Circular Road ~ Neil Gardner
Observations from Amy:
Having lived with the songs on this album and their progression for months, I feel I can offer a unique perspective on the achievement that is Circular Road. While most of the songs were composed before my time, I have witnessed their development, mainly in the back room at Burnie or on the piano at home. These songs have each come to life at different stages, sometimes easily and sometimes through sheer perseverance. Usually undergoing a complete chemical and physical change after entering the Ranelagh Province, the songs have come to fruition with the assistance of Mike.
The album captures a wide array of emotions, ranging from the melancholic ambience of Sweet Euphoria and the peacefulness of A Day By The Sea, to the bizarre and ironic wit of Living In Denial! not to mention the jollity of the supermarket samba, otherwise known as My Sweet Lady Love.
I recommend this album to all with a sense of humour, a strong spirituality or an odd twenty dollars to spare.
Use Boscoe's Pulverised Sheep Manure when all else fails, and take a trip to Ridgley when you've time, to see some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.
Enjoy the album!
Amy Gardner
(daughter of the Great El Neil)All titles were composed by Neil GardnerŠ, except Head in the Clouds which was composed by Neil Gardner and Mike RaineŠ.
Neil Gardner plays acoustic guitar, piano on Living in Denial as well as providing the vocals throughout, of course. Mike Raine was responsible for pretty much everything else; programming, other instruments and some backing vocals.
Circular Road was produced and engineered by Mike Raine at audio illusion. Amy Gardner provided the photography.
For more information and sales inquiries, email c_sprockett@hotmail.com or audio illusion.
track list 1 Head in the clouds* 3:50 2 A day by the sea 4:43 3 Penny 2:29 4 My grandfather's horses 3:39 5 The friendship song 3:16 6 Life will never pass her by 3:41 7 The river song 3:37 8 My sweet lady love 3:27 9 Rainy day 4:34 10 Animal babies 2:48 11 Living in denial 2:43 12 Marianne 5:58 13 Isobel 3:24 14 Sweet euphoria 4:35 All songs by Neil Gardner, except * by Neil Gardner/Mike Raine
last updated by mikko; 13 November, 2001