I had your FAWM playlist going and sort of forgot I was supposed to be active listening, but this one pulled me right back into it... then I saw your liner notes. I know the feeling of not being happy with something but needing to get it out, but this is great. I'm curious to see what you do with it, because I think it works far better than you it seems. You better close the stadium with this one, because all those lighters and voices in unison are going to violate some sort of by-law.

I'm a little perplexed at the narrative, but oh what a great narrative it is. That second verse paints a pretty vivid picture, although I'm a little unsure that being denied pastries is an apt consequence, but then Ive never had a Chelsea Bun.

Congratulations on the FAWM "win", especially with only 23 days to do it. A great start as well. I share the sentiment on production. Part of me wants to do RPM next year because I wonder if I had too, could I move fast on production? It sounds a lot more exhausting than FAWM, that's for sure.

Well sir, you smashed this challenge - and ended up with a stunning unplugged album. It's made me want to hear some of your established tracks with similar stripped-down arrangements, leading the listener to concentrate on the sheer artistry of your words and astonishingly soulful vocal. Next challenge for you is the 24 hours album. 24 minutes of original music in 24 hours. I believe it originated on alonetone. Off you go.

Glad you didn't bin it! Liking the driving feel - immediately hooky also.

A sweet almost-lullaby - glad this one found a home in your February. So very pretty.

Really love this melody and the breezy feel. Some gorgeous little acoustic guitar runs in there too.

Great song writing - loving the sentiment and your tender vox here. I love it when the FAWM and RPM parameters draw out his kind of track, any more of an arrangement would detract from the message - IMHO.

Woohoo! Logged in and back from Brighton. <3 Can now fave this utter classic.

Hauntingly sad and beautiful

Great tune Andrew. we held back on a few old ideas too. i'm glad you put it out there

Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!

That's rather wonderful ...... a bit of youthful angst ??

You've been a writer / poet for so many years!!! How delightful to put these songs out. I'm glad you found the shoe box.

Another beautiful piece of storytelling through haunting voice and gentle music

You sing these words perfectly … I am just in awe of your story telling

So lyrical

Intrigued … who is this written for? Whoever it is is a lucky person … love this

I saw your comments on my site. Thanks. It sounds like you’ve got this recording process figured out. I’m still learning as I go. Thank God for YouTube. 😎

Another little gem ......

Crazy stuff! Nice one.

This one's a grower. Took me a couple of listens. Love how your guitar playing seems to be changing. I like the percussive guitar styles you've used as well (in fact, I've been trying to figure out how to use them myself - not much success yet!) so don't drop them altogether!

Oh yeah, like it. Love the big sound you get with acoustic arrangements.

Oh yeah, this is a real cool track. Love it.

Nice one. Very nice one.

Fantabulous. Wonderful. Superb. One of those "need a SUPER-FAVE button" tracks.

More roars... What a voice you have Mrs Smith. Many years ago I knew someone who could do this kinda thing. Me and my drummwer used to sit at the foot of her mic stand at her gigs, she sat at the foot of my mic stand at ours ... we only spoke to each other once, just to say "hi" lol

James beat me to it with the "mid range" comment on the new guitar. Loved that roar from you :)

Love it. It was one of my favourite songs when I was little. This is a gorgeous version - I was expecting a more "wailing" version, which is what I'm used to... so this was a surprise. It's superb.

A wonderful song. Love the "a crown and its frog"

Woo! This is a bit of departure from your recent stuff - wasn't expecting this at all. I'd forgotten that you'll take on anything! Nice one.

Gorgeous vocal on a very fine song. Really interesting story to go with it.

Oh yes. I'm with Kirk on this. Fabulous.

My oh my this sounds good.

WOOOF! This is a live one isn't it?? Superb stuff. When I was playing live there was two types of sax players: 1. "oh sh1t, does he really have to jam with us, guys?" and 2. "tell you what, I won't bother playing any guitar solos tonight, the sax man can do it all" You'd be in the second category. Superb :)

Listened to a good few ("Smooth" down here to Hope) while fixing a table before the in-laws come round. I don't listen to this kind of stuff much, but WOW what a band... really enjoyed it. You guys must be absolutely great live.

Ooooh yeah... smooth as flip. Fine horn playing, very tasty...

Both southern... ... and comforting :)

Yep, I think I prefer this version. It's real close though - I think it's one of those where the artist hears a big difference and the rest of us go yeah, cool... lol

Listened to all four - fabulous stuff. Hope you're coming back one day.