SHLEEP

Robert Wyatt is very thankful in the liner notes towards Phil Manzanera for his generosity. This was recorded at Manzanera's studio and Wyatt is thankful he could relax and not have one eye on the clock the whole time. Robert gets lots of help on this album from Manzanera, Eno and many others. Compared to the last several records he put out, this one is more upbeat and less political. Check out the picture of Wyatt smiling. Priceless. It's more personal with some observational tracks that were written with his wife Alfie that remind me lyrically of the "Dondestan" album.

"Heaps Of Sheeps" sounds so unlike Wyatt.This is an upbeat pop song really. It's pretty much impossible for me not to like it though. Eno sings on the chorus and provides the synth work. "The Duchess" is one of my all time favourite Wyatt tracks. The lyrics are hilarious ! I love the avant gard elements throughout as well. This has to be heard to be believed, Robert even plays the fiddle. Best song on the album. "Maryan" opens with gentle guitar and trumpet(Wyatt). Vocals and piano a minute in. Violin before 2 1/2 minutes,and after 5 minutes. Beautiful tune. "Was A Friend" was co-written by non other then Hugh Hopper. It opens with a sample of "The music of Robert Wyatt by an astute Austrian band" before almost spoken words come in with piano and drums.Trumpet after 1 1/2 minutes. More trumpet after 4 minutes as the song gets intense to the end. Great track.

"Free Will And Testament" is a very laid back, vocal dominated song. "September The Ninth" is jazzy with sax, trombone, piano and light drums. No vocals until after 4 minutes. "Alien" features mesmerizing vocals from Robert with lots of percussion and some guitar from Manzanera 2 1/2 minutes in. "Out Of Season" is led by trombone, trumpet and piano. Vocals a minute in. "A Sunday In Madrid" features vocals that are almost spoken with a good melody. I really like this one. "Blues In Bob Minor" is uptempo with fast paced vocals. Some good guitar too. Very catchy. "The Whole Point Of No Return" is very cool sounding with the trumpet melodies along with these deep vocal melodies from a 4 member choir.

Another winner from Wyatt. I haven't been disappointed with any of his recordings so far. He's a treasure.