Reviews (page 2 of 7)
what a discovery! this is a fantastic album that mixes the prog sound with the wonderful voice of Wyatt
I had no idea what I was getting I to with this album, I looked at the wiki and read some of the reviews and by what it looks like, this album is one of the most divided I've gotten so far, review wise, it's all 1's and 5's. I'm only halfway through this album and I can say right now this album is getting a 5
Love the eccentricity and it will surely annoy a lot people. But great work.
This is interesting. I don’t hate it. Even though it’s a bit proggy, it’s actually listenable. It’s like if Peter Gabriel and Radiohead did a collaboration, and let Brian Eno produce it. Not bad at all, but very interesting. If anything, it sounds kind of contemporary. Certainly not 30 years old. It’s experimental without getting lost up its own ass. Jazzy, free flowing, expressive, cinematic, but really very listenable. I liked this quite a bit. Such a clear influence on Radiohead. Seven songs deep and I’ve already saved six of them. That’s pretty fucking outrageous. This is exactly the kind of record that should be on this list. Excellent stuff.
lovely
10/10 I’ve only heard two of Wyatt’s albums, but I already feel like a die-hard fan he’s so fucking good at making art rock
Such an eclectic, mesmerising album! With a huge scala of sounds and genre directions. Will definitely need to listen more to keep unraveling more of this interesting album! And what a beautiful ending with the short instrumental The Whole Point Of No Return! Standout tracks: Heaps Of Sheeps, Maryan, Free Will And Testament, Alien, A Sunday In Madrid, Blues In Bob Minor, The Whole Point Of No Return. 9 out of 10
Interesting!
This is music to make you feel like you're stuck in some time loop dream sequence and everyone has a hold on the situation, except you. Fiery Furnaces meets Another Green World. I am both uncomfortable and curious.
A quirky British classic in the same realm as XTC and Robyn Hitchcock with some jazz, prog and Beefheart influences included.
Not unpleasant although I don't see what this 1997 album is doing here. Totally out of context with it's surroundings. Low key, off kilter and bizarre but weirdly compelling. Gotta give it 5 because it's so damned odd.
Fuck this was so good - love his full accent thing going on
Heaps of Sheeps. A I iv V with a Bo Diddley beat. But weird. I dig it. Maryan. I really love the lyrical bass and the whole vibe. Feels like Pink Floyd circa Atom Heart Mother. Was a Friend. A whole-ass false song to start? Damn. September the Ninth. Wasn't expecting a jazz track. Loving the brass section. Alien. Love the way the whole song treads water the entire time, and the meditative drone lingering on at the end is a perfect way to close the song. A Sunday in Madrid. Forcing the beat poetry into that meter is delightful. The hanging harmony on the final "sleeps" is a delight. Blues in Bob Minor. Before I looked up to see the name of the track, I *knew* this was a play on Bob Dylan. Wyatt immediately dials this in. So much fun! Anyone taking the piss on Bob Dylan is immediately my friend. The Whole Point of No Return. I just want to weave that trumpet solo into a blanket and curl up inside of it. I was afraid this was going to be an experiment in noise, but I'm utterly charmed by its playful exuberance and experimentation.
Well, damn. This instantly hit me. So creative and funny; love Robert's voice so much. This is right up my alley, and absolutely deserves a spot in this list. Favourite tracks: The Duchess (bonkers percussion), Was A Friend, Alien.
Excellent! Really enjoyed the jazz infusion to may of the songs. Want to listen some more!
Liked this a lot more than I anticipated - Not a big Wyatt fan outside of Shipbuilding, but this was solid.
Weirdly charming, but a bit too "weirdly" for my taste. Still, I enjoyed it far more than I would have thought.
Another surprise album by Robert Wyatt. Really like the experimentation.
Pretty weird and funky but I liked it!
Hadn't heard of Robert Wyatt before. Looked at some reviews in the leadup and really didn't know what to expect. The reviews implied chaotic art gibberish. It wasn't what I got though. I should have trusted the name/cover and ignored the reviews. This was hypnotic and beautiful. Criticisms of his voice, as usual, seemed to miss the point. Yes, he hovers around the tune and never hits it, but that just adds to the floaty, ethereal feel. The flaws add to the music. I really enjoyed this.
Love this, glad he has two albums on the list so I have another one to look forward to. Reminds me a little of XTC's Apple Venus, maybe it's just Colin Moulding's voice and the atmospheric soundscapes?
So cottony and dynamic. The duchess, genuinely cooked up something aberrant in my brain. Mumbled into submission. Tickled every speck just the right amount. 10/10, would Shleep to. Can’t wait to Rock Bottom.
I shlept
I gave it a few tries. At first I thought what the hell is this, but after the second time I liked it. Now I think I listened to it at least 5 times
Album #105, Shleep, Robert Wyatt ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have a soft spot for Robert Wyatt, as he was the former drummer of Soft Machine, whose debut album I love, though that’s mainly because it’s the only album they ever had fronted by Kevin Ayers, (who is criminally underrated). As for Wyatt’s solo stuff, I’ve only heard a handful of songs before this, including Heaps of Sheeps, which opens this album. Probably the thing I most associated Robert Wyatt with before this was the fact that he became paraplegic after an accident. So yeah, this was a new one for me, and I’m going to be honest, I’m giving it four stars despite not really getting to grips with it. I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt. It’s a complex album. It’s kind of a mix of jazz, but also low-key English Canterbury singer-songwriter stuff. The reason I’m giving it four stars is because I’ve rarely heard an album scream “grower” as much as this one. I feel like there’s loads to unpack here. Despite it being really complex, I only had the chance to listen to it once today, and it was a bit of a disjointed listen. But I could tell it absolutely oozed charm. It’s a really charming album. It does feel a bit like a mixed bag at times because when it’s good, it’s extremely good, but when it loses me, I really lose interest with it. Still, I feel like if I give it more listens, I’ll come around to it even more, and probably justify the four stars more strongly too. There’s some downright beautiful music on here. Maryan is an absolutely gorgeous song. Just stunning. Free Will and Testament is great too. I also loved the bluesy, subterranean-homesick-blues rip off on Blues in Bob Minor at the end. The album it reminded me most of was Another Green World, so it was interesting to see that Brian Eno was heavily involved with it. Nothing on it seemed bad to me. And weirdly enough, as someone who has a toddler at home and listens to an endless amount of nursery rhymes, it was kind of cool hearing him subvert one on The Duchess. You’d think I’d be sick of that kind of thing, but I actually thought it was really clever. The whole album just reeks of creativity and charm. I definitely think this is one I’ll keep coming back to. It’s another 1997 album, and I genuinely think 1997 is one of the greatest years ever for music. This is another really strong addition to that list.
This one was pretty cool. I'll probably listen again.
Very nice album.I have enjoyed both albums I have received by him so far .
I liked this a lot and was tempted to give it a 5 just to stick it to the haters. Yes, it’s an avant garde kinda folk kinda electronic art project rooted in English sensibilities. But so are Pink Floyd and Radiohead. It’s just not that far out there, people. Anyway, more relatable than the other Wyatt album in the list, possibly due to Brian Eno, and it feels as if there are portals between this and many of his other worlds. There’s Talking Heads and Bowie’s Low in there if you want to hear it… with all the jazz going on I was also reminded of Blackstar. Amidst all that, though, I didn’t hear that one song that would make me say “wow; I’ll listen to this forever” … so not quite a 5.
Not up ti Rock Bottom standards but still a treat to listen to.
I was quite taken by this. It’s not all great and some of it is a little grating but when it’s good it’s kinda great? Hard to pinpoint. My wife would call that white man privilege singing. Interesting theory?
I've been curious about Wyatt for a bit, but this is my first album of his - I haven't even heard any full Soft Machine records, to my knowledge. I think he strikes a number of balances on this record: it's experimental and quirky, but he never strays too far from either a solid melody or interesting musical figure. There's a bit of blues, a bit of baroque pop, a bit of free jazz, and every now and then, you can tell he's keyed into some of the popular production stylings of the day. I can tell there are a lot of great lyrical ideas here, too, though I'll need a few more listens to catch everything that's going on there. I've made my jokes about struggling with too much ~British whimsy~ in music, and Wyatt is surely a potential culprit to fall into that, but when the music is this wonky and weird, it definitely doesn't bother me that much. Excited to keep revisiting this one. 4/5
Like it
There's a few big misses here (looking at you, "The Duchess"), but other than that this is a really wonderful album. It's dreamlike and transient as it shifts from one sound to another, culminating in the almost frantic (but still controlled) "Blues in Bob Minor" before drifting off to sleep. There's some really lovely compositions here that are complemented by Wyatt's earthy voice. Favorite track(s): "Maryan," "Was a Friend," "Blues in Bob Minor"
nothing better than whimsical old man music. feel like getting a bedtime story from wizard, or your weird elderly uncle who was really into psychedelic's back in the 60s (practically the same thing)
Some good songs, some not, but most are interesting.
Liked this more than I expected
Soft and understated on the surface, but built with a quiet complexity that becomes more apparent the longer you sit with it. The blend of jazz influences and introspective songwriting gives it a fluid, almost drifting quality, yet there is careful structure beneath that calm exterior. It does not demand attention, but it rewards it with subtle shifts and textures that linger.
Thought i was listening to the kinks!
Dream-inducing album. Favorite Track: Free Will and Testament
I have two Robert Wyatt albums from the 70s that I really like but that's all I know. This could be a lost in the vaults 70s album released in 1997 and I would believe it. Really enjoyed this, but could drop a track or two. Ends very strong though! 4 Heard before? No Owned: No 62/254 (24%) Will I get: Mayve
One of the most interesting experiences of an album I have ever had. Went from thinking he was taking the piss to listening to it twice in a row. Still can’t quite figure out where I stand but it was a ride nonetheless. I’ll probably never listen to it again but I appreciate the time we had together. RYM: N Saved a song: N
7/10
depressed and dreamy.. ? idk not my cup of tea but cool
I don't think I have heard another album quite like "Shleep". It is simultaneously ethereal and beautiful, yet odd and quirky; sparse in its arrangements, but often profoundly sombre. The record possesses the English aesthetic in abundance, anchored by Robert Wyatt’s vocals, which sound fragile in a thoroughly lovely way. This album held my interest from the first track to the last, and its particular charm remains difficult to define. I think with repeated listens my appreciation of this album will grow. It is certainly a work I intend to add to my collection. An unexpected delight. Four stars. 1. "Heaps of Sheeps" (4/5) 2. "The Duchess" (4/5) 3. "Maryan" (3/5) 4. "Was a Friend" (3/5) 5. "Free Will and Testament" (5/5) 6. "September the Ninth" (3/5) 7. "Alien" (4/5) 8. "Out of Season" (3/5) 9. "A Sunday in Madrid" (3/5) 10. "Blues in Bob Minor" (4/5) 11. "The Whole Point of No Return" (3/5) Total - 39 Average - 3.55 279/1001 149/279 albums reviewed were new to me
Toppen
Rätt rörande ändå, med läspandet och den skakiga och småpitchiga rösten. Mysig gubbe, flera fina låtar. Och vilket otroligt omslag!
Sjukt misstänksam till en början. Speciellt till den andra låten - vafan liksom. Precis som med Pat Methenys forward march, sån här dissonans kanske är ball och imponerande men är det njutningsfullt att lyssna på? Nej. Ta bort den där! Tre låtar in är jag helt såld. Börjar dansa och må till Lord Roberts toner och pipa.
This was a very pleasant surprise. A lot of these songs were interesting, complex, and lush. I'd never heard of this guy before but this is really good music. Some tracks were a little less traditional, but most of them are just great musicians making interesting music. Will listen to most of it again.
Really interesting album. The Duchess I can absolutely see as a barrier to listeners - it would make Schoenberg proud. I think if you can get past that, and his singing voice (which I hate to dog on for anyone) then I think this album is really a surrealist lullaby. I believe the concept behind it is based off of dreaming, and I think if you take it as the phases of sleep you can really see what he is going for. To me Heaps of Sheeps is the trying to fall asleep song - still upbeat and coherent that drifts on and off towards the weirder parts of trying to fall asleep. The Duchess reminds me of those kind of falling asleep but still being half awake and dreaming about what you're hearing. Like falling asleep to TV and bam, you start having dreams based around the dialogue snippets your unconscious mind is hearing that your still semi conscious mind is trying to make sense of. Then you finally fall asleep and have the pleasant Maryan type dream that gets you in the groove for the rest of the night. At least that's how I read the first 3 songs. I am a sucker for Subterranean Homesick Blues and the Bob in Blues Minor really tipped this album to a 5 I think. I don't know if this is right time right place, or my rather recent tolerance for experimental music. Either way, I had decided to give each album at least 2 listens, once in the car on my commute and one active listening, and I found it good for both. Also, now adding one song an album to a playlist for this project, and that honor goes to Blues in Bob Minor.
Franchement j'ai beaucoup aimé l'album. C'était vraiment intéressant niveau ambiance avec énormément de sonorités, dont des cuivres vraiment travaillés. Le sequencing quant à lui est selon moi le plus gros point fort de l'album avec une intro certes un peu faible mais compensée par des morceaux qui s'enchaînent de manière très fluides et marquent de vraies ruptures.
After not liking rock bottom when I got it on this list I was so surprised how much I liked this album! Really liked heaps of sheep and blues in Bob minor - maybe I was swayed by seeing Paul weller on this album but I truly enjoyed it!
I've had this album for quite some time and have to admit I don't put it on too often. That doesn't mean I don't like it. I do. A lot. It's just one of those that seem to need a specific time and mood. So when I put it on today, it took time to convince me again. Shleep gets its ideas and influences from all over the shop. There are folkish bits, jazzy passages and generally quite a bit of weirdness. Somehow I am reminded of some of Bowie's later work. Alien is a good example. This could have been on any of Bowies last five albums. Overall I guess it has a leftfield, artsy feel. I can absolutely understand the low average rating. Some people will love this, some will hate it. I'm firmly in the former camp.
Was zum Teufel
Enjoyable but did make me sleepy while working
I'll search for detailed information about Robert Wyatt's album "Shleep" to provide you with a comprehensive review. Based on my research, I can now provide you with an in-depth review of Robert Wyatt's 1997 album **Shleep**. --- ## **Shleep (1997) - Robert Wyatt: In-Depth Review** ### **Overview** *Shleep* represents a significant creative resurgence for Robert Wyatt, arriving six years after *Dondestan* and marking his most ambitious work since his 1974 masterpiece *Rock Bottom*. Recorded at Phil Manzanera's studio and released on the Thirsty Ear label, the album features an impressive roster of collaborators including **Brian Eno**, **Phil Manzanera** (Roxy Music), **Paul Weller** (The Jam), **Philip Catherine**, and jazz luminaries **Evan Parker** (saxophone) and **Annie Whitehead** (trombone). The album's title and concept emerged from Wyatt's struggles with insomnia—"Shleep" being his phonetic spelling of how "sleep" sounds when you're desperately trying to achieve it . --- ### **Musical Style & Composition** *Shleep* is a kaleidoscopic journey through Wyatt's entire musical vocabulary, unified by a dreamy, nocturnal atmosphere. The music seamlessly blends: - **Canterbury Scene progressive rock** (Wyatt's roots with Soft Machine) - **Jazz fusion** (reminiscent of Miles Davis's *Sketches of Spain*) - **Art pop** with Brian Eno's ambient touch - **Experimental/avant-garde** elements - **Latin and world music** influences The album's sonic palette is notably richer than his previous two solo efforts (*Old Rottenhat* and *Dondestan*), which were largely sparse, home-recorded affairs. Here, brass sections, layered keyboards, guest guitarists, and complex percussion create full, immersive soundscapes . **Key tracks:** - **"Heaps of Sheeps"** – A deceptively upbeat pop opener with Eno's synthesizer work and multitracked vocals, disguising surreal lyrics about counting sheep - **"The Duchess"** – A whimsical, nursery-rhyme-like tribute to his wife Alfreda Benge, featuring "gurgling/bubbling/seesawing noises" courtesy of Eno and atonal saxophone from Evan Parker - **"Maryan"** – A gorgeous, Spanish-tinged collaboration with Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine, featuring Wyatt's trumpet and emotional string arrangements - **"Free Will and Testament"** – A philosophical meditation with Paul Weller delivering David Gilmour-esque guitar lines - **"Blues in Bob Minor"** – A witty, uptempo deconstruction of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" with rapid-fire "rap" vocals --- ### **Lyrics & Themes** The lyrical content on *Shleep* represents some of Wyatt's most personal and philosophical work, largely co-written with his wife Alfreda Benge (credited for the album's distinctive artwork as well). The themes orbit around: **1. Sleep, Dreams, and Consciousness** The album is bookended by the sleep concept—from the sheep-counting anxiety of "Heaps of Sheeps" to the liminal drift of "The Whole Point of No Return." "Alien" explores alienation (not extraterrestrials) through surreal, dreamlike imagery . **2. Love and Partnership** "The Duchess" is a playful, avant-garde love letter to Alfreda Benge ("Her secrets safe with me"). "Was A Friend" (co-written with Soft Machine's Hugh Hopper) reflects on old friendships and memory . **3. Philosophical Inquiry** "Free Will and Testament" stands as the album's lyrical centerpiece—a profound meditation on determinism, identity, and human limitation: > *"Given free will but within certain limitations,* > *I cannot will myself to limitless mutations...* > *What kind of spider understands arachnophobia?"* The lyrics grapple with whether we guide our senses or they guide us, and the possibility of "freedom to un-be" . **4. Everyday Observations** "A Sunday in Madrid" captures mundane moments with poetic detail, while "Out of Season" offers a brief, New Orleans-flavored vignette about a little bird . --- ### **Production & Sound** The production represents a major step up from Wyatt's previous stripped-down approach. Working in Phil Manzanera's professional studio allowed for relaxed, unhurried recording sessions without "one eye on the clock" . **Production highlights:** - **Brian Eno** contributes synthesizers, treatments, and vocals on several tracks, bringing his ambient-pop sensibility to "Heaps of Sheeps" and "A Sunday in Madrid" - **Jamie Johnson** handles recording and co-production duties - The sound is **organic and warm**, balancing experimental elements with accessibility - **Brass arrangements** by Evan Parker and Annie Whitehead add jazz credibility and emotional depth, particularly on "September the Ninth" The album maintains a **consistent dreamlike atmosphere** despite its stylistic diversity—no small feat given the range from pop songs to free jazz experiments . --- ### **Influence & Legacy** *Shleep* arrived at a fascinating cultural moment—1997, the height of Britpop—yet sounded utterly out of time. Its influence can be traced through several channels: **1. Canterbury Scene Revival** The album helped re-establish Wyatt as a living legend of the Canterbury progressive rock scene, influencing a new generation of experimental British musicians . **2. Radiohead Connection** Multiple reviewers have noted *Shleep*'s prescient similarities to Radiohead's later work—particularly the jazz-influenced experimentalism of *Kid A* and *Amnesiac*. Thom Yorke's vocal delivery and the band's approach to texture owe debts to Wyatt's innovations here . **3. Art Rock Trajectory** The album demonstrated that artists from the 1960s underground could produce vital, contemporary-sounding work decades later without compromising their vision. It paved the way for later Wyatt albums like *Cuckooland* (2003) and *Comicopera* (2007) . **4. Cross-Generational Collaboration** By bringing together figures from Roxy Music (Eno, Manzanera), The Jam (Weller), and the jazz world, *Shleep* modeled how veteran artists could refresh their sound through strategic collaboration rather than chasing trends . --- ### **Pros** | Strength | Details | |----------|---------| | **Creative resurgence** | Wyatt's most ambitious and fully realized work since *Rock Bottom* (1974) | | **Stellar collaborations** | Eno, Manzanera, Weller, and jazz musicians add new dimensions without overwhelming Wyatt's voice | | **Lyrical depth** | Philosophical, witty, and deeply personal—particularly "Free Will and Testament" | | **Sonic diversity** | Successfully balances pop accessibility with avant-garde experimentation | | **Emotional resonance** | Tracks like "Maryan" and "Was A Friend" achieve genuine poignancy | | **Cohesive atmosphere** | Maintains dreamlike unity despite stylistic range | | **Playful humor** | "Blues in Bob Minor" and "The Duchess" show Wyatt's whimsical side | --- ### **Cons** | Weakness | Details | |----------|---------| | **Uneven opening** | "Heaps of Sheeps" is somewhat lightweight compared to what follows; some critics find it the album's weakest track | | **Challenging accessibility** | The atonal elements in "The Duchess" and experimental passages can alienate casual listeners | | **Vocal polarisation** | Wyatt's high falsetto and "uncertain" delivery style is an acquired taste—some find it amateurish or grating | | **Lengthy tracks** | Songs like "Alien" (nearly 7 minutes) and "Was A Friend" can feel drawn out or repetitive | | **Not *Rock Bottom*** | While excellent, it doesn't quite reach the emotional depths or innovation of his 1974 masterpiece | | **Niche appeal** | The album's weirdness factor is high—"beyond weird" by one assessment—which limits mainstream penetration | --- ### **Verdict** *Shleep* stands as a **major achievement in Robert Wyatt's discography**—a late-career triumph that proves creative vitality need not diminish with age. While it may not surpass *Rock Bottom*'s seismic impact, it succeeds on its own terms as a mature, playful, and deeply human exploration of consciousness, love, and the liminal spaces between waking and sleep. The album rewards **patient, attentive listening**; background play fails to reveal its subtle intricacies. For fans of experimental rock, Canterbury prog, or art-pop in the vein of Brian Eno's vocal collaborations, *Shleep* is essential. For newcomers to Wyatt, it serves as an accessible (if quirky) entry point to one of British music's most unique voices. **Rating:** 4/5 stars --- *Shleep* ultimately captures an artist comfortable in his own skin—paralyzed from the waist down since 1973, yet musically freer than ever, floating through dreamscapes of his own design with some of the most respected collaborators in rock history.
The peacefulness i needed on my commute.
This was an interesting listen. I was weirded out, then put in a trance, then found some really cool sections of this album that I enjoyed very much. The more I thought about this album the more I came to realize I enjoyed it overall, for however outside of my comfort zone it is. But it holds up pretty well in 2026 and I’m going to give it another go around very soon
Crazy on 🍄
Enjoyed this one a LOT
Having inadvertently eyed a few low scoring reviews when I went to click the Spotify icon (why must i navigate via reviews in this latest interface?) I was strapped in for a shocker, so was genuinely surprised at how much I liked this. It’s probably because I’m now a bona fide jazz aficionado after my second visit to The Bear Club, Luton, Beds. last weekend that I appreciated this work more than the average punter.
Jaaa love dit!!! Meer onconventionele muziek in de wereld graag. AI could never.
I really enjoyed this but I’ve been so busy it took me a really long time to get through this album, as in the best part of a week. I think it saw me through a lot of emotions which is the sign of a good album, that it can speak to multiple parts of your psyche and be relevant to each stage of your life. So I guess that means I liked it.
Floaty and cool and interesting. It's not a super easy listen all the way through. There are some artistic tuning choices and creative discordant harmonies. But it also feels like a version of Syd barret that listened to later pink Floyd records and maybe bjork. Somehow disconcerting and comforting almost at the same time
Definitely an album of highs and lows but overall pretty fun!
Early Floyd and late Bowie filtered through Radiohead.
HORRID first impression, but but the end of it I began to connect with the music style and relistened. Its as though a song inspired by the mood of a lullaby were being heard in a lucid dream, soft but distorted. Quite nice after getting over the first shocks of hearing the music style and you finally get used to it, but otherwise WHAT is going on with the song 'The Duchess'?? Still a nice album, id probaably add a few songs to a playlist of mine or two.
Important to hear, not to listen again.
A very nice surprise. I was not familiar with Robert Wyatt but now I’m interested to see what else he’s done. This was a very interesting listen, lots of creative choices going on
I don't understand everyone's hate for this album. It's weird and quirky, sure. Pretentious though? Cold? Empty? There's a lot to admire and a lot of joy in the record. It's an interesting aside rooted in early Psychedelia and prog.
Somehow, Robert Wyatt must be related to Ray Davies of the Kinks. I feel like they are tapping the same muse. Nothing rises to the level of classic Kinks, but there are some enjoyable tracks here. This was kind of a surprise.
Noisy and fun
Robert Wyatt ist ein britischer Musiker und Komponist, bekannt aus der Canterbury-Szene und als ehemaliges Mitglied von Soft Machine. Shleep erschien 1997 und wurde unter anderem in Phil Manzaneras Gallery Studio in Chertsey sowie in weiteren privaten Studios aufgenommen. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Album zwischen Art Rock, Canterbury Sound, Jazz und kammermusikalischem Pop. Die Stücke sind überwiegend ruhig angelegt, mit klaren Songstrukturen und zurückhaltenden Arrangements aus Keyboards, Bläsern und Percussion. Wyatts brüchige, sehr persönliche Stimme steht konsequent im Mittelpunkt. Zu den besonders bekannten und prägenden Songs zählen „Heaps of Sheeps“, „Maryan“, „Was a Friend“ und „Free Will and Testament“. Zahlreiche Gastmusiker wirken mit, ohne den geschlossenen Charakter des Albums zu verändern. Shleep wirkt konzentriert und reflektiert, weniger experimentell als frühere Arbeiten, aber stilistisch klar und konsequent umgesetzt.
After The Dutchess I got what he was going for. Probably not gonna listen to ever again
I had a low bar coming into this album because so many people were shitting on it. There were 2 out 3 songs that were a bit much, but all in all, I think this was a very listenable album and will likely try it again when have some time and weed.
I think last time we got a Robert Wyatt album I ended up posting a sort of stream of consciousness review, comprised of random words, because that's how I seem to respond to his work. I was tempted to do the same here, but won't. Suffice to say, I'm very pleased that he's out there. Some of this is completely bonkers; other parts are jazzy and beautiful; all of it is interesting. Eccentric.
I really like the instruments on this one especially the jazzier songs and the guitar on Blues in Bob Minor is a nice touch!! Not a fan of his voice tho lmao
Wow I actually really like it. It’s not perfect, there’s moments where the instrument experimentation and Robert’s off-pitch voice melts into something truly unlistenable, but it almost serves as a reminder of the importance of being able to use instruments as the tools they are. I see how others may find it pretentious, but I’m painting while listening to it. What’s more pretentious than that?
great production. superfat bass lines
4.2
I genuinely don't understand the reviewers who listened to this and thought that Robert Wyatt is being pretentious and overly obsessed with making art. There are certainly albums like that out there. But "Shleep" sounds like such a pure joy in making sounds to me. It's not intended to be an album that only smart people will get. You know the type. Instead, Wyatt brings together a wide variety of artists to mix their sounds together and see what happens. Not because it's art, but just because... why not? I can definitely see why the album's second track "The Duchess" turns a lot of people off though (and maybe made them stop listening). It's challenging track for sure. But there are a quite a few gems that more than make up for it, including "Heaps of Sheeps", "Free Will and Testament", "A Sunday in Madrid", "and "Blues in Bob Minor". To each their own of course, but I think these songs are a lot more accessible than people are making them out to be. I really liked this album.
simultaneously sounds like 1973 and 2009
Aaaah, ben c’est très bien, ça ! Un peu surréaliste, très varié et ça correspond bien à la pochette. J’accroche moins au chant, mais c’est pas non plus très gênant. Il aura une bonne note, celui-là !
Another album and artist *be never listened too. I enjoyed the vibes.
Into this!
I really liked Rock Bottom and found it quite moving, especially in the context of his accident, and the support of his wife and friends. This 1997 album puts Wyatt’s eccentric whimsy into Britpop’s alternative timeline of British music. The most Britpop song is the one that sounds like Blur (Free Will And Testament). Other songs sound like later Damon Albarn projects. Paul Weller is there in the same way you’d get Eric Clapton to play with a blues legend in the 70s and 80s. There are little snatches of transatlantic influences, Randy Newman and Bob Dylan transposed into a British vernacular. Subterranean Homesick Blues reimagined as Ian Dury or the closing theme of Only Fools And Horses. It all amounts to an interesting reappraisal of Wyatt as a somewhat forgotten artist (not as famous as Weller). I was less keen on the jazzy tracks, but I liked the ones with more words.
Pretty fucking weird, but I dug it. 3.5⭐️
This is an artist I don't know anything about. Super-interesting. I will come back and listen to this more.
Somber and subdued, yet insistent. Foggy and pastoral, yet metallic.
really great at times but theres like one or two songs that i would like to never hear again
I've never heard of this album or this artist but I really enjoyed it. I generally enjoy a lot of prog rock and this sort of fits in that box. It makes me think of Another Green World by Brian Eno.
can't tell whether it's great or dogshit, but brian eno so
What an album!
Theres a bit of Sufjan Stevens, a bit Bowie, a dash of Talking Heads. this album is weird and wonderful. there are definitely parts that are too avant garde for my tastes, but overall, I like it!
It's unconventional and experimental, the sort of album I quite like just because of this.
Странный и артхаусный, я бы так это написал. Альбом похож на лихорадочный сон. Порадовало использование синтов, саксофонов, но в целом, он остался мной непонят. По большей части, это задумчиво-мечтательная какофония с очень странным вокалом и эмбиентными духовыми и синтами, создающими опьяняющую атмосферу. Что-то непонятное.
Ethereal beauty meets creative intensity. A 4.5
I quite enjoyed this — quirky and whimsical!
Fun!
I had never heard of this album or Robert Wyatt and had to look up that he was in Soft Machine, a band I know vaguely at best. I really like this. Best new find on 1001 Albums so far!
"Free Will and Testament" "Alien" "Blues in Bob Minor" Floaty weird Indy rock. Reminds me of neutral milk hotel
Robert Wyatt and Brian Eno really are a great team. What a weird, whimsical ride Shleep takes us on. This is music that isn’t going to demand your attention but once you’re drawn in, it gently guides you on a pleasant sonic journey. The decisions made by the band with respect to pacing and sounds just works. The opening of September the Ninth had me thinking of Broken Social Scene, really didn’t expect that but in retrospect parallels can be drawn. This was nice. 4 stars
really amazing and sublime album... there is so many eno-y touches on this album ! I really wonder if he's the most represented producer on this list? I really loved it and amazing that he made this within my lifetime... just so pretty and nice
A very unexpected hidden gem!! I’ll have to sit with it more but it reminds me of Jim o rourke but doing a more Pink Floyd style psychedelic / jazz rock. Definitely some left field singer songwriter stuff.
16.September 2025 interessantes Album, beruhigend, spannende Hintergrundmusik
It’s definitely weird but I really liked it. Occasionally it got too weird for me but for the most part I was on board with its particular kind of strange. I liked the varied instrumentation and I liked the vocals even though I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Fav song: Free Will And Testament Least fav: The Duchess
His singing isn’t the greatest, the music is a bit odd and the lyrics are eccentric, but still I find this album so charming and warm that I just can’t not enjoy it. Favourite song: Heaps of Sheeps Least: The Duchess
while not as emotional or monumental as Rock Bottom, it keeps the beautiful sound and dreamlike atmosphere and pushes them even further. works really well as a comeback album. still maintains the unique creative voice while pushing forward into new territory deserves to be one of the 1001? eh probably not but i'd take it over ~40% of the actual picks
Robert Wyatt is a new discovery for me thanks to this list. This is a really eclectic album that has jazz , pop and even ragtime elements. The musicianship is stellar and the songwriting and singing excels too. My favorite song is "Free Will and Testament." I will listen to the other Robert Wyatt albums now that I've heard this one
An odd, creative, and periodically challenging amalgam of British folk, Syd Barrett era Floyd, and Jazz, this is the definition of a record that requires multiple listens to fully reveal itself. There are more traditional pop songs like the Eno-esque “Heaps of Sheeps”, profoundly odd nursery rhyme reinventions like “The Duchess”, a reworking of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” on “Blues in Bob Minor”, and jazzy explorations like “A Sunday In Madrid”. Adventurous and exploratory, it’s the rare late 90s albums by a sixties artist that is still pushing boundaries.
loved!!!
A weird lil album! A bit of a Bowie with jazz situation
Weird, beautiful and thought-provoking.
An interesting mix of songs
I love British psychedelia and i love Brian Eno so this was right up my alley. J'adore
This is definitely a challenging listen! I prefer challenging to boring - however, my husband disagrees, so this is a headphones only album. This may not be a favorite, long term, but I do appreciate the opportunity to listen to it.
Never heard of this artist. At least not as a solo artist, if he may have been part of some group. This album was fun, quirky, and the vocals were fun and catchy. The music on the first song was fantastic and match the vocals perfectly. The following songs felt like they were telling a story. Sometimes jazzy, sometimes rock n roll, sometimes folksy. I think I will have to put this record on replay for the next few weeks.
Really cool and unexpected melodies and harmonies. Reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd.
Yeah, nice and dreamy. Takes a while to get into. Got a feeling it would get better with time
I would like to take this as an opportunity to apologise to Robert Wyatt, about a year ago I completely shat all over "Rock Bottom" after giving it one listen and not understanding it at all. I was very inexperienced with experimental and avant garde music at the time, so it's no wonder I didn't get it. But now just over a year later, I finally see what makes his music so great. It's passionate, expressive, and isn't afraid to experiment with sounds and ideas that most people wouldn't even dare try. Enjoying this album as much as I did has given me the urge to give Rock Bottom a second chance, and I imagine that both albums will only grow on me even more with time.
I feel a bit like when I first listened to Brian Wilson presents Smile. This artist clearly has what it takes to use noise and instruments to make what he wants to, and if he wanted it to be popular I think he'd have a pretty easy time. That being said, he clearly is looking to express himself in a style that is intentionally not easily accessible. This is an interesting listen but it is far from enjoyable the whole time. It almost drifts into Nursery Rhyme feeling at times. This is one of those "brilliance and madness aren't far apart" albums. Free Will and Testament really makes me feel like there is something in here. I listened to it five times after listening to the album twice and some of the high points of this guided the overall rating more than the parts I couldn't connect to.
An unexpected treasure, brutally honest with insights into his domestic situation a beautiful humanity. A voice which needs to be heard.,
Weird, in a good way. I dig it. 4/5 Highlights: Heaps of Sheeps Maryan A Sunday in Madrid
I liked how chill and viby this album was, definitely something I would return to
I was sort of into this. Especially the 2nd half - it was less Proggy.
If a whole night of dreaming was made into album form. Its themes are intringuing, the singing is onirical, such a pleasant surprise Only downside, maybe, is that i can't see me listening to a single hit, it's more like a whole experience to listen to on dreamy sundays
It's hard to pull off something as original and daring, but Wyatt does. A UFO of an album. Not everyone will like it but I do. 3.85
Like a massage for your brain.
Melancozy
Best album title ever. With Robert Wyatt, this list is living up to my expectations of making me aware of really unique and intriguing artists I didn't know of.
Shocked that I like this so much because I haven’t liked anything else of his on here. Soft Machine got a 1. Second track is awful though. I had a lightbulb moment where I realised that Thom Yorke probably loves this - turns out I was right
Surprisingly beautiful, soundscapes and vocals that call back to original prog
A very unique record. I find it very interesting even if it isn't a record I'd listen to often. The opening track is super fun and funk though.
Comeback stories of the century. Wow. I'm happy surprised with this record. I had eno and David Byrne and I didn't like that at all. Then I had robert Wyatt just othe other day and thought how interesting the ideas he had were but couldn't get behind the structure less whatever of that album. But with you bring these two together it actually works. Eno supplies the structure Wyatt needs and Wyatt adds the vocal flair and rhe structure that Enos stuff needs. Very happy here though. Very good all around
he's a good man and musician
An interesting pull, after a raft of boring, middle ground albums. To get it out of the way, I almost couldn't get past The Duchess. Dear God it's dreadful. Beyond that, a mix of ethereal pop, 'proper English' folk, jazz instrumentation, and some lovely drifting moments give this a good solid experience, a worthwhile addition to this project.
Really quite a refreshing listen. Really enjoyed Maryan
Really liked this album, very experimental sound with some quite crunchy chords and weird progressions. Great variation, but still has a recognizable sound. Not far from a 5 but some of the songs are a little too weird for me, also not so much a fan of the spoken word kind of singing ala Bob Dylan
Quite surprised to find this one here, but hey I'm not gonna spit on some Wyatt!
De nuevo, un álbum muy mal valorado en esta web que a mí me ha gustado bastante. De nuevo, música bastante experimental, compleja, no especialmente accesible. Una buenísima introducción (compuesta décadas más tarde) al "sonido Canterbury". A pesar de lo que dicen la mayoría de reseñas por aquí, este álbum tampoco es que sea pura disonancia, aunque sí que pueda resultar pretencioso. Por lo general, son composiciones suaves, casi de tipo ambiental, pero con toques jazz/new age bastante interesantes. Aunque lo que más me ha gustado han sido las letras. Muchas son oníricas, personificaciones de sueños que no terminan de tener mucho sentido (por ejemplo, "Heaps of Sheep", "Was a Friend") o tremendamente breves y abstractas ("Out of Season"). Otras son de corte filosófico, sobre temas como el libre albedrío ("Free Will and Testament"). En general, un álbum muy único y más interesante que la mayoría de álbumes que he escuchado hasta ahora de esta lista.
weird glorpy music that I kind of loved
Lovely stuff, really unusual, a depth which I’d like to revisit…
Really interesting and extremely dreamy, if excessively odd. Sweetly discordant and Syd Barett-y, innit? One digs the fact that records like this can get made and released into the world and reocgnized for the wonders (albeit minor) that they are.
One heck of a weird album, a raspy British old man whispering over discordant jazz was not something I knew I wanted
Very dreamy instrumentation, fitting for am album about sleep. Some interesting instrumental touched, buy a bit uneven. Low 4 stars
I like it. It's super interesting. I just don't think I need it in my collection.
This one's been on my planning list for awhile, didn't know it was featured in this project so that's cool. It's an odd little record...very 70s prog but from 1997. I like it. 3.5/5
An interesting one. There's a lot going on here. Some that just works, others that lean a bit too much into just noise. Overall, I thought it was a decent listen. 'Alien' was my pick for a fave.
Weird, but I liked it.
When I opened this album on Spotify, the app started playing the previous album I had listened to, so I was confused as to why this sounded like something I had already heard. Maybe the confusion helped me appreciate this album more.
Calming music but never boring. I had never heard of Robert Wyatt before but I really enjoyed this album; it reminded me of both Nick Drake and Blackstar by David Bowie. Will probably listen again.
I like Robert Wyatt. He's certainly ploughed his own furrow, and to me his idiosyncrasies are what make his music utterly endearing. A nice listening experience.
3.8 - Such a unique album but not sure how much I could get behind it. I almost started to love it towards the end. Would like to revisit at some point
Pretty fun album 3.7/5
4/5
Зарядил в поезде из Гааги в Амстердам, и вот получил удовольствие с этим серым видеорядом за окном. Артистичный рок. Нотки Ричарда Доусона, которого у нас тут очень любят. Лучшая песня - Alien.
I listened to this album when it first came up on the list and was unable to focus enough to articulate a review. Now, listening to it two more times, back to back I am left with a similar feeling. This is one delightfully kooky album and I'm left with a feeling that I enjoyed it more than I didn't. There is quite a bit of variation between the styling of the individual songs; however, the one constant, Wyatt's vocal delivery, is a unique enough element to unify the whole concept. While this isn't something I'd put on in every mood, there is something in here to meet many different moods. Granted most of the songs are indeed on the "shleepier" end of the specture. Alien is a sort of prog-rock jam of sorts with moody bass, spacey guitar, and pitter-patter drums. The Duchess is a drunken sounding track built around an off-balanced synth loop and sounds of various detuned instruments scratching about seemingly at will. Free Will and Testament (a standout of the album) is a soft ballad of sorts with piano and twangy guitar over which he utters some lyrics that sound like profound stoner bullshit. Blues in Bob Minor is an unexpectedly upbeat jam that approaches rap in his vocal delivery -- kind of reminds me of Radioheads A Wolf At the Door in structure. This is a delightfully kooky album that I can't seem to get my whole head around. Challenging at times, but still pleasant to listen to on the whole. For that I'm going high 4.
Good album cover, good album. Sounded like Nick Cave in a way where it was "sing-talking". Sometimes the mix too heavily favored the vocals, which were not wonderful at times. However, the lyrics, the cadence, and the rest of the instruments were a real treat. Weird at times, but not top the degree of a Frank Zappa.
That was such a weird album in the sense that I feel like I only liked every other song. The alternating from good to bad was a little strange, but the good definitely outweighed the bad on this one. This was certainly some experimental shit and was really very fun to listen to. I really liked Blues in Bob Minor at the end
Saddle up boys we're going Wyatting! Also ENOing First song is pretty fun. Second song gets a little too weird for me. His voice is kinda terrible on some of these songs but man do I love the weirdness of it all. Very similar to the last album where its super psychedelic in nature. Think I liked this one a bit more than the last. Something is off but it also randomly strikes a chord with me. Weak fo'.
Este disco tiene algunos arreglos espectaculares y momentos increíbles, pero sí creo que de pronto puede ser muy raro y difícil de conectar. Al final me gustó.
His voice is certainly an acquired taste, but musically, this was a surprisingly diverse, interesting and enjoyable experience and I can absolutely see myself going back to this a few times.
Pretty good. Very unique
You know i love the artsy-fartsy stuff, and while I was on the fence for a while I think this won me over in the end. Interesting mix of influences and was a unique listen, more than you can say for a lot of the ones on this list. So that's a plus for me.
It's like a bizarre lullaby
Hey hey, I was just hoping we’d get some Robert Wyatt on the list! This is full of good tunes and even some great ones, though it isn’t Rock Bottom, which is one of my all time faves.
This is the type of album that makes me happy about doing this project. I had never heard of this musician, want excited about it, and was pleasantly surprised.
Really an interesting record starting out strong with 'Heaps of Sheeps' which matches the album art perfectly. Then 'The Duchess' is complete nonsense, 'Maryan' is boring drivel, 'Was A Friend' is psychedelic boring drivel, and 'September the Ninth' is jazzy not so boring drivel. The two final tracks really make everything come together: 'A Sunday In Madrid' is some super interesting Lou Reed inspired drivel, and 'Blues In Bob Minor' is pulsating blues drivel inspired by Dylan. Possibly the best track on the album.
I have a hard time understanding that this was released in the late 90’s. Robert Wyatt always takes you places you wouldn’t have foreseen - and Shleep is no exception. It’s a journey.
The fact there is even one Robert Wyatt album on this list is amazing on its own. The fact there is a second one is even more amazing. Wyatt remains one of the great musical hidden gems, a musician's musician if you will. While I understand the general music listening public isn't really atuned to this type of left-field stuff, I'd say this album in particular is actually quite catchy and accessible. Sure it has its weirder moments, but it's just so fun and quirky and lyrically insightful and sounds totally unique. Love it. Key tracks: Heaps of Sheeps The Duchess Free Will and Testament Alien A Sunday in Madrid
Something about this album just stuck with me. Surprising because I usually don't go for low energy music like this. Experimental, interesting, and relaxing. I had never heard of Robert Wyatt before and this album definitely makes me want to check out more of his works.
Sounds good even though I’m not sure if Brian ENO is a good choice as a producer
A very interesting experience. It really surprises me that an experimental and progressive album like this was released in the 90s with such a 1970s atmosphere! Very good!
Really enjoyed this. Had never heard of Robert Wyatt until this project and turns out he's wonderfully awesome and weird
I really vibed this. Don’t know why, it just did it for me.
I liked this album! I wouldn't ever listen to any one song but as a end it has a great vibe.
I shouldn't like this at all but in fact I enjoyed the whole thing quite a bit.
hey: we don't have to like all the same things. Taste is subjective, some music is just plain challenging. but this album's low rating is a testament to closed-mindedness, a key indicator that many of the people who engaged with this project expected to be fed their favorite albums with a dollop of esteemed critical approval. And I'm not saying this as a fan. Shleep isn't all that challenging or offputting, yet here you all are, dunking on it as hard as possible. Are you here to explore the breadth of the musical world, or to be cute?
nice surprises should be more frequent on this project. i’m this far though. must. keep. going.
interesante
Cool
Kom skemmtilega á óvart.
I dig Robert Wyatt, even though he's a little weird. I think they would have been fine only including Rock Bottom in the 1001, but I definitely enjoyed this album. A lot of it has a haunting ethereal sound, with occasional bops. Excellent musicianship throughout. I'll call it a 4 - a little too weird to be a 5. Favorite tracks: Heaps of Sheeps (a surprisingly good bop with amusing lyrics), Maryan, Free Will and Testament, Alien, A Sunday in Madrid, Blues in Bob Minor.
Another unique voice and approach to music as an art.
This album was cool. Not familiar with Robert Wyatt's solo work. Oscillates between the mundane, meditative and absurd. Went on a little too long but it was a cool experience. One of those I really had to stop what I was doing and focus on. SAVED SONGS: - heaps of Sheep's - maryan - September ninth - a Sunday in Madrid
Shleep is the seventh album by Robert Wyatt, released in 1997. This one was interesting. It's one of Wyatt's later career works, and was widely considered a "return to form" for him. It really does sound a lot like his debut, but with a more refined production style. Everything is more slick sounding but in a good way. His voice sounds really good. I actually had to double check to see if this was recorded in the 70s just released later. Nope, he just sounds great. I love the brand of psychedelia that Wyatt makes. Super dreamy stuff. Some people may call it pretentious, and maybe it is, but I'm loving the psychedelic sounds this album is laying down. I really have to check out more of his discography.
Had no idea what to expect with this, but this was a lot weirder and more interesting than most of the stuff on this list. Very cool album to check out. This is the type of thing I was hoping to see more of when I entered in to this venture.
Somewhere between Pink Floyd and Radiohead. I liked this! Gentle, proggy little album that feels like it's reaching beyond what other acts in the 90s were doing.
listened to again a wonderful artistic jazzy journey
3.5
Very interesting album by Robert Wyatt, not a surprise given he made similarly interesting, strange (in a positive way) albums in the 70s as a solo artist and before with Soft Machine (a band I love very much). 'Shleep' has a great bland of folk, jazz-rock, experimental and Canterbury scene psychedelia. I've always liked his slightly off key, jazzy but comforting voice as well. Overall a really great album.
woozy, wobbly and wonderful
This was a lot of fun to listen to. Playful and adventurous. Since it progressive rock, it's not for everyone, but I liked it.
Shleep is another good album by Robert Wyatt. Eclectic prog-rock and terrific songs. Also an unbelievable backing band with Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera and Paul Weller.
After some time spent away, Robert Wyatt reappeared at the end of the 90s with Shleep. Whereas his earliest solo recordings saw him coming to grips with his newfound circumstance and sonic adaptations, Shleep is Robert at his most collaborative and structured. His songs could wander and become dizzying at times yet they are infused with his affable spirit that is hard-won and aligned with a certain philosophy. A most logical step for Robert Wyatt to take and it is one of his best efforts. Favorites: Heaps of Sheep, The Duchess, Maryan, Was a Friend, Free Will and Testament, September the Ninth, Blues in Bob Minor.
I like this guys music. It’s as simple as that.
Dreamy and aptly titled. Seems a very ecccentric choice for inclusion in this list but one's definitely glad it's here because of sweetness of temperament and the oddness of originality.
I think a lot of people won’t like this album. But I love unpredictability in music. I don’t want to be able to predict what a track will do next. Wyatt is really totally unpredictable. Here’s what I hear when I listen to this album: adventurousness and vision and an artist’s unique path and sound. I hear a completely original view of what music can be and I love it. Well, most of it. From the few tracks I’ve heard from Wyatt beforehand, and this album here, I really think he’s one of the most underappreciated artists in the history of music. Flirted with a 5/5 for a while but ultimately landed on 4/5.
mjög áhugavert gáfumannapopp. meirameirameira, 4,5.
What a weird, wonderful album. Perfect soundtrack for night driving. Wyatt does a great job of probing the dreamy and hypnotic haze of life.
>Ctrl+F "gyatt" >0/0 😔 Interesting music, could hate it in the wrong mindset. Second song was funny. Blues In Bob Minor was really good Liked the mellowness, even if some songs sounded like shleep paralyshish OSTs.
My only previous experience of Wyatt was his cover of Elvis Costello's Shipbuilding. I didn't like his voice on that. I found it childish, weak and immature. Which is perhaps fitting if you want to do an avante-garde jazz version of The Grand Old Duke of York as he does on this album. An album that has hints of King Crimson but, more startling, is the overall influence Wyatt must have had on Damon Albarn from Blur. This record is very interesting, dark and complex. It is better than I expected it to be an and is an absolute saurprise.
I don't know why I was mentally preparing myself for a disaster album. Other than a couple of oddballs, I thought this album was dreamy and electic.
Classic Wyatt strangeness. Hasn’t lost a thing with age!
Robert Wyatt e built different...
Takes a few tracks but loved this
Surprisingly diverse and fun. Some very catchy tunes.
A pretty strange album, but seems to have had an impact on British rock for a number of years.
So interesting. Not your typical album - very progressive and experimental. It does work though. 4/5
Doesn’t have that exquisite unnerving enchantment of “Rock Bottom”, but there were songs during which I got into the weird magic of the sound. A few songs were too poppy but overall I like it
Robert Wyatt’s Shleep is such a weird listen. On one hand, I have no clue what im hearing, and its mostly making me uninterested. However, in a select few moments, the album really does feel abstractly attracting, the seemingly stupid collection of sounds and vocals is listenable and quite enjoying. This experience is evident on Heaps of Sheeps, September the Ninth, and Blues in Bob Minor. I saw a comment somewhere, likening this album to a industry rushed ‘perfect album’. That is the perfect description. All in all, Shleep is a good album. Best Song: Heaps of Sheeps Worst Song: The Duchess
Robert Wyatt could be one of the best discoveries of this process for me. I loved his 1974 second album 'Rock Bottom' and really like this, his sixth LP, from 23 years later. Eclectic, quirky and charming with a dreamlike quality, I find this really appealing. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Heaps of Sheeps Date listened: 13/04/24
His voice is always a comfort. There's a lovely blend, as always, of silliness and heartbreak, pop and jazz that makes the whole thing a pleasure. Not his peak, but amazing to do this well this far into a career.
A pretty weird album. It has all of the weirdness of pure psychedelia but mostly without that style's typical, jarring dissonance. Instead, Wyatt adds some of the compositional quality and instrumental detail of prog rock into the mix. The result is mostly pretty cool, occasionally quite fun, also occasionally a head-scratcher though. What was he thinking? Was he thinking? Or just fully embracing his inner dadaist whimsy, slapping on layers of musical paint, following some intuitiv patterns, seen only by Robert Wyatt? Who knows - I don't.
Actually quite cute and feelgood music. Never heard it before, but I like it
Got into this one more as it went on - 4 stars
Okay I liked this but can understand the criticism. A lot feels like it’s divisive for the sake of contrarianism but it’s a well crafted album. Looking forward to diving more into his catalog. 3.5/5, giving 4.
Weird in a really enjoyable way for the most part. There are some songs in the middle that lose me but the highs are so fun I can listen to this album repetitively. 3.75/5
interesting stuff
Interesting different album
An intriguing album by an idiosyncratic artist, Wyatt shimmers sometimes, misses other times, but is an engaging, memorable musician.
Very good RW album, which I did not know in advance. Not in the same league as Rock Bottom, but still very good.
Early Pink Floyd’ish meets Mike Gordon/Leo Kottke
Surprise fun, never heard of it. Strange voice and beats.
I tend to be lukewarm if respectful toward Robert Wyatt, but I was excited to listen to this one today. Whimsically weird and adventurous, with alternating moments of dissonance and loveliness. Gorgeously arranged, with a brilliant group of musicians on board, including Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera and Paul Weller. A bit challenging, but in the best ways. Fave Songs: Heaps of Sheeps, Blues in Bob Minor, The Whole Point of No Return, Alien, Free Will and Testament, A Sunday in Madrid
Great surprise. Dylan-esque.
This album is fantastic! The way that the key of some songs just seems to perpetually modulate and Robert's whimsical vocals really sell the concept of the album being a dream. High points for me are Duchess, Alien and Blues in Bob Minor.
Very good album. Didn't know Robert Wyatt before this, but he's 2/2 for bangers. 4.49/5
B+
It’s like a dream where everything isn’t quite arranged right and you only have a suggestion of things that you can remember. But despite everything feeling out of place, it doesn’t feel disorganized. It feels like a new way to accept reality.
Gimme that weird jazzy shit! I have never heard of this one before and I'm hella into it. Blues in Bob minor was a particular highlight. I definitely wanna time up to this album some day, just feels that kind of experience.
First this record screams out: „Look at me!!! I am ART !!!“ The the deeper you get sucked into this somnambule state the more you recognize the beauty and hypnotic powers each song offers. 4.4
Fun psychedelic, prog rock with some pop elements. I think Beatles plus early Pink Floyd with a dash of ELP.
A late career for release for Robert Wyatt of the 60s jazzy prog band Soft Cell. This release just screams Brian Eno in terms of the bubblegum pop vocals (purposely out of key) on top of alien-sounding electronic instrumentation, often alternating or a combination of jazz, ambient, classical, pop, and rock. It seems like a release straight from the 70s in terms of instruments and song structures, except with cleaner production. I'm sure it would've sounded a bit messy if released the same time as Rock Bottom. I have little complaints. Each track stands leaves its mark, and it accomplishes its goal without coming too forceful. "Blues in Bob Major" is the only sore thumb. Not a bad track, but a weird one that ruins the mood a bit, especially near the end of the record, and doesn't really sound like anything else. Wyatt's very mature at this point in his life and knows not to get too crazy for its own sake. I do think the record could be cut quite to around 40 minutes. Some tracks do drag on, with "Alien" being the biggest victim. But it doesn't assault much with the ambient vibe going on.
I spent most of this album feeling mostly puzzled about whether I was enjoying it or not. Ultimately, I think I liked it, though I struggled with some of the lyrics.
Didn't love all the tracks equally, but the ones I did I really loved.
Truly remarkable. Wanted to hate this after the debacle that is the aptly named "Rock Bottom"@1974. However there is just too much here to love. For the record, I've always accepted poor vocalist and nonsensical lyrics, and this album has both. But the depth of production is what draws your attention with this record. These arrangements are nothing short of genius. I will be returning to the afore mentioned 2star album with a slightly less jaded perspective.
It was hard to rate the other Wyatt album, and this one is tough as well. I don’t know how often I’ll play this, but I think it’s really good. As I said on another review: this is the kind of stuff that makes this project worth doing, not incredibly “normal” artists like Dexy’s Midnight Runners.
I’m a little familiar with Robert Wyatt, mostly from his cover of Shipbuilding and work in Soft Machine, but I definitely haven’t heard this! It’s fun, quirky, very nice textures. Especially Maryan. Jazzy stuff happening in Was a Friend! I really like this!
Odd in a good way. Very trippy and so many instrumenyts
Kinda nondescript yet lovely
I've heard a bit of his stuff but not really explored too much. This is really great though. It's pleasant and relaxing but without being too laconic or boring. Super comforting somehow. I absolutely adore the cover as well.
very unique, distracting in a good way
I like the meandering free-form jazz-folk feel of this album, especially once we get the more conformist first song out of the way. The trombone, (uncredited) trumpet and piano create a the perfect backdrop for Wyatt's frail voice. "Blues in Bob Major" is hilarious.
4.0
Heard before. At first I thought ugh, sounds hard to listen to. But I liked a lot of songs in hindsight. + Maryan + Was A Friend + September The Ninth + Alien + Out Of Season + The Whole Point Of No Return
Tyylikäs kikkailulevy! 4/5
Really fascinating reading about this guy, and what a backstory - drunkenly falling 4 stories out a window, becoming paraplegic, and THEN going on to a decades long successful solo career. This album is so quirky, but also sophisticated and charming. I plan to come back to this, and check out his other work too.
Robert Wyatt is polarizing but I tend to find his sound oddly comforting.
This may be the biggest rollercoaster of a star rating journey I have gone through. First listen I was doing other things and now paying attention and thought first song was ok, but rest sucked so maybe 2-3. But I knew there were a lot of things going on so I should actually dedicate the time to listen. First track is awesome. A beautiful joyous romp that can only be described as “outsider Flaming Lips”, which is not a phrase I thought could exist. 2nd-4th tracks were a bit more weirdly and stilted in vocals but instrumentally I love what was going on. “Maryan” is better than “The Duchess” for sure. Finally with “Free Will And Testament” we are back with off-kilter depressive optimism. I want the entire this. “September 9th” is a wild jazz number??? “Alien” turns into ambient. Same as “Out of Season”. Idk the rest sorta blend. Last track is a little redemption. Back to Jazz. If all the songs hit as hard as the first I could rate it higher, but just on the general gestalt it’s a 4. Really unique offering that’s further supported by the author’s history.
This is great. Just overall interesting. Fave tracks The Duchess, Free Will And Testament.
Apparently I was not a fan of our last Robert Wyatt album, Rock Bottom, from 1974. This one, being from 23 years later, (and me being quite a bit further in this project), made me very interested in what I would hear. On listening to the second track I was walking though an area filled with grasshoppers who were flying randomly around as I walked though the grass, and it fit the music perfectly. So, beyond that I was quite surprised at how much I liked this. Definitely a bit strange and different, but in a good way that I quite liked.
The first track was catchy, so I bought in. The rest of the album maintained an interesting sound with a variety of weirdness that I mostly really liked. Maybe I should give the other album on the list another try???
I'm glad that this project gives me the chance to discover these kinds of albums. I would have avoided this like the plague based on the description, but this one mostly works for me. Yes it's experimental, and it's a bit of a concept album, and it is weird and non-conforming... but he achieves a cohesive mood throughout the whole thing that I'm on-board with. There's some nice floaty songs in here... a little bit melancholic at times... and sure, there's quite a lot of meandering bits in there too, and some odd moments, but it holds true to the vision of the album and works overall for me. 3.5 rounded up.
Pretty cool sleepy post-prog stuff, I quite liked it! I think it just slides into 4 stars for me, could be higher if it was more consistent and had stronger vocals.
This is where the format of the generator does a bit of a disservice to the music. I needed more than a day with this. It's layered and nuanced, and although not everything clicked for me, there's enough meat there to grab onto that on balance, I really enjoyed the experience. Best track: Blues in Bob Minor
Such an entrancing album, something about is voice is just😍 Heaps of Sheep is my fav track for sure
Really enjoyable, dug it more than I thought I would. 4 stars.
Jazz. Actually like
Bit of an acquired taste. Not sure I completely have it.
Weird.
A mixed bag, but an interesting discovery.
Phenomenal album!
Good at times. Boring at others. 3/5
Surprised by how much I liked it honestly. Thought it would be terrible
No nyt on taas erikoista, mutta tällä kertaa hyvällä tavalla erikoista. Sekoittaa kaikenlaisia genrejä jazzista kantriin ja rokkiin, et ei ees tiedä mitä tää on. Mutta siistin tunnelmallista ja se pieni avant garde outous tekee tästä vielä parempaa. Parhaat: Alien, September The Ninth, Heaps Of Sheeps
It's fine… no outstanding qualities
genuinamente también es un álbum un poco fumada pero ha habido algo que no se, me ha hecho disfrutarlo
It has its own style but this music is too strange and too boring for me in the same time.
This guy is bonkers, isn't he? You get some really, genuinely lovely moments, such as the opener, 'Heaps of Sheeps' and the dreamy, stream-of-consciousness noodling of 'A Sunday In Madrid', but then you get the genuinely painful 'The Duchess' and a lot of freeform jazzy jamming throughout, which I find interesting if not massively enjoyable. He clearly has his fans, and some seriously high-profile ones at that. I found lots of nuggets of gold to take away, just like on Rock Bottom, but once again you have to be ok with hitting the skip button from time to time.
Intriguing. New to me. I enjoy the spaciness. (Ha just realized turning back from Nayram is Maryan.) Endlessly creative. I suppose I would go 4 if I knew it better, but I'm still processing.
I enjoyed about 75% of this album. Won't say I hated the other 24%.
It’s different. I’ll give it that
I actually kind of enjoyed this a bit part rockish without the over abundance
This definitely has some good moments and interesting ideas, but I found a lot of this album to just be average/boring. I appreciate the Avant Garde nature of this album, but it didn't really work on me. Low 3.
I wasn’t aware of his work until recently when I heard “pigs in there” on the radio, which I loved, time to explore more of his stuff, I liked a lot of this album.
Didn’t get it until September the 9th. Still some misses, but interesting.
Favorite songs: Heaps of Sheeps, Free Will and Testament, Alien
Avant pop, big collab - Eno, Soft machine, weller Heaps of sheep
This is an interesting album. There's lots of experimental sounds and song structures. Wyatt seems to go places sonically that most wouldn't think of. It can be challenging to listen to, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Liked Songs Added: Heaps Of Sheeps
I have absolutely no idea what this is but I like it.
6/10
some good stuff in here but mostly meandering nonsense fav track: "Maryan"
I had low expectations, but this wasn't bad at all.
Pleasant to the ear, very chill and downbeat with a bit of a slower early Pink Floyd sound?
++: Heaps of Sheets, Was a Friend, Alien, A Sunday in Madrid, Blues in Bob Minor +: Maryan, September the Ninth, Out of Season, The Whole Point of No Return +-: The Duchess, Free Will and Testament 7,6/10
you have to admit that his arranging chops are top notch. his singing takes away from what is otherwise a great experience. 3.5
i feel fine if this isbackground music.
Unsure about this, I think I liked it. Ephemeral and understated.
Opening track is awesome. Some nice work on here making it a relaxing listen like those early 70s Canterbury prog rock groups.
Occasionally the British lean of Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums list will turn over some islander gem I wouldn't have listened to otherwise. I found Robert Wyatt's Shleep to be one such case. I don't think it will find its way into my regular rotation but I was charmed by it far more than I imagined I would be and it set a listening journey or theme for the day.
Folky jazzy weirdness. I like it but will most likely never listen to it again.
I liked around half the tracks on this record but sounds parts of it self indulgent and obtuse. Wyatt is a bit like a more pastoral Tom Waits, quite good in limited doses but a whole album of it is a bit too much.
Folk fusion?
An odd and off kilter release. Kind of like listening to early Pink Floyd, The Dutchess reminded me of Pink Floyd's Bike a great deal. Notes of progressive and folk and jazz. Definitely not my style, but of high quality. I'm not sure it belongs on this list, but is worth a listen.
Kind of weird and kind of cool
Too experimental and bizarre for my tastes, but I can respect it for what it is. I did enjoy the drums and guitar in "Alien"
It was OK, but I heard it over the weekend and have totally forgotten almost all of it already Standouts Was A Friend 3/5
Very very British. At times this is for the good. More often, it is not.
Never heard of this artist. First track, interesting. Reminds me of flaming lips. Not for me but I definitely respect it
What kind of spider understands arachnophobia? Awesome. 3.75