It is really cool revisiting my old recordings. Brings back a lot of good old memories. I hope Grimm is proud of my works after this one. His spirit hangs out regularly. In September 2003 he tragically died. Breaking my world. His death is written about in my book Claudsville Blogs and Biog Of A Bog Woppit Grimm co-produced this album.
It was Mastered and copied by Pete Smith. The trick to getting any vocal or acoustic guitar takes. Was to attempt to hit record between his many rescue dogs barking. I think their barks add to the album. You will hear a lovely bark at the start of ‘Shadows In Your Eyes.’ I really got into playing my Fender bass better on this album. Albeit Keyboard drums. We made good use of his ART guitar effects , Hamer and Kramer Electric guitars. Memories huh. I’m struggling a bit with the exact date of release. But needless to say I was a hell of a lot younger. We’d record a song every weekend. Sometimes 2 per weekend. Very productive times.
The album began with ‘Sonic World’ this song exists in various versions.
2016 acoustic version of The Dream Of Zen
For my limited vocal abilities. Grimm really worked on my performances, and song structures during the recording of this in his home Studio in Eastwood, Nottingham. This album reflects where I was at during the mid to late 90’s. Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, REM, Ruby Blue and Fleetwood Mac were massive influences. So was getting wasted.
Subject matter? Homelessness, craving, lust, obsession, encounters, conspiracies, drugs, weird shit, booze, sexual encounters with a man with one leg, stalking, boyfriends, women, motorbikes, Pete Smith (ex biker boyfriend), freedom on the road and that infamous ‘Popudom Song’ with some little drummer boy artistic licence!
So here it is with its pops, clicks, dogs barking, bum notes. Pandora’s Box with ‘No Rules, Just Ruins’ and Mirrors Of Man (Live)
Enjoy some Claudine West nostalgia.
https://bogwoppit.bandcamp.com/album/pandoras-box-20th-anniversary-edition
Claudine West Music 