New Tom Robinson Album

Tango · In the Long Grass

New Tom Robinson Album

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Tango wrote:
Don't know if anyone else is a fan on here, but I was very pleasantly surprised to find Tom Robinson's recording a new album for the first time in 20 years.
I would've backed anyway (been missing his gigs for years, so hello Camden acoustic gig) but he's just released a bit of the rough mix of one of the songs he's got Martin Carthy and Billy Bragg in for, and it has to be said, with Gerry Diver producing, it sounds absolutely brilliant.
So now I'm plugging it a bit, 'cause I'm reassured that it's gonna be a good'n, it's already 88% funded and you never know, there might be some fellow fans who, like me, very nearly missed that this was happening: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/11024

I've heard the first couple of Tom Robinson albums and the 'greatest hits'. My personal favorite is Bully For You from back in the seventies. Funnily or not I was just thinking about Tom Robinson a few days ago. Last I knew of him he was a dj on late night Radio 1, I think, but that was a good few years back?

Also I just remembered I also had Hope and Glory from 1984, which contained a good cover of Steely Dan's Ricky Don't Loose That Number and Atmospherics(Listen To The Radio), a song about the wonder of 'spillover radio channels ' set in a mysterious world of spying and cold war intrigue-fantastic lyrics and it did get a lot of radio play back in the day, if I remember correctly.

TR did have a folk type album out in 2002 but it was a collaboration with Martyn Joseph and Steve Knightley, called Faith Folk and Anarchy.

Also it's good to hear that Marc Almond is back recording again. Almond is a fantastic song writer and lyricist.Was reading an interview with him in Mojo the other day too! Seems MA was going down the folk route lately too, his last album collaboration with John Harle was called The Tyburn Tree.

Wonder could we fund a new Rats album through crowdfunding? was a time when people actually bought records and wanted and expected new music, but that was in the dim and distant past. smile

Tango · In the Long Grass

noelindublin wrote:
I've heard the first couple of Tom Robinson albums and the 'greatest hits'. My personal favorite is Bully For You from back in the seventies. Funnily or not I was just thinking about Tom Robinson a few days ago. Last I knew of him he was a dj on late night Radio 1, I think, but that was a good few years back?
Also I just remembered I also had Hope and Glory from 1984, which contained a good cover of Steely Dan's Ricky Don't Loose That Number and Atmospherics(Listen To The Radio), a song about the wonder of 'spillover radio channels ' set in a mysterious world of spying and cold war intrigue-fantastic lyrics and it did get a lot of radio play back in the day, if I remember correctly.

I came to him via Having It Both Ways and Power In The Darkness originally, but have been listening Still Loving You a lot since the new album announcement, some really nice production on that album. He's a great lyricist and seems to have had a go at most genres, some more successfully than others, but he's got a really good ear for a tune.

He does late nights on Radio 6 now, including the "BBC Introducing" new artists stuff which seems to be most of his work, does lots of songwriting sessions and showcases, that kind of thing. He still performs a fair bit at the Castaway parties and the odd guest spot, so a few new songs have appeared over the years but besides the collaborations no proper recordings. First new album I've been properly looking forward to for years I think.

As for crowdfunding the Rats, you've got to work pretty consistently at engaging your fans, not just the diehards but the casual passers by, to really succeed on crowdfunding platforms, which the boys have never really done online, but anything is possible!

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Tango wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
I've heard the first couple of Tom Robinson albums and the 'greatest hits'. My personal favorite is Bully For You from back in the seventies. Funnily or not I was just thinking about Tom Robinson a few days ago. Last I knew of him he was a dj on late night Radio 1, I think, but that was a good few years back?
Also I just remembered I also had Hope and Glory from 1984, which contained a good cover of Steely Dan's Ricky Don't Loose That Number and Atmospherics(Listen To The Radio), a song about the wonder of 'spillover radio channels ' set in a mysterious world of spying and cold war intrigue-fantastic lyrics and it did get a lot of radio play back in the day, if I remember correctly.
I came to him via Having It Both Ways and Power In The Darkness originally, but have been listening Still Loving You a lot since the new album announcement, some really nice production on that album. He's a great lyricist and seems to have had a go at most genres, some more successfully than others, but he's got a really good ear for a tune.
He does late nights on Radio 6 now, including the "BBC Introducing" new artists stuff which seems to be most of his work, does lots of songwriting sessions and showcases, that kind of thing. He still performs a fair bit at the Castaway parties and the odd guest spot, so a few new songs have appeared over the years but besides the collaborations no proper recordings. First new album I've been properly looking forward to for years I think.
As for crowdfunding the Rats, you've got to work pretty consistently at engaging your fans, not just the diehards but the casual passers by, to really succeed on crowdfunding platforms, which the boys have never really done online, but anything is possible!

I'll download some TR and become reacquainted with his music. I did just check his discography and a lot of the latter albums I have yet to hear. There is just so much music to 'get through'. Music is like knowledge, the more you know the more you realize you don't know. Like the universe it's always expanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aaddWJtRoQ

BTW not sure if you have heard of Patrick Wolf- I've just been downloading some tracks form his brilliant Magic Positions album.Had this on cd a few years back and as usual gave the cd away, so am also reacquainting myself with that album.

I don't think the Rats really need to worry about crowdfunding seeing that his nibs is worth a bob or two, allegedly. Who knows, when they play near summertime they may have one or two new songs. We live in hope. smile

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Wonder could we fund a new Rats album through crowdfunding? was a time when people actually bought records and wanted and expected new music, but that was in the dim and distant past.

I would expect the multi millionaire to fund his own band's LP. Crikey, I bought The Ratsh!t EP along with the box set and the last couple of compilation CDs (the signed one ONLY signed by Geldof, what a swizz) not to mention two tickets for the Forum gig. one of which I sold for a fiver to a tout. I have funded enough!

As for Tom Robinson, I have TRB TWO still to listen to which I picked up for a quid at the Record & Tape Exchange. He ain't getting crowd funded either!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
I don't think the Rats really need to worry about crowdfunding seeing that his nibs is worth a bob or two, allegedly. Who knows, when they play near summertime they may have one or two new songs. We live in hope.

No new songs! Please. The old ones are fine. Maybe they could play Don't Believe What You Read, Blind Date or Dave and give us a treat, but no more new songs. I'm still not fully recovered from The Boomtown Rats!

Tango · In the Long Grass

noelindublin wrote:
Tango wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
I've heard the first couple of Tom Robinson albums and the 'greatest hits'. My personal favorite is Bully For You from back in the seventies. Funnily or not I was just thinking about Tom Robinson a few days ago. Last I knew of him he was a dj on late night Radio 1, I think, but that was a good few years back?
Also I just remembered I also had Hope and Glory from 1984, which contained a good cover of Steely Dan's Ricky Don't Loose That Number and Atmospherics(Listen To The Radio), a song about the wonder of 'spillover radio channels ' set in a mysterious world of spying and cold war intrigue-fantastic lyrics and it did get a lot of radio play back in the day, if I remember correctly.
I came to him via Having It Both Ways and Power In The Darkness originally, but have been listening Still Loving You a lot since the new album announcement, some really nice production on that album. He's a great lyricist and seems to have had a go at most genres, some more successfully than others, but he's got a really good ear for a tune.
He does late nights on Radio 6 now, including the "BBC Introducing" new artists stuff which seems to be most of his work, does lots of songwriting sessions and showcases, that kind of thing. He still performs a fair bit at the Castaway parties and the odd guest spot, so a few new songs have appeared over the years but besides the collaborations no proper recordings. First new album I've been properly looking forward to for years I think.
As for crowdfunding the Rats, you've got to work pretty consistently at engaging your fans, not just the diehards but the casual passers by, to really succeed on crowdfunding platforms, which the boys have never really done online, but anything is possible!
I'll download some TR and become reacquainted with his music. I did just check his discography and a lot of the latter albums I have yet to hear. There is just so much music to 'get through'. Music is like knowledge, the more you know the more you realize you don't know. Like the universe it's always expanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aaddWJtRoQ

BTW not sure if you have heard of Patrick Wolf- I've just been downloading some tracks form his brilliant Magic Positions album.Had this on cd a few years back and as usual gave the cd away, so am also reacquainting myself with that album.
I don't think the Rats really need to worry about crowdfunding seeing that his nibs is worth a bob or two, allegedly. Who knows, when they play near summertime they may have one or two new songs. We live in hope.

A lot of Tom's stuff is on his website for free these days, worth a look, all the albums a bit of a mixed bag but some amazing stuff in there.

And yes, love Patrick Wolf! Saw him a few years ago, enjoyed his first 4 albums but haven't really kept up, will have to check him out again, it's been a while

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
I don't think the Rats really need to worry about crowdfunding seeing that his nibs is worth a bob or two, allegedly. Who knows, when they play near summertime they may have one or two new songs. We live in hope.
No new songs! Please. The old ones are fine. Maybe they could play Don't Believe What You Read, Blind Date or Dave and give us a treat, but no more new songs. I'm still not fully recovered from The Boomtown Rats!

Must admit I quite like that one now! Obviously been brainwashed by hearing it so often ...

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
I don't think the Rats really need to worry about crowdfunding seeing that his nibs is worth a bob or two, allegedly. Who knows, when they play near summertime they may have one or two new songs. We live in hope.
No new songs! Please. The old ones are fine. Maybe they could play Don't Believe What You Read, Blind Date or Dave and give us a treat, but no more new songs. I'm still not fully recovered from The Boomtown Rats!

MY 'theory' is that by this summertime the Rats will be tired of the old songs and might add a few good new ones that might actually pleasantly surprise us. Geldof says he is 'always writing songs', so with the stars aligned correctly and all we may actually get a new album. Remember those songs on the ep were 'rushed' just to please the record company with the Iow/Greatet Hits etc

With a bit more thought and input from the others in the band who knows what might happen record wise?

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
... the Rats will be tired of the old songs ...

They (Simon & Garrick) have been playing them for six years, and the set hasn't changed that much. I can't imagine anything other than the hits set at the festivals. It's possible they might drag a couple of songs from the archives for an autumn tour but I don't expect nor really want new material.

Mark L · Loudmouth

More than happy if some more songs along the lines of Back to Boomtown emerge but the other 3 on Ratlife were markedly inferior to that track.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I'm open to new material, but also open to the fact that it might be disappointing.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
... the Rats will be tired of the old songs ...
They (Simon & Garrick) have been playing them for six years, and the set hasn't changed that much. I can't imagine anything other than the hits set at the festivals. It's possible they might drag a couple of songs from the archives for an autumn tour but I don't expect nor really want new material.

Call me naive or whatever but I always thought music was supposed to be a 'creative industry', rather than a safe haven for old fossils afraid of tarnishing their reputations. Geldof is contrary enough to upset lots of apple carts and it wouldn't surprise me if he did some new songs with the Rats. I mean, has he said he would stop recording and is going to retire? Answer there is a no.

His last solo album contained a hint of what he could do with the Rats. Somehow I don't think Geldof will be happy threading the stage at Rewind, just marking time for a third year. It's not really in his character. Yes I'd love new songs and a bit of 'fight' from the band. Those rushed songs on the ep do not do the Rats justice, but I believe Geldof is a skillful enough operator in that if he decides a new Rats album is on the cards will do a lot better in the songwriting stakes and might surprise a few of us.

Most of us regulars are open to the idea of new songs- and we all admit that they need to be a lot better than the Ratlife ep.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Friday 20th of March 2015 02:56:35 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Call me naive or whatever but I always thought music was supposed to be a 'creative industry', rather than a safe haven for old fossils afraid of tarnishing their reputations. Geldof is contrary enough to upset lots of apple carts and it wouldn't surprise me if he did some new songs with the Rats. I mean, has he said he would stop recording and is going to retire? Answer there is a no.
His last solo album contained a hint of what he could do with the Rats. Somehow I don't think Geldof will be happy threading the stage at Rewind, just marking time for a third year. It's not really in his character. Yes I'd love new songs and a bit of 'fight' from the band. Those rushed songs on the ep do not do the Rats justice, but I believe Geldof is a skilful enough operator in that if he decides a new Rats album is on the cards will do a lot better in the songwriting stakes and might surprise a few of us.
Most of us regulars are open to the idea of new songs- and we all admit that they need to be a lot better than the Ratlife ep.

I see no point to new songs from The Rats. I see no point to new songs from Pulp. I see no point to new songs from Happy Mondays, Oasis, Blur, Stone Roses, Suede, Rolling Stones, Ray Davies, Tom Robinson (who this thread was about!) etc. etc.

The reason being is that for me all of the above are heritage acts whose best work was done many years ago and none have anything to write about nor sing about that would engage me. I would love it if a band made a comeback and were as good as they were but none of the bands I love have ever done it. I can't think of any band after a reformation that actually improved. Normally the results are so disappointing that I really wish they didn't bother. I would be happier if Geldof released more solo songs as I am ambivalent as far as that is concerned.

If I want to listen to new songs then I can find plenty of stuff from numerous acts that are more relevant and current. Of course to contradict myself my most recent purchases of new material are the Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn albums....

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
Call me naive or whatever but I always thought music was supposed to be a 'creative industry', rather than a safe haven for old fossils afraid of tarnishing their reputations. Geldof is contrary enough to upset lots of apple carts and it wouldn't surprise me if he did some new songs with the Rats. I mean, has he said he would stop recording and is going to retire? Answer there is a no.
His last solo album contained a hint of what he could do with the Rats. Somehow I don't think Geldof will be happy threading the stage at Rewind, just marking time for a third year. It's not really in his character. Yes I'd love new songs and a bit of 'fight' from the band. Those rushed songs on the ep do not do the Rats justice, but I believe Geldof is a skilful enough operator in that if he decides a new Rats album is on the cards will do a lot better in the songwriting stakes and might surprise a few of us.
Most of us regulars are open to the idea of new songs- and we all admit that they need to be a lot better than the Ratlife ep.
I see no point to new songs from The Rats. I see no point to new songs from Pulp. I see no point to new songs from Happy Mondays, Oasis, Blur, Stone Roses, Suede, Rolling Stones, Ray Davies, Tom Robinson (who this thread was about!) etc. etc.
The reason being is that for me all of the above are heritage acts whose best work was done many years ago and none have anything to write about nor sing about that would engage me. I would love it if a band made a comeback and were as good as they were but none of the bands I love have ever done it. I can't think of any band after a reformation that actually improved. Normally the results are so disappointing that I really wish they didn't bother. I would be happier if Geldof released more solo songs as I am ambivalent as far as that is concerned.
If I want to listen to new songs then I can find plenty of stuff from numerous acts that are more relevant and current. Of course to contradict myself my most recent purchases of new material are the Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn albums....

Lets wait and see then. Btw I would put money on a new Rats album in the next few years ahead of Arsenal winning the Premier League or Champions League. smile

The thing about the Rats is the haven't recorded since they broke up (excepting the EP) so I am not willing to except defeat yet.I love the Rats that's why I would like new songs from them. I could argue that their music would be more relevant to me, than say, some new band in their early twenties. Wisdom, life experience etc

Ps dig out your Tom Robinson album and listen to it. smile

-- Edited by noelindublin on Monday 23rd of March 2015 02:03:36 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Lets wait and see then. Btw I would put money on a new Rats album in the next few years ahead of Arsenal winning the Premier League or Champions League.
The thing about the Rats is the haven't recorded since they broke up (excepting the EP) so I am not willing to except defeat yet.I love the Rats that's why I would like new songs from them. I could argue that their music would be more relevant to me, than say, some new band in their early twenties. Wisdom, life experience etc
Ps dig out your Tom Robinson album and listen to it.

A Rats album is likely. Whether it is any good or not is the question. I would say there is more chance of Arsenal winning the league than a good Rats LP. No chance of Champions League. That boat has sailed.

The Rats haven't recorded as a collective, but the various efforts of all since In The Long Grass doesn't inspire. Personally I could compile an album's worth of good material from everything Geldof, Cott, Crowe, Fingers and Briquette have released in the last thirty years. But managing to match that in one go. Mmmm.

I will listen to TRB TWO when I get the chance, lots of LPs building up at the moment and no time to listen to them.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

I did like War baby back in 83. The words meant so much to me back then. And growing up in the North of Ireland this song just hit the right spot

Tango · In the Long Grass

War Baby such a good track. "Only the very young and the very beautiful can be so aloof" still one of my favourite opening lines of a song.

Just been at a Guardian event where both Tom and Alexis Petridis singled out Royal Blood as a brilliant band that are smashing through despite all the industry shifts, so after all ArrGee's repeated mentions maybe I'll finally get round to checking them out...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Tango wrote:

Just been at a Guardian event where both Tom and Alexis Petridis singled out Royal Blood as a brilliant band that are smashing through despite all the industry shifts, so after all ArrGee's repeated mentions maybe I'll finally get round to checking them out...

Didn't realise I mentioned them that much, but they are absolutely brilliant. Saviours of rock music.

Tango · In the Long Grass

Well there've been a few mentions on here but remember you singing their praises, probably at the (Gerry)Cott arms!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Tango wrote:
Well there've been a few mentions on here but remember you singing their praises, probably at the (Gerry)Cott arms!

If you get the opportunity go and see Royal Blood live. Sets aren't long and tickets are cheap, £20 each for the two dates I went to. Probably need to be on mailing list to get pre sale links.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
Tango wrote:

Just been at a Guardian event where both Tom and Alexis Petridis singled out Royal Blood as a brilliant band that are smashing through despite all the industry shifts, so after all ArrGee's repeated mentions maybe I'll finally get round to checking them out...
Didn't realise I mentioned them that much, but they are absolutely brilliant. Saviours of rock music.

Pitchfork only gives their debut lp 5.6 of of 10, and then gives the band (with only two members) a good telling off. Pitchfork normally gets things fairly right but I suppose I will have to give 'em a listen and then decide. I would consider myself a general 'music cynic', years of being told about the latest, greatest band in the world only to be sorely disappointed.

Watching them of Jools Holland they strick me as quite 'American', with that facial hair, and guy doing the 'industrial' drumming. Not really my cup of tea. I'll stick with Carter USM as the best duo in British music. Just realized how quick I can be to make up my mind, and how a band looks as an influencing factor.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Friday 27th of March 2015 02:49:47 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Pitchfork only gives their debut lp 5.6 of of 10, and then gives the band (with only two members) a good telling off. Pitchfork normally gets things fairly right but I suppose I will have to give 'em a listen and then decide. I would consider myself a general 'music cynic', years of being told about the latest, greatest band in the world only to be sorely disappointed.
Watching them of Jools Holland they strick me as quite 'American', with that facial hair, and guy doing the 'industrial' drumming. Not really my cup of tea. I'll stick with Carter USM as the best duo in British music. Just realized how quick I can be to make up my mind, and how a band looks as an influencing factor.

Had Pitchfork being around in the sixties they would have criticised The Stones in the same way. Still they did give Franz Ferdinand 9.1, for their debut, so they ain't all bad.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

ArrGee wrote:
As for Tom Robinson, I have TRB TWO still to listen to which I picked up for a quid at the Record & Tape Exchange. He ain't getting crowd funded either!

I got Power In The Darkness for a couple of quid last night with the original stencil inside at our local Oxfam vinyl night. Sadly no 7" Like Clockwork there for my clock.

$_57.JPG

Tango · In the Long Grass

Finding one with the stencil is quite the find, I'd be spraying the logo on everything!

Gratuitous photo of me and Tom at his album backers get together a few weeks ago. Played only requests during the couple of sets over the course of the afternoon (almost avoiding 2468 entirely), a good reminder of how many great songs are in his back catalogue,. If being a good hugger and a nice bloke sold records he'd be sorted, but he still writes a mean tune and his voice has aged really well, so hope the album does well. Based on some of the rough cuts it deserves to, Gerry Diver's production is beautiful.

-- Edited by Tango on Friday 19th of June 2015 08:56:42 PM