VOLUME TWO

With Kevin Ayers leaving and Hugh Hopper coming in it seems like the band has switched over to a more experimental and psychedelic sound. It gives us an idea of the direction the band probably would have headed if Daevid Allen had been able to get his visa and stay with them in the first place.This record is really made up of two side long suites even though there are 17 songs on it.

The first suite is titled "Rivmic Melodies" and the first notable track is called "Hibou,Anemone And Bear" the longest song on the album. This is such a good tune with piano, fuzz organ and fuzz bass. Just a great sound. Vocals before 3 minutes as the melody stops. The next highlight for me is "Dada Was Here" that features Spanish vocals. Wyatt spent two summers on a Spanish island at a friend of his parents house, who happened to be a poet / novelist. "Have You Ever Bean Green ?" is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and his band who they opened for in the USA. "Out Of Tunes" is the final song on the first suite. It gets chaotic and features the only flute on the album.

The second suite is called "Esther's Nose Job". "Dedicated To You But You Weren't Listening" is a lighter, acoustic song that Wyatt would later use (changed somewhat, including the title) on his MATCHING MOLE debut record. The vocals are reserved. "Fire Engine Passing With Bells Clanging" has no real melody and is experimental. "Pig" has some fantastic drumming on it. This is a jazzy song. "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom" has some more amazing drumming. Vocals 2 1/2 minutes in.This is such a good way to end the album.

An interesting second album to say the least and one of my favourites from the band. An improvement over the debut in my opinion as well.