Wesley Stace Discusses Robert Wyatt, Rock Bottom

Send us Fan MailFor his album deep dive, singer, songwriter, author and educator Wesley Stace chose Robert Wyatt’s 1974 album Rock Bottom. Wesley recounts the adolescent friendship that led to his discovery of Rock Bottom, and he explains why it has been one of his favorite albums in the ensuing decades. He delves into the non-sensical nature of Wyatt’s lyrics and why they carry deep meaning for him. Wesley also talks about his latest album One Last Heist, his recent movement towards jazzier music and his upcoming shows.There’s a lot to keep up with when it comes to Wesley’s music and shows, and you can do so at the following places online.wesleystace.comInstagram and Threads: @wesleystaceFacebook: @wesley.stace.9Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.1:02 Wesley’s introduction2:00 Wesley recalls how he first got introduced to Robert Wyatt’s music12:03 Wesley explains why he was drawn to Rock Bottom and how the album made him a lifelong Wyatt fan18:05 Wesley makes a connection between Rock Bottom and the film Don’t Look Now23:53 Wesley lauds Nick Mason’s production work and musical vision27:00 It doesn’t take long for Rock Bottom to get non-sensical32:14 Wesley sees the album as having broad appeal despite its bizarre quality33:14 Wesley compares the non-sensical lyrics of Rock Bottom with those of Yes36:23 A couple of childhood friends were instrumental to shaping Wesley’s musical explorations39:47 Wesley sees a link between Robert Wyatt and Bob Dylan44:37 Wesley and Al were impacted by Wyatt’s lyrics, even when they didn’t make sense46:11 Wesley addresses why he didn’t pick a jazz album to discuss48:51 Wesley was disappointed with one aspect of the Rock Bottom reissue50:03 Wesley talks about the thread tying “One Last Heist” and “Hello Dead Horse”—the opening and closing tracks from One Last Heist53:27 Wesley explains how he started making jazzier music58:26 Wesley talks about upcoming Smithereens and Cabinet of Wonders showsOutro music is from “Not My Speed” by Wesley Stace.Support the show