RUTH IS STRANGER THAN RICHARD

"Ruth is Stranger Than Richard" is the 3rd full-length studio album by UK experimental rock artist Robert Wyatt. The album was released through Virgin Records in May 1975. Having been paralyzed from the waist down due to a fall from a 3rd floor window Robert Wyatt partially wrote and arranged (he had written a great portion of the album before the accident) his deeply emotional and beautifully dark 2nd full-length studio album "Rock Bottom (1974)" during his recovery from the accident.

"Ruth is Stranger Than Richard" is divided in two parts. Side one of the original LP is titled side "Richard" and side two of the original LP is titled side "Ruth". The atmosphere is generally darker and more serious on the material featured on side "Richard" than the more jolly and at times a bit silly material featured on side "Ruth". The overall music style is not easy to describe though, but experimental rock with jazzy elements (lots of brass) might give you a clue. Robert Wyatt´s distinct sounding voice and very personal vocal style is probably an aquired taste, but he is greatly skilled.

The musicianship is excellent. In addition to Robert Wyatt´s considerable vocal talents he has guests like Brian Eno, Fred Frith, and John Greaves performing on the album. With personel like that on board you are sure to be treated to high quality performances.

The album features a well sounding production which suits the music perfectly. It´s detailed and organic. So "Ruth is Stranger Than Richard" is upon conclusion a quality release by Robert Wyatt. The inconsistency of the material makes it a slightly fragmented album, and taking into consideration the brilliant nature of it´s predecessor, it is slightly disappointing that "Ruth is Stranger Than Richard" doesn´t feature a better flow. Especially side "Ruth" features some material that doesn´t sound like it fits. On the other hand more adventurous listeners will probably appreciate the diversity of the material. So a a 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.