Robert Wyatt - Old Rottenhat

Recorded in the mid-eighties, Old Rottenhat is one of Robert Wyatt's most stripped down albums. All that is heard besides vocals are keyboards (mostly cheap Casio-ish synthesizer with occasional piano) and percussion, and occasionally a drum machine. All played by Robert himself. Being a member of Communist party, the album also presents Wyatt's political side quite heavily. Wyatt is not known for being prolific and thus, Old Rottenhat serves as his first proper full length since Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard in 1975. Musically the record is rather slow and minimalist, especially in the texture. His melodies are still jazzy and the chord progressions are unusual. Wyatt has also developed interesting drumming technique using just the arms, having been paraplegic since 1973. The former Soft Machine drummer hooligan has evolved into a percussionist capable of subtlety, while driven by necessity, but still an interesting listen. Some of the political commentary might be too heavy handed (such as "Alliance" or "East Timor"), but nonetheless, Old Rottenhat displays a lot of stripped down charm from Robert Wyatt.