176. Pages & Pages (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric guitars
Recorded: 26th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

The full band version of this key album song. Layered with guitars, it has a very warm, heavy sound which conjurs up hot summer nights and restless sleeps. A seven minute epic, it is thoughtful and the lyrics are full of regret for the past. The unexpected jazz chords are lovely, as is the fade out: Featuring a spiked acoustic guitar line and blurred, swirling guitar chords. Written in 2000.


175. Come With Me - remake (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, organ
Recorded: 21st June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

A remake of this laid back, summer song. The reason this track was remade was again to improve the quality of the recording; in this instance the arrangement is exactly the same, but the playing is tighter. Inspired by a holiday Robert took with his girlfriend, it projects a sunny atmosphere; mentions of beaches and Italian food paint a happy picture. Written in 2000.


174. Letting It Rain (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, backing vocal
Recorded: 17th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Chasing The Sun"

One of the strongest songs on the album, "Letting It Rain" is a tale of lost love and resignation. Written from a true life experience, this is an atypical Robert Crosbie song - honest and to the point, but with great imagery. The story starts with the lovers together and ends with them apart. Musically it is strong, with a great harmony vocal chorus (the vocals throughout are excellent) and a brisk beat that betrays the sombre mood of the song. Although long for a single (nearly 5 minutes), the track is part of a "themed" EP featuring "Raining", "If & When", and the (to date) unrecorded "Gotta Be The Right Thing". Written in 1995.


173. Chasing The Sun (pt 2) (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars
Recorded: 16th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Where Was My Goodbye?" / B-Side

Not a continuation of the epic title track at all. Robert had, in fact, written two songs of the same name and was unsure which to use. So, he used both. This is a beautiful ballad with plucked guitars and fantastic fade out, similar to that in "Lynne's Song". Written in 1995.


172. Let It Out (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar
Recorded: 16th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "What Can It Be?" / B-Side

A simple acoustic guitar ballad. "Let It Out" is a wistful tune, strangely making mention of dancefloors and songs. These kind of songs are often the best ones, and this is no exception. Written in 1996.


171. I Don't Know Where I'm Going To (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, lead guitar, bass, drums, percussion
Recorded: 16th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "This Morning" / B-Side

Getting back to B-Sides after a run of albums songs. This is an unusual song, with an urgent repeated riff and similarly repeated vocals. The arrangement is interesting, featuring bongos and a manic tambourine. This is a typical B-Side, but more a good idea recorded well than a full "song". Written in 1999.


170. Feet In The Rain - remake (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums
Recorded: 15th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus"

Yet another "Lotus" LP track remake. This new version follows the same arrangement as the early version, but like "Don't Want You To Change", improves the overall quality of the sound. Written in 1998.


169. Drifting (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, backing vocal, organ
Recorded: 14th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Secret"

"Drifting" is a rough-hewn track, tense and to the point. Featuring gruff electric guitar with a disarming flowing rhythm, the track gets busy immediately. The vocal, too, is rough, but softened by the low-register harmony on the chorus. As a track, this is an interesting Lotus number; but more than anything it is a more than adequate album filler. The unexpected jazz chords in the fade out perhaps signify Rob's true feelings for the track! Written in 1999.

168. Gone Away Tonight (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, backing vocal, percussion
Recorded: 13th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus"

A remake of the "Lotus" LP track. This is a fairly light album track, resting on a cushion of acoustic guitar. The vocal here is good, with a harmony vocal that did not feature on the original version. Written in 1998.


167. Not A Second Time (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric guitars, lead guitar, percussion
Recorded: 12th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Secret"

Using the same guitar style as "Free Spirit", this is one of the strongest songs on "Secret", and a more unusual single. Played by Robert with Mark Lillis during rehearsals in 1998, it was strange that it took so long to be recorded. Nonetheless, here it is, and the end results are excellent: a mellowed and mature recording with some beautiful guitar parts and an impassioned vocal. The drums roll through the off-beat rhythm, and the song takes off during the lead guitar solo. Great stuff. Written in 1998.


166. Crown (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, organ
Skelton: percussion
Recorded: 9th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: unreleased

A recording of the oldest song so far; "Crown" was performed by Waterfall in 1992. Joining in the session is Richard Skelton, ex-Waterfall and Starlas drummer, on bongos. The song itself is unusual, and its simplicity is a far cry from the accomplishments of "Free Spirit" et al. This track is not planned for release and was only recorded for amusement. Written in 1992.


165. When You're Feeling - remake (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, lead guitar, backing vocal
Recorded: 6th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus"

A much better remake of this "Lotus" LP track. "When You're Feeling" is a mature rocker, and one of the strongest songs on the album. It was also a key feature of the '98 live set. Written in 1998.


164. Since I've Been In Love With You (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, lead guitar, backing vocal
Recorded: 4th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus" LP

Written in the "Lotus" LP era, this song is similar to "One Life To Live". Featuring punchy, snapped guitar chords and some of the most energetic lead guitar Robert has played, this is another case of an average song becoming above-average due to a great recording. The perfomance here is excellent, sometimes stunning; witness the change to the minor chord in the guitar solo and you will hear Rob at his best. Originally a B-Side, this song has now replaced "Aeroplanes" on the "Lotus" album. Written in 1998.


163. I Don't Believe In Silence (Crosbie / Lillis)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar
Recorded: 4th June 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "I Want To Be On My Own Again" / B-Side

After the complex and layered "Free Spirit", comes this, a solo performance. Co-written by ex-bassist Mark Lillis during his time with the band, this is a pleasant tune, with words written by Rob. Performed with a breathy vocal. Written in 1998.


162. Free Spirit (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, percussion
Recorded: 31st May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Secret"

Another "Secret" album track, this time the final track on the album. "Free Spirit" is a joyous song, full of chiming guitars and melodic twists. It is broken into three distinct sections: the breezy verse / chorus structure, featuring some wonderfully intricate guitar playing. This then disolves into the second section, and instrumental part featuring picked guitar, and the same interplay between guitars. The third section builds up with more fluttering guitars to section one again. This type of idea has never been done by Lotus before, making this a novel and inventive song. The lyrics are some of the best Robert has written, and the overall ensemble performance is probably the best in his recorded history. Written in 1999.


161. Walking Tall (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, percussion
Recorded: 31st May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Secret"

The polar opposite of the previous song, "Walking Tall" is a bouncy folk number, sung gently, and featuring only acoustic guitars. These are still layered; in total four guitar parts are on the final mix. The melody of this song is strong, as is the deftness of the guitar playing; all in all showing Robert at his casual best. Written in 1999.


160. Peace Of Mind - remake (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, electric guitars, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 31st May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus"

The second "Lotus" LP remake, "Peace Of Mind" retains the arrangement of the earlier version but improves the sound. This sound is a cacophony of pure guitar aggression - the instuments rip through the chords with brutal definition, while the drums pound and Robert's vocal barely pokes through the mix, sounding like it is sung through a megaphone. The final build-up of this song represents the heaviest, noisiest, and most aggressive minute of Lotus music. Written in 1998.


159. Don't Want You To Change - remake (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums
Recorded: 29th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lotus"

Realising that the 1999 version of this track was not up to scratch, Robert set about re-recording this strong song from the "Lotus" album. The arrangement is much the same as the original version, the difference coming in sound and production (the drum sound is much better on this version). He sings it differently too; here the vocal is soft and tender, and is almost murmured into the microphone. This gives the impression that the narrator of this story is vulnerable and afraid to expose himself any more than is necessary. It works, and gives the track a new air of intrigue. Written in 1996.


158. Chasing The Sun (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, lead guitar, bass, drums, organ
Recorded: 22th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Chasing The Sun"

Finally, a recording of this brilliant, epic title track. Robert delayed recording this for some time, fearing he wouldn't be able to do it justice, but now has recorded a version worthy of the song. A slow-building, even paced track, it bursts into life half way through and builds up for a coda not quite as drawn out as "Photograph", but nevertheless brings the track in at over 8 minutes long. The fact that the melody is so strong disguises any concept of time as the song unfolds. A perfect album closer, and another great Lotus epic. Written in 1995.


157. Circus Mirrors (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals
Recorded: 20th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: unreleased

The darkest Lotus song, and one of the most unusual. Featuring bizarre sounding detuned guitars, a doubled vocal, and off beat drums, the song meanders almost freeform with touches of melody and not too many regular chord progressions. Conceived more as an experiment rather than anything else, it is unclear whether this track will be released at all. Written in 2001.


156. Maybe I Am Wrong (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals
Recorded: 19th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Faithful In Your Heart"

A strong melodic rock song, the key feature of this is the harmony backing vocals throughout the song. Recorded on Robert's 26th birthday, this is a pleasant song with a deep, resonant sound which adds weight where a lighter touch would have made the track too frivolous. Written in 1995.


155. Close To Being Hurt (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lead guitar, organ, bass, drums
Recorded: 17th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Chasing The Sun"

Another fast pop/rock Lotus number, this is similar to "Above All" and "You & I". Perhaps a little too simple to be an interesting single, this song nevertheless brightens up the first half of "Chasing The Sun". The track really takes off during the middle 8, with a great guitar solo and organ part which fades nicely into the final chorus. A bubbly bassline completes an lively track. Written in 1994.


154. By My Side (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 17th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Sand" / B-Side

One of the shortest Lotus songs, this song starts and finishes so briefly it almost dosen't happen. An off-the-cuff number, it was recorded at the end of a session more as an after-thought. Drums and bass were added and the song was complete. A lovely melody which could well be developed into another song. Written in 2001.


153. Who Was There (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, mellotron, bass, percussion
Recorded: 17th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Chasing The Sun"

"Who Was There" is lyrically an important song, remembering back to days of youth and therefore has a similar sentiment to the Beatles "In My Life". Musically it features the same string sound used on "Speak So Softly", a warm guitar sound, and high register vocal lines. Written in 1997.

152. Kissed (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Acoustic guitars, bass, lead guitar
Recorded: 17th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Midnight Moonlight" / B-Side

A remarkable, ambient instrumental; featuring layered guitars soaked with echo and delay. Similar to "Warm" although no drums are featured. Written in 2001.


151. Bye, Bye (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, electric guitar, lead guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 16th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: unreleased

Another crazy, raw rock song, this was written around the time of "Ballet Dancer" and represents the final song from that era to be recorded. Almost identical in sound to "All In All" and "Too Stupid For You", the track features a nicely drawn out middle section and some ballsy screaming in the chorus. Written in 1993.

150. Above All (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitars, lead guitar bass, drums
Recorded: 16th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Chasing The Sun"

One of catchiest singles! This track is a great example of Lotus pop/rock at its best, with a great guitar hook, memorable lyrics, and all coming in at just 2 minutes. Originally recorded back in 1996, this new version offers a great guitar sound and a great vocal. Written in 1994.


149. My New Love (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, backing vocal, percussion
Recorded: 16th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Faithful In Your Heart"

Mostly acoustic, this song is straddles several genres: folk, soul, country and rock. It starts off subtley but then builds to a climax for the final closing phrases. Written in 1996.


148. So Far Away (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, backing vocal
Recorded: 16th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Faithful In Your Heart"

One of Robert's favourite ballads, and a key song on "Faithful In Your Heart". Lyrically the most yearing and romantic Robert has written, the arrangement is basic enough and allows the melody to breathe and the story to unfold. A favourite among some fans, the vocal here is a little rougher than it could be. However, it all adds up to a great version of a well conceived song. Written in 1995.


147. Little Star (Nordenstam)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums
Recorded: 9th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Midnight Moonlight" / B-Side

This is a cover of Stina Nordenstam's song from the 1994 album "And She Closed Her Eyes". A great song for Robert to cover, he replaces Nordenstam's high register vocal with his own low baritone. The instrumentation is just as sparse as the original; and it features some beautiful guitar playing. Written n/a.


146. Waltzer (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 9th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Sand" / B-Side

A strange sounding piece, with interesting vocal effects and guitar sounds. Dating pre-"Ballet Dancer", it fits in quite well with the songs from this era; however B-Side allocation means that it will be released seperately from these songs. Written in 1993.


145. Under Your Spell (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, lead guitar, organ
Recorded: 5th May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "I Want To Be On My Own Again" / B-Side

"Under Your Spell" is one of the most commercial sounding B-Sides, and was played live by Lotus in 1998. A sweet song, it could very well have been an A-Side or album track, but was  probably deemed a little too sacharine to be elevated any higher. A good production with chiming guitars, it is nonetheless pleasing to the ear. Written in 1998.


144. All In All (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, electric guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 1st May 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "What Does It Matter?" / B-Side

Another minimalist rocker, similar to "Too Stupid For You". Applying the same tape echo, this is another reference to Plastic Ono Band and is a striking piece. The actual song is simplistic but the overall sound is impressive; the fact that it is a B-Side allows for a more unusual, and sparse, treatment. "All In All" is one of the very last "Ballet Dancer"-era songs to be recorded. Written in 1994.


143. Doing Nothing (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, percussion
Recorded: 30th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "She's Gonna Go Away" / B-Side

"Doing Nothing" is a very old song, dating again from the Ballet Dancer era. It was one that Robert never particularly liked; however a quick rewrite of the verse, and tempo change, led to this recorded version and B-Side. It features unusual percussion: Robert stamps his foot while shaking a tambourine, creating a charming and innovative sound; very much in keeping with the spirit of "Ballet Dancer". Written in 1993.


142. Looking In My Eyes (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, lead guitar
Recorded: 25th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "What I Have To Do" / B-Side

A very old song, from the "Ballet Dancer" era, and the B-Side of Lotus' "debut" single. A gentle ballad, simply strummed with gentle lead guitar embellishments, it fits in perfectly with the style of the album and is another great B-Side. Written in 1993.


141. Out On The Weekend (Young)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, lead guitar, backing vocals
Recorded: 21st April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Speak So Softly" / B-Side

A cover of Neil Young's classic "Harvest" song, this version is close to the original, but replaces the original harmonica line with a reverbed lead guitar and adds some harmony vocals. The song is sung in Robert's low regsiter which adds his own style to the proceedings. All in all, deftly performed and arranged; a good b-side. Written in n/a.


140. Check My Pockets (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums, lead guitar, percussion
Recorded: 20th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "She's So Beautiful" / B-Side

An enjoyable enough song, although not too challenging. Fairly straight forward Lotus-rock, this is similar to the type of song written around the time of the "Lotus" album (1998). Written in 2001. 


139. April Dusted Showers (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums
Recorded: 15th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

Semi-instrumental, this new piece was inspired by the release of Red House Painters' "Old Ramon" CD. However, "April Dusted Showers" is not one of the more RHP-sounding Lotus songs. It does drift dreamily but forgoes the feedback soaked build-up for a fragile and beautiful harmony guitar part. Indeed, the four-part guitars are so central to this song that it was right to leave the second half instrumental. The lyrics that are sung are poetic and free-form; all in all a progressive Lotus track. Written in 2001. 


138. I'm Your Lover (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar
Recorded: 15th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: unreleased

An off-the-cuff number, written and recorded on the spot after the final mixing session for "Let You Know". A nice enough tune, it was sung and played into the one mic. Written in 2001.


137. Let You Know (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums, lead guitar
Recorded: 14th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Faithful In Your Heart"

Back to album songs, and this is a great rocker, reminiscent of "Lions", athough without the organ. Written in the USA, it originally featured a raw, screamed vocal, but restrictions in the studio meant Robert had to sing it low. No matter, the song still packs a lot of punch; and the guitars here soar their way throughout the track. Written in 1997.


136. Bitter Pill (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars
Recorded: 10th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "You & I" / B-side

Oft-regarded as featuring the best Lotus lyrics, "Bitter Pill" was tried out by the band in 1998 but taken no further. In reality, the song is best suited to a vocals-and-guitar performance, so this is how the final recorded version ended up. An urgent track, the guitars pound their way through the chords in a measured fashion, and give the song as much power as any band arrangement would. Lyrically the song deals with death and despair, and is thought provoking without being obtuse. For a seemingly straight-forward B-side, this is one of the deepest Lotus pieces. Written in 1998.


135. Here Again (Crosbie / Kakabadse)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, mellotron
Recorded: 10th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Let You Know" / B-side

Originally written with a flute part, Robert was able to recreate this sound using the mellotron, the instrument that played key part in the arrangement of "Beautiful Day". This produces a slightly odd sound, but the song itself is a beautiful ballad based around simple chords and a doleful vocal. Written in 1995.


134. You Should Have Seen The Look In My Eyes (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar
Recorded: 9th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Speak So Softly" / B-side

A very intimate song, featuring just guitar and vocals. Very quiet and tenderly performed. Another excellent B-side. Written in 1997.


133. Flowing Through My Mind (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, lead guitar
Recorded: 8th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Not A Second Time" / B-side

A perfect B-side in many ways, this is an easy going, melodic song with a country flavour (thanks to its Hank Marvin-esque twangy guitar solo). An interesting feature of this pleasant song is the doubled vocal effect at the end. Written in 1998.


132. That's The Way It Goes When You're Down (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, electric guitar, bass, drums, acoustic guitar, organ
Recorded: 4th April 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "If I Could Fly" / B-side

A throw-away track, written on the spot in the studio. This was never intended to be serious, but the results are quite impressive. A charasmatically sloppy performance, an exciting vocal and punchy electric guitar (with a 60's feel) gives this song much charm. However it sounds too much like "The Weight" by The Band to merit further consideration! Written in 2001.