Robert Wyatt Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard on LP + CD
Part One of the Rober Wyatt Vinyl Re-issue Series
It’s far too easy to abuse the phrase “living legend,” but when used to describe Robert Wyatt,you’re in no danger of hyperbole: gifted songwriter; politicalactivist; drummer in the Canterbury jazz/prog pioneers Soft Machine andcontemporaries of the original lineup of Pink Floyd; collaborator withthe likes of Brian Eno, David Gilmour, Phil Manzanera, Fred Frith, PaulWeller, Scritti Politti, Elvis Costello and his beloved wife AlfredaBenge, to name but a few.
Perhaps his greatest gift though is hisvoice, a reedy instrument of great warmth and emotion; one need onlyhear his interpretation of the classic “Shipbuilding” (a song that was written for him by Costello and producer Clive Langer) and you shall be smitten for life. Dominois incredibly honored to be releasing a near-complete re-issue seriesof Robert’s solo recorded works in the form of these LP+CD versions.
Highlighting Wyatt’s interests in township arrangements and ensemble playing, made explicit by calling a track “Team Spirit,” Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard inverts the inward meditations of his previous album, Rock Bottom, outwards. The result is a set that startles with its rhythmic instinct and shape shifting composition. Drawing on both Wyatt’s breezy way with a time signature, and his ability to use his voice as a truly resonant instrument, the record contains not so much songs as abstract chamber pieces that bathe and unfurl in a warmth and stillness of their own.
Robert Wyatt Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard Track Listing1. Muddy Mouse (a) 2. Solar Flares 3. Muddy Mouse (b) 4. 5 Black Notes and 1 White Note 5. Muddy Mouse (c)6. Soup Song7. Sonia 8. Team Spirit 9. Song for Che
