Robert Wyatt - Nothing Can Stop UsSigning to Rough Trade in the early 80s, on the understanding from his former label Virgin that he wouldn't release any lps for a while, Wyatt released a series of singles of cover versions. The set was recorded with a straight, simple, beauty informed by the experience of geopolitics just as the term was being invented. Arauco drew on the street 'Mass Songs' of a Chile protesting at the imminent arrival of Pinochet. Stalin Wasn't Stallin was a

"Shaw‰۪s seemingly uncontrollable voice

In every known photo of the band they appear to be smiling

the album catapulted them into the mainstream and proved that indie bands could enjoy wide commercial success without compromising their artistic vision

and considered the record completed

a companion to the first Fresh & OnlysåÊCastle Face release (which itself deserves another listen)

The album cover design was created by Steven Wilson and Thomas Burden

execution and production

it‰۪s desert-dusted guitar raga appearing like a mirage as the rhythm section rises in the mix

Every heartfelt screeching word audible above a thick racket of guitars

The second single this year ‰Û÷Be Slowly‰۪ ‰ÛÒ the title track from the album - sees JAWS doing what they do best

åÊThe mix of Ricky Kulwicki‰۪s unstoppable

Stooge-oid stomping (‰ÛÏSlidingåÊDown a Wire‰۝)