5 thoughts on “Reasons To Be Cheerful

  1. Michael —is that the “Shipbuilding” that Elvis Costello wrote? I don’t know Wyatt’s.

    Trevor —

    eno
    end
    ent
    eat
    ear
    dar

  2. Still one of my favourite records to cook to.

    There was a period of time in the late 80s where I had a 60 minute tape consisting of nothing but “St. Elmo’s Fire”, Gabriel’s “Mother of Violence”, and Robert Wyatt’s “Shipbuilding” playing back-to-back over and over again.

    A bit sad, I know, but true.

  3. It’s the same song, but I prefer Wyatt’s heartsore, breathy delivery. I think Elvis actually wrote it for Wyatt – as Wyatt’s recording pre-dates Declan’s (on Punch the Clock). I have a copy of the Wyatt single from 82, and it also shows up on a reissued version of his superb “Nothing Can Stop Us” album. Check it out, if you can – I think you’d like it.

    Elvis and his crew show up on Wyatt’s recording, btw – the track listing includes:

    Clive Langer – organ
    Steve Nieve – piano
    Mark Bedford – double bass
    Martin Hughes – drums
    Elvis Costello – backing vocals
    Robert Wyatt – percussion, vocals

  4. eno
    ent
    eat
    ear
    dar
    would be shorter, and would avoid adding, dropping, and adding the “d.”

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