Recordings:2001 (part
1) Note: The list is in
ascending order
131.
Why Don't You Say Somthing?
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, bass, bongos, percussion, drums, lead guitar,
organ Recorded: 31st March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On:
"Secret"
Continuing the
experimentation with loops, finally this great song is
recorded, almost two years after it was first demoed.
Stylistically different from anything Lotus have recorded
before, this song could be described as an acoustic dance
song, as it features a 4/4 beat similar to
techno. However, the track is intended to
more like a 60's 'Woodstock' jam session than a 90's
dance track. At 8 minutes, this song is a new departure for
Lotus, and has a bass solo! Written in
1999.
130. Let's Go To Planet Earth (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, bongos,
percussion Recorded: 30th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "If I Could Fly"
/ B-side
A new style and a new technique -
loops. This song is a funky, laid back track which makes full
use of loop effects. The main guitar part was looped and
the bassline, bongos, and percussion were looped over.
A Santana-style lead guitar was added, making for a fun song.
Written in 2001.
129. Sand (Crosbie)
Crosbie:
Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums, lead
guitar Recorded: 27th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Just Another
Universe"
Continuing in
the folky style of recent recordings, this is an excellent
track. The arrangement is interesting because rather than
the ensemble instruments beginning simultaneously at the
start of the song, each is dropped in at different points
throughout. This leads to an exciting build up to the
plucked guitar solo at the coda. Lyrically, it builds on the
'honest' style of the "Ballet Dancer" era, and the vocal
itself is sung in a mid-range register. Written 2001.
128. Everything But The Sun
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars Recorded: 24th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Just Another
Universe"
Once again influenced by Mark Kozelek's
recent solo albums, this new song is a bouncy folk number.
Like "Bon Voyage" it features detuned guitars and no other
instruments. Written
2001.
127. Bon Voyage
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars,
lead guitar Recorded: 24th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Just Another
Universe"
An interesting
new song, featuring just acoustic guitars. Written using an
unorthodox guitar tuning (like "Let Your Love Belong To
You"), the song has many intricate passages and the vocal is
uncomplicated to allow for an uncluttered arrangement. Even
though there are no drums or bass, this is a powerful track.
Written 2001.
126. Photograph
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, bass, drums, organ, lead guitar, harmony
vocals. Recorded: 19th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On:
"Faithful In Your
Heart"
The
polar opposite of "If I Could Fly", "Photograph" is slow,
long, and very much inspired by Red House Painters. Similar
in style to "Painted In The Sky" and "Glass" (although
written a good 5 years previously), this is one of the best
examples of this style of song. Starting softly and slowly,
the song builds up to a crashing finale; and clocking in at
over 8 minutes, is one of the longest Lotus tracks.
Incorporated into "Photograph" is the 80's guitar sound
explored on "Olympic"; it work as a contrast to the
otherwise acoustic sound. Vocally interesting, the second
verse is half-spoken allowing lyrical freedom and pure
emotion to come through. Impressive and brilliant. Written
in 1995.
125. If
I Could Fly (Crosbie)
Crosbie:
Vocal, electric guitars, bass, drums, organ,
lead guitar Recorded: 17th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On:
"Just Another
Universe"
"If
I Could Fly" is an electrified-country strum, similar in
style to "Not For Me", but with a more distorted sound. Its
apparant simplicity belies what was a complicated recording;
getting all the elements right and finding a good vocal to
match the overall sound was no easy task. Persistance paid
off, and although the vocal track could have been better,
the song is an enjoyable romp. Written
2001.
124. Nothing More I Can Do
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, bass, drums, electric piano,
bongos Recorded: 14th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On:
"Radiate"
The third
straight "Radiate" song in a row to be recorded, bringing
this album closer to completion (only four songs now
remain unrecorded). For this song, Robert plays some elegant
electric piano over a simple plucked guitar, and this tender
ballad takes shape around these two elements. The addition
of bongos and drums for the stirring finale is inspired.
Written in 1999.
123. Not For Me
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, bass, drums, organ, acoustic lead
guitar Recorded: 13th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On:
"Radiate"
"Not
For Me" is a folky number, similar in style to the Waterboys
(although without the Irish instruments). Well performed,
and with a good built up in the last chorus, this is a
strong "Radiate" track. Written in
1999.
122. Will I See You Again?
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, electric guitar, bass,
drums, organ, acoustic lead guitar Recorded: 10th March
2001, Binn Eadair View Studio Produced By: Robert
Crosbie Appears On:
"Radiate"
Certainly faster
and more energetic than the
recent crop of recordings, this song is an album
filler at best. The performance is good but this is
fairly basic 'rock' Lotus. Written in
1999.
121. Olympic
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Acoustic
guitars, lead guitar, bass, drums Recorded: 10th March 2001,
Binn Eadair View Studio Produced By: Robert
Crosbie Appears On: unreleased
An
instumental track with quite an interesting sound. It
features similar guitar effects to both "In The Night" and
"Warm", and overall sounds quite 80's! Written in 2001.
120. Glass
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars,
electric guitars, bass, drums Recorded: 7th March 2001,
Binn Eadair View Studio Produced By: Robert
Crosbie Appears On: "Just Another Universe"
After
the relatively commercial sounding recent songs comes
this: another homage to Red House
Painters. Similar in structure to "Painted In The Sky",
this brand new song begins with arpeggio guitar, and the
main vocal line is melodically cautious, Robert singing in a
deep, rich tone. After a decent build up the song explodes
into an unusual 3/4 time waltz, with raucous electric
guitar and crashing cymbals. A very good track, it
should feature on "Just Another Universe". Written in
2001.
120. Here To
Stay / Won't Go Away (Crosbie)
Crosbie:
Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass,
drums Recorded: 7th March 2001, Binn Eadair View
Studio Produced By: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Above All" /
B-side
One
of the oldest Lotus songs, "Here To Stay / Won't Go Away"
(the unusual title referring to the two separate phrases
used in the song, and Robert's uncertainty of which to use)
was written in the the early 90's, when Lotus were Waterfall
(other titles from this era include "Magpie", "Crown", and
"Lavender". It is doubtful these songs will ever be
recorded). Robert has always played this song throughout the
years; in fact at one stage it was in the running order for
"Ballet Dancer". It is no longer an album track but remains
a precisely executed, dreamy song with amusing lyrics.
Written in 1992.
119. Hot Coals
(Rymes)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars,
bass, drums, electric guitar, harmony vocals Recorded:
3rd March 2001, Binn Eadiar View
Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Lions" /
B-side
Another track for the proposed covers album, this
is one of the best Lotus covers to date. Robert first heard
The Lonesome Strangers' "Walkin' On Hot Coals" performed by
Evan Dando in the movie "Heavy". For this version, Robert
develops Dando's arrangement and adds some harmonies and
guitar parts to make the song his own. The vocal here is one
of the best examples of the low singing register; and the
warm, easy going nature of the arrangement suits the song's
mood. Written in n/a.
118. Lions
(remake) (Crosbie)
Crosbie:
Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, organ Recorded:
27th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio Produced by:
Robert Crosbie Appears On: "Painted In The
Sky"
"Lions" was originally recorded in November 1999, but
that version suffered from a tinny production sound with very
little bass end. Additionally, the song showed potential that
was not fully realised. For these reasons, Robert
set about re-recording this song, the first instance of a
remake of one of his own productions (the original versions
of remade songs were recorded in other studios).
This version stretches out the track to four minutes, and is
a much funkier affair. The backing track still features guitar,
but the rhythm comes from the rich organ-driven backing in
tandem with the funky bass. The vocal is sung in the low
register Robert has now perfected, which gives the song a
much needed air of cool. Written in 1998.
117.
She's So Beautiful (Crosbie)
Crosbie:
Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric guitar, lead
guitar, electric piano Recorded: 24th February 2001,
Binn Eadiar View Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"
One of the
most focused and fully realised songs of recent times,
"She's So Beautiful" is a return to the confident style of
"Beautiful Day" and "This Morning". A melodic tune written
in D major, this song contains some of Robert's most
affectionate lyrics. The unexpected change to the minor key
for the middle 8 guitar solo (originally written as a
separate song) is powerful, and the song's coda is also
based on this chord sequence. A gorgeous vocal tops a great
performance. In all, this is classic Lotus and a contender
for top 5 Lotus songs ever! Written in 2001.
116. I Will Miss You
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars
Recorded: 20th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio
Produced by: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "She's
Gonna Go Away" / B-Side
Again from the "Ballet Dancer" era,
this song takes its cue from the Beatles' "Julia", with its
similar fingerpicking style. One of the saddest Lotus songs,
the track features some impressive guitar playing and the
yearning vocal is full of the melancholy found on most songs
from this era. Written in 1993.
115. Let Him Go (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass,
drums Recorded: 19th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View
Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie Appears On: "What I Have To Do" /
B-Side
A very basic song from the
"Ballet Dancer" era. This track is odd as it has no discernible chorus
or refrain; but it does contain some nice changes and
interesting musical ideas. Written in 1993.
114. Another Day For Stories (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass,
drums Recorded: 18th February 2001, Binn
Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie
Appears on: "Where Was My Goodbye?" / B-Side
This
pretty ballad is quite old, and was written at the piano by
Robert during his productive summer of 1995. However, on
this version no piano is to be heard. This version was
probably intended just to be a run through but actually
turned out rather well. The vocal is very good, and the
guitar line throughout (originally the main piano line) acts
as a nice counterpoint to the main melody. Written in
1995.
113. Wicked Game
(Isaak)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass,
drums, harmony vocals Recorded: 17th February 2001,
Binn Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Sorry When You're Gone" /
B-side
Finally, a recording of this
great cover version, which was played by Lotus during the
late 1998 gigs. Totally transforming the track with a
rocking backing section, this is a wonderfully executed
version, and is very close to the 'original'
Lotus cover. This song should appear on the rumoured
covers album. Written in
n/a.
112. A Year From Now (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass,
drums Recorded: 12th February 2001, Binn
Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Just Another Universe"
A new, moody
piece, using similar effects as "In The Night". The song
stops and starts and builds up some tension with impressive
ease. Excellent drumming punctuates the track. It is a perfect song to
end an album; indeed, it is the final track on "Just
Another Universe". Written in 2001.
111. Always Be Here (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums,
electric guitar, harmony vocal Recorded: 11th
February 2001, Binn Eadair View studio Produced by:
Robert Crosbie Appears
on: "Faithful In Your Heart"
This song
is quite old, and opens the second half of "Faithful In Your
Heart". A nice, flowing song, it features a beat not
normally found on Lotus recordings. All in all this song
has a very warm ambience, a sound helped by Robert's new
bass guitar - the bass line here is very bubbly and
original. Written in 1996.
110. Fall Into My Open
Arms (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, knee-slap,
percussion, organ Recorded: 11th February 2001,
Binn Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Just Another Universe"
A folky throwaway number, but
good enough to be an album track. A very nice vocal on this
track, and interesting "knee slap" percussion! Written in
1999.
109. You'd Only Be Wasting My Time
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass,
drums, electric guitar, lead guitar, backing vocals, percussion
Recorded: 8th February 2001, Binn Eadair View
studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears on: unreleased
After the more reflective nature of recent songs,
here Robert bounces back with another catchy A-Side. A song
rooted in 70's rock, this is harmless fun, but is well
performed and features some nice interplay between the
guitars and bass. Written in
2001.
108. Trees River Mountains & Boats (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Acoustic guitars, bass Recorded: 6th February
2001, Binn Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Don't Be A
Stranger" / B-Side
Another beautiful
instrumental, similar to "Natural E". Featuring intricate
finger picking, with some delicately played acoustic guitar.
Written in 2001.
107. Never Been Like
This Before (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal,
electric guitar, bass, drums, lead guitar, acoustic
guitar. Recorded: 4th February 2001, Binn
Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Ballet Dancer"
The third version of
this song to be recorded, and the best. This is the version
that finally fully completes the "Ballet Dancer" album,
an album full of melancholy and sadness - but full of
beautiful music and some of the most original moments in the
Lotus repetoire. Written in 1994.
106. Outside Your Garden (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal,
acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Spanish
guitar. Recorded: 3rd February 2001, Binn
Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears
on: "Never Been Like
This Before" / B-Side
Another song from
the "Ballet Dancer" era, this is a song Robert never thought
too highly of. However, as before the song was
transformed into a musical 'tour de force' in the studio. A
new coda was written, and the sparse instrumentation and
repeated progressions hint at Red House Painters. The
Spanish guitar solo adds an exotic flourish. Written in
1993.
105. Too Stupid For You
(Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal,
electric guitar,
bass, drums, percussion. Recorded: 3rd
February 2001, Binn Eadair View studio Produced by:
Robert Crosbie Appears
on: "Never Been Like
This Before" / B-Side
Pounding drums, blistering guitar, and a screamed
vocal - definitely the hardest rocking song to date! Written
in the "Ballet Dancer" era, this song is similar to
"Mindless (Over You"), and sounds more like a live
performance than a studio recording. The energy level here
is surprising, given the mellow nature of recent recordings;
but the results are brilliant. Written in
1993.
104. Ragged
Eyes (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Electric
guitar, bass, drums, lead
guitar. Recorded: 28th January 2001, Binn
Eadair View studio Produced by: Robert
Crosbie Appears on: unreleased
Robert once again demonstrates his
versatility with this number, a slow blues instrumental. It
features some excellent lead guitar, and ends with some
unexpected, but lovely, chord changes. What is most
impressive is that this track sounds like it was
recorded by a band, and not just one man in a studio!
Written in 2001.
103. What I Have To Do (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic
guitars, bass, drums, percussion Recorded: 21st
January 2001, Binn Eadair View studio Produced by:
Robert Crosbie Appears on: "Ballet Dancer"
Another resurrection
of an old song. Robert decided that the 1994 recording of
this song was not of good enough quality to
include on an album, so he set about recording it again.
This remake, with its low vocal and heavy reverb, turns
the original upbeat version into a dark, brooding song with
a hint of menace. Written in 1993.
102. In The Night (Crosbie)
Crosbie: Vocal,
acoustic guitar, bass, lead
guitar Recorded: 8th January 2001, Binn Eadair View
studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie Appears
on: "Just Another Universe"
This
song starts the new year well as it is one of the most
interesting sounding Lotus recordings of recent times.
Featuring a delayed guitar part, out-of-this-world sounding
vocals and a deep bassline, "In
The Night" is unlike anything recorded thus
far. A definite album highlight. Written in 2000.
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