely from the original tapes, following his disappointment with the original (haphazard) mix, which became sort of obsolete – hence the "revisited" in the title. Musically the album starts an uninterrupted streak of brilliant works, continued to this very day, with Wyatt finally finding a perfect balance between his extraordinary musical approach and political agenda. Wonderfully supported by his wife´s (Alfreda BengeFind albums by this artist) poetry used in addition to his own more politically oriented lyrics, balancing the radicalism, and musically supported by extraordinary musicians like former Soft MachineFind albums by this artist bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist, who also contributes one composition. Wyatt aims straight to the listener´s heart here, no prisoner taken. Lyrical at times, bitter and angry at others, he is always himself, delivering those heartbreaking vocals the way only he can do. His musical ideas never cease to amaze and overall this is a minor masterpiece, which definitely deserves repeated listening.

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ROBERT WYATT ~ SHLEEP DOMINO 45 (Barcode: 5034202204428) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1996 - 1997 Released: 2008 7th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which follows up the previous release in the path of returning to more conventional music making and musical cooperation with other musicians, mostly from the Avant-Garde and jazz circles, like guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paul WellerFind albums by this artist and others. Also the co-writing partnership with his wife Alfreda BengeFind albums by this artist, who contributes her poetic lyrics to Wyatt´s songs, seems to thrive, creating less radical political statements and more abstract vistas. The music is again (as in the early days of his career) a mixture of Jazz and Prog, which is something Wyatt´s fans are most comfortable with. Much more melodic, even if still melancholic at times, this is Wyatt´s greatest musical work in his second life – music phase. The six years his fans had to wait for this album were definitely worth waiting for, with a gentler (although still strongly outspoken) Wyatt delivering what he does best – personal, straight form the heart musical gems. A triumphant return to splendid form and a minor masterpiece!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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