ROBERT WYATT
Cuckooland (Hannibal/Ryko)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Fragile beauty that spans seventy-five minutes sounds like cruel and rather unusual punishment. How about wispy jazz forays? Breathy warbling vocals? Sounds absolutely dreadful, except in the hands of Robert Wyatt, one of those loopy geniuses who walks his own spiral path. The carnival atmosphere on Cuckooland is more akin to Tom Waits territory than jazz light. There's something old timey about Wyatt's magical musings that give it an original flare. Aped quite unsuccessfully by Elvis Costello on several occasions, this is the source folks, and unless you are in the mood to settle down with a nice cup of tea then please avert thy ears.

© 2003 - John Sekerka