The Advisory Circle - As The Crow Flies. Ghost Box, 8th July.

"We make the decisions; so you don't have to. This time we're advising on how to safely enjoy the seasons, festivals and rituals of the year".

Regular readers and stalwart supporters of Café Kaput will know all about Rev. Jim's Curious Brown Leather Satchel ™. Without it, life would be rather less interesting. It's the satchel that never goes out of style and in fact only gets better as it becomes further weathered by the Belbury winds.

In the satchel this time is the new album by The Advisory Circle. It's released on July 8th, although you can pre-order it in the usual manner, of course. Please refer to the Ghost Box shop for all matters 'pertaining to procurement', as the Rev. himself might say (or not, depending on his daily tea intake). There is vinyl, there are downloads and also CDs. As you can see in the photo below, I have my vinyl copy out on the blue velvet - it's quite a marvel:



In many ways, The Advisory Circle is my life's work. A large part of it delves into my upbringing, but it's also a snapshot of where I am now and it always keeps a weather eye on the future.

Julian's artwork is, as per, absolutely stunning (whichever format you choose). I'm even happier with this sleeve than I was with Mind How You Go. Professor Ronald Hutton has provided some very interesting and informative sleevenotes and I thoroughly recommend his book 'Stations Of The Sun' as essential further reading.

Thanks, as always, for listening and supporting. Hope you enjoy the new album and please remember to tidy up after yourselves. Always follow the country code.

- Jb.

Four days, four recordings.

This week, I set myself a challenge to write and record a new piece of music every day from Monday until Thursday. They're 8-track demos and mainly improvised, just using a guitar, a keyboard and a few pedals. Nothing is mixed, it's all as raw as it was tracked, using a pair of particularly crappy (but trusty enough) headphones.

I like working this way, as it makes me think differently about approaching the song. In fact, it helps me concentrate on the song, rather than get caught up in technical detail or worse, aimless knob-twiddling. It's a case of laying the part down and moving on.

I will mix these pieces, but I probably won't develop the arrangements any further as I feel the strength is in their simplicity somehow. As much as I love a big production number, I don't think it's appropriate here. Some parts need tidying slightly...

As an experiment, it's something I will return to again, as soon as I get time. It's a refreshing way to work. All four pieces are on the SoundCloud link, below.

Four days, four recordings. by cafekaput

RIP Martin Rushent.

Sampling pioneer, genius producer of Human League, Synclavier wizard and Linn Drum fiend Martin Rushent has died. A major influence of mine. Rest in peace.

- Jb.