THE NIGHTOWL SINGS - ALL IS QUIET NOW

TOR47. Released January 2015.

01. Dead Roses
02. Come See the Sea With Me
03. Judy in the Water
04. He Smiles at Cowboys
05. Take Flight
06. Queenie
07. Black Sun, Bloody Moon
08. Take Care of What You Have

Unusually, this Nightowl Sings release has really taken it's time to come together. Not to say it's been slow; it's relaxed pace is partially responsible for it's quality. Marc has been very generous to Alastair and I with this. Although most of the songs were pretty defined in terms of structure, I was allowed free reign with guitar overdubs, as was Alastair with additional instrumentation and post production.

'Dead Roses' is a nice slice of alt. country, it's no surprise that this is The Dead West; Dave adding acoustic guitar and backing vocals.

'Come See the Sea With Me' is a solo piece. A copy of H.M.S. Donovan has been warped by the sun, results: outsider music with melodica.

'Judy in the Water' is Fender and tremelo arm racket and I believe a Melody Maker single of the week in 1992.

'He Smiles at Cowboys' is a love song to a hotel in New York, given a lush direction by Alastair.

'Take Flight' is probably my fondest memory of these sessions. Sarah and I turned up at Marc's without any real plan for the day, We spent that quiet rainy afternoon recording an essentially live take of this third album Velvets 9 minute space folk lilt. Gorgeous.

'Queenie' is the second song here to be recorded solo. Acoustic guitar and vocal, mournful melodies and something sinister.

'Black Sun, Bloody Moon' also exemplifies these sessions. Before any playing or recording was done, the usual hour of chit chat, coffee and smokes might of stretched into two. The relaxed atmosphere went on into the afternoon, allowing us to jam out this tune. Later, it was edited into shape in post production, Alastair making sure the Stooges meets Can influence actually works. Everyone has a hand in this and it's nine minute length disappears into primitive acid rock.

'Take Care of What You Have' was recorded solo with electric guitar and vocal and then handed over to me and Al to do what we wished. I was instructed not to use any instruments. I spent the evening listening to the song over and over, wondering what to do. It started to rain, so I positioned a microphone outside, played the song at a high volume to overdub itself alongside the natural environment. I done the same again through spinning headphones, then dubbed onto a cassette and back. I also couldn't resist throwing in a Rallizes Denudes/I Heard Her Call My Name guitar solo. It was then handed to Alastair who came back with four different mixes, each with a different feel and instrumentation aspect. Knocked into shape by the three of us, a fitting closer, Third/Sister Lovers style.

Enjoy.

- Stephen.