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m Reverted edits by 2003:DA:3F2A:C400:F1C7:9D4:B0B:F657 (talk): unexplained content removal (HG) (3.4.10)
Only list original release date and label in infobox. See here. Tidied track listing, as per WP:TRACKLISTING. Tidied Personnel, as per LP liner notes. Reorganized and added sub-sections. Removed irrelevant and unsourced Pulp anecdote, flagged for three years.
 
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{{Short description|Solo album by American singer Scott Walker}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = 'Til the Band Comes In
| name = 'Til the Band Comes In
Line 5: Line 7:
| cover = Til_the_band_comes_in.jpg
| cover = Til_the_band_comes_in.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| released = December 1970<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue">{{cite book
| released = December 1970<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue">{{cite book |first1=Mike |last1=Watkinson |first2=Pete |last2=Anderson |year=1994 |title=Scott Walker - A Deep Shade Of Blue |edition=1st |publisher=[[Virgin Books]] |location=London |isbn=1-85227-482-4 |pages=155–6}}</ref>
⚫
| recorded = September–November 1970<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/>
| first1= Mike
| last1= Watkinson
| first2= Pete
| last2= Anderson
| year= 1994
| title= Scott Walker - A Deep Shade Of Blue
| edition= 1st
| publisher= [[Virgin Books]]
| location= London
| isbn= 1 85227 482 4
| pages= 155–6}}</ref>
⚫
| recorded = Philips Studios, September–November 1970<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/>
| venue =
| venue =
| studio =
| studio = Philips<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/>
| genre = {{hlist|[[Baroque pop]]|[[Rock (music)|rock]]|[[pop music|pop]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Baroque pop]]|[[Rock (music)|rock]]|[[pop music|pop]]}}
| length = 41:12
| length = 41:12
| label = [[Philips Records|Philips]] <small>6308 035</small><br />BGO Records (1996 re-issue)<br />Water Records (2008 re-issue)
| label = [[Philips Records|Philips]]
| producer = [[Johnny Franz|John Franz]]
| producer = [[Johnny Franz|John Franz]]
| prev_title = [[Scott 4]]
| prev_title = [[Scott 4]]
Line 39: Line 30:
}}
}}
}}
}}
'''''{{'}}Til the Band Comes In''''' is the sixth studio album by the American solo artist [[Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker]]. It was released in December 1970 but failed to chart. Three singles were released from the album. The title track backed with "Jean the Machine" was released in the Netherlands. "Jean the Machine" and "Thanks For Chicago Mr. James" were each released in Japan. No singles were released in the UK. The release is a loose concept album about the inhabitants of a tenement.
'''''{{'}}Til the Band Comes In''''' is the sixth solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter [[Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker]]. It was released in December 1970 but failed to chart. Three singles were released from the album: the title track backed with "Jean the Machine" was released in the [[Netherlands]], and "Jean the Machine" and "Thanks For Chicago Mr. James" were each released in Japan. No singles were released in the [[UK]]. The release is a loose concept album about the inhabitants of a tenement.


==Background and recording==
Walker wrote the songs for the album quickly while on a working holiday in Greece in September 1970.<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/> The album was recorded late that same year between September and November 1970<ref name="The Impossible Dream">{{cite book
⚫
After the critical and commercial failure of Walker's previous album, Walker made several compromises with his manager and record company in an effort to restore his career momentum. The most apparent commercial decision was the singer's return to his stage name having chosen to be credited under his birth name, Scott Engel, for the first time on his previous album ''[[Scott 4]]'' (1969).
| first= Anthony
| last= Reynolds
| year= 2009
| title= The Impossible Dream
| edition= 1st
| publisher= Jawbone Books
| location= London
| isbn= 978-1-906002-25-1
⚫
| page= 244}}</ref> with Walker's usual [[Philips Records|Philips]] studio team consisting of producer [[Johnny Franz]], engineer Peter J. Olliff and [[Angela Morley]] and [[Peter Knight (composer)|Peter Knight]] directing the musical arrangements. Receiving negative reviews the album was first released as an [[LP album|LP]] in December 1970. The album was removed and was not available for over twenty-five years. The album was later reassessed much more favourably and was eventually reissued in the UK on CD by BGO Records in August 1996, with new liner notes. This new edition fell out of print before a second CD re-issue followed in 2008 by the US label Water Records. The album was re-issued again on 3 June 2013 as part of a 5-CD set entitled ''Scott - The Collection 1967-1970''.<ref name="Minsker">Minsker, Evan. [http://pitchfork.com/news/50272-scott-walkers-first-five-albums-to-be-reissued-as-the-collection-1967-1970-box-set/ Scott Walker's First Five Albums To Be Reissued]</ref>


⚫
The album was split between the opening ten original compositions and five interpretations of middle-of-the-road standards and pop songs. Walker also took the unusual step of sharing his writing credits with his new manager Ady Semel. Walker summarised the collaboration with Semel: "He acts as my censor, vetting all my lyrics and striking out the words likely to harm old ladies".<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/> Walker also brought in [[Esther Ofarim]], another singer managed by Semel, as a guest vocalist on "Long About Now".
⚫
The original liner notes were by Walker's then-manager Ady Semel with cover photography by Michael Joseph.


Walker wrote the songs for the album quickly while on a working holiday in Greece in September 1970.<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/> The album was recorded late that same year between September and November 1970,<ref name="The Impossible Dream">{{cite book |first=Anthony |last=Reynolds |year=2009 |title=The Impossible Dream | edition=1st |publisher=Jawbone Books |location=London |isbn=978-1-906002-25-1 |page=244}}</ref> with Walker's usual [[Philips Records|Philips]] studio team consisting of producer [[Johnny Franz]], engineer Peter J. Olliff, and both [[Angela Morley]] (credited as Wally Stott) and [[Peter Knight (composer)|Peter Knight]] directing the musical arrangements.
==Recording and music==
⚫
After the critical and commercial failure of Walker's previous album, Walker made several compromises with his manager and record company in an effort to restore his career momentum. The most apparent commercial decision was the singer's return to his stage name having chosen to be credited under his birth name, Scott Engel for the first time on his previous album ''[[Scott 4]]''.


⚫
The album marked the last time Walker would release any original material until [[the Walker Brothers]]' album ''[[Nite Flights (album)|Nite Flights]]'' in 1978.
⚫
The album was split between the opening ten original compositions and five interpretations of middle-of-the-road standards and pop songs. Walker also took the unusual step of sharing his writing credits with his new manager Ady Semel. Walker summarised the collaboration with Semel: "He acts as my censor, vetting all my lyrics and striking out the words likely to harm old ladies".<ref name="Deep Shade of Blue"/> Walker also brought in [[Esther Ofarim]], another singer managed by Semel, as a guest vocalist on "Long About Now".


==Release==
⚫
The album marked the last time Walker would release any original material until [[The Walker Brothers]]' album ''[[Nite Flights (album)|Nite Flights]]'' in 1978.
⚫
The album was first released in December 1970. It was subsequently deleted and was not available for over 25 years. Receiving poor reviews upon release, the album was later reassessed much more favourably and was eventually reissued in the UK on CD by [[BGO Records]] in August 1996, with new liner notes. This new edition fell out of print before a second CD re-issue followed in 2008 by the US label Water Records. The album was re-issued again on 3 June 2013 as part of a 5-CD set entitled ''Scott - 'The Collection 1967-1970'<nowiki/>''.<ref name="Minsker">Minsker, Evan. [http://pitchfork.com/news/50272-scott-walkers-first-five-albums-to-be-reissued-as-the-collection-1967-1970-box-set/ Scott Walker's First Five Albums To Be Reissued]</ref>

⚫
The original liner notes were by Semel, with cover photography by Michael Joseph.


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = [[Allmusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="Thompson">Thompson, Dave. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r240507|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic review]</ref>
| rev1Score = {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="Thompson">Thompson, Dave. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r240507|pure_url=yes}} AllMusic review]</ref>
| rev2 = [[Pitchfork Media]]
| rev2 = [[Pitchfork Media]]
| rev2Score = 8.4/10<ref name="Plagenhoef">Plagenhoef, Scott. [http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12090-til-the-band-comes-in/ Pitchfork Media review]</ref>
| rev2Score = 8.4/10<ref name="Plagenhoef">Plagenhoef, Scott. [http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12090-til-the-band-comes-in/ Pitchfork Media review]</ref>
| noprose = yes
| noprose = yes
}}
}}
At the time of release ''{{'}}Til the Band Comes In'' received negative reviews by the majority of critics. Critical reception of the album has warmed considerably since Walker was critically reappraised in the decades following [[The Walker Brothers]]' 1978 album ''[[Nite Flights (album)|Nite Flights]]''. The album is now classed as a worthy if somewhat compromised<ref name="Plagenhoef"/> follow up to Walker's first four studio albums (not counting Walker's TV companion album; ''[[Scott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his TV Series]]''). Scott Plagenhoef writing for [[Pitchfork Media]] in 2008, describes Scott Walker's originals "[as] a step down from those on his previous two albums" but "worthwhile nonetheless".<ref name="Plagenhoef"/>
At the time of release, ''{{'}}Til the Band Comes In'' received negative reviews by the majority of critics. Critical reception of the album has warmed considerably since Walker was critically reappraised in the decades following [[the Walker Brothers]]' 1978 album ''[[Nite Flights (album)|Nite Flights]]''. The album is now classed as a worthy if somewhat compromised<ref name="Plagenhoef"/> follow up to Walker's first four studio albums (not counting Walker's 1969 TV companion album, ''[[Scott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his T.V. Series]]'').

⚫
Dave Thompson writing retrospectively for [[Allmusic]] was less charitable, calling "Thanks for Chicago Mr. James" and "Joe," "[the] album's sole concessions to such matters as reputation",<ref name="Thompson"/> and "while Walker's first four albums remain essential listening, and the TV LP at least has its moments, ''Til the Band Comes In'' is best left waiting at the stage door. Some "lost classics" were lost with good reason."<ref name="Thompson"/>


⚫
In retrospective reviews, Scott Plagenhoef of ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' described Walker's originals "[as] a step down from those on his previous two albums" but "worthwhile nonetheless".<ref name="Plagenhoef"/> [[Dave Thompson (author)|Dave Thompson]] of [[AllMusic]] was less charitable, calling "Thanks for Chicago Mr. James" and "Joe" "[the] album's sole concessions to such matters as reputation",<ref name="Thompson"/> and "while Walker's first four albums remain essential listening, and the TV LP at least has its moments, ''Til the Band Comes In'' is best left waiting at the stage door. Some 'lost classics' were lost with good reason."<ref name="Thompson"/>
[[Britpop]] band [[Pulp (band)|Pulp]] implied that the second side of the album was significantly weaker than the first in the lyrics of their 2001 single "[[Bad Cover Version]]". Walker produced the song and its parent album ''[[We Love Life]]'', although Pulp vocalist [[Jarvis Cocker]] states the song was written long before Walker became involved in the project. Cocker also said that he was nervous about singing the line in front of Walker, although states when it came to it Walker either did not notice or did not care.{{cn|date=April 2021}}


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Side one
| headline = Side one
| all_writing = A. Semel/[[Scott Walker (singer)|S. Walker]], except where noted
| all_writing = [[Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker]] and Ady Semel, except where noted.
| title1 = Prologue
| title1 = Prologue
| length1 = 1:23
| length1 = 1:23
| title2 = Little Things (That Keep Us Together)
| title2 = Little Things (That Keep Us Together)
| length2 = 2:18
| length2 = 2:18
| title3 = Joe
| title3 = Joe
| length3 = 3:42
| length3 = 3:42
| title4 = Thanks for Chicago Mr. James
| title4 = Thanks for Chicago Mr. James
| length4 = 2:18
| length4 = 2:18
| title5 = Long About Now
| title5 = Long About Now
| note5 = Sung by [[Esther Ofarim]]
| note5 = Sung by [[Esther Ofarim]]
| length5 = 2:06
| length5 = 2:06
| title6 = Time Operator
| title6 = Time Operator
| length6 = 3:37
| length6 = 3:37
| title7 = Jean the Machine
| title7 = Jean the Machine
| length7 = 2:10
| length7 = 2:10
| title8 = Cowbells Shakin'
| title8 = Cowbells Shakin{{'-}}
| length8 = 1:06
| length8 = 1:06
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Side two
| headline = Side two
| title9 = {{-'}}Til the Band Comes In
| title1 = {{-'}}Til the Band Comes In
| length9 = 3:50
| length1 = 3:50
| title10 = The War Is Over (Sleepers)
| title2 = The War Is Over (Sleepers)
| length10 = 3:36
| length2 = 3:36
| title11 = Stormy
| title3 = Stormy
| writer11 = [[James B. Cobb, Jr.|James Cobb]], [[Buddy Buie]], [[J. R. Cobb|James R. Cobb]]
| writer3 = [[Buddy Buie]], [[J. R. Cobb]]
| length11 = 3:09
| length3 = 3:09
| title12 = The Hills of Yesterday
| title4 = The Hills of Yesterday
| writer12 = [[Henry Mancini]], [[Paul Francis Webster|Paul F. Webster]]
| writer4 = [[Paul Francis Webster|Paul F. Webster]], [[Henry Mancini]]
| length12 = 2:45
| length4 = 2:45
| title13 = Reuben James
| title5 = Reuben James
| writer13 = [[Alex Harvey (country musician)|Alex Harvey]], Barry J. Etris <!-- Barry Etris, Alex Harvey -->
| writer5 = Barry J. Etris, [[Alex Harvey (country musician)|Alex Harvey]]
| length13 = 3:03
| length5 = 3:03
| title14 = [[What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?|What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life]]
| title6 = [[What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?|What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life]]
| writer14 = [[Alan and Marilyn Bergman]], [[Michel Legrand]]
| writer6 = [[Alan and Marilyn Bergman|Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman]], [[Michel Legrand]]
| length14 = 3:36
| length6 = 3:36
| title15 = It's Over
| title7 = It's Over
| writer15 = [[Jimmie F. Rodgers]]
| writer7 = [[Jimmie F. Rodgers]]
| length15 = 2:26
| length7 = 2:26
}}
}}


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
* [[Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker]]&nbsp;– vocals, main performer
* [[Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker]] – vocals
* [[Esther Ofarim]]&nbsp;– vocals on "Long About Now"
* [[Esther Ofarim]] – vocals (5)
* [[Johnny Franz|John Franz]] - Producer
* [[Johnny Franz|John Franz]] – producer
⚫
* Ady Semel – liner notes
* [[Angela Morley]]&nbsp;– Musical director (tracks 1 to 10)
* [[Angela Morley|Wally Stott]] – musical arranger (1–10)
* [[Peter Knight (composer)|Peter Knight]]&nbsp;– Musical director (tracks 11 to 15)
* [[Peter Knight (composer)|Peter Knight]] – musical arranger (11–15)
* Peter Olliff - Sound Engineer
* Peter Olliff – engineer
* Michael Joseph - Cover Photograph
* Michael Joseph – cover photograph
⚫
* Ady Semel&nbsp;– original liner notes
* [[Alan Clayson]]&nbsp;– reissue liner notes


==Release history==
==Release history==
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|-
|-
| [[United Kingdom]]
| [[United Kingdom]]
| {{start date|1970|12}}<ref name=musicbrainz>{{cite web|url=http://musicbrainz.org/release/7c9adffd-81c6-44a2-8113-f86b65013230.html | title=Release: 'Til the Band Comes In&nbsp;– MusicBrainz| publisher=| accessdate=2010-08-10}}</ref>
| {{start date|1970|12}}<ref name=musicbrainz>{{cite web |url=http://musicbrainz.org/release/7c9adffd-81c6-44a2-8113-f86b65013230.html |title=Release: 'Til the Band Comes In&nbsp;– MusicBrainz |access-date=2010-08-10}}</ref>
| [[Philips Records|Philips]]
| [[Philips Records|Philips]]
| LP
| LP
Line 159: Line 141:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{MusicBrainz release|mbid=7c9adffd-81c6-44a2-8113-f86b65013230|name ='Til The Band Comes In}}
* {{MusicBrainz release|mbid=7c9adffd-81c6-44a2-8113-f86b65013230|name='Til The Band Comes In}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 04:18, 19 October 2024

'Til the Band Comes In
Studio album by
Scott Walker
ReleasedDecember 1970[1]
RecordedSeptember–November 1970[1]
StudioPhilips[1]
Genre
Length41:12
LabelPhilips
ProducerJohn Franz
Scott Walker chronology
Scott 4
(1969) 		'Til the Band Comes In
(1970) 		The Moviegoer
(1972)
Singles from 'Til the Band Comes In
  1. "'Til the Band Comes In" b/w "Jean the Machine"
    Released: 1971[2]
  2. "Jean the Machine" b/w "Joe"
    Released: 1971[3]
  3. "Thanks For Chicago Mr. James" b/w "The Hills of Yesterday"
    Released: 1971[4]

'Til the Band Comes In is the sixth solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter Scott Walker. It was released in December 1970 but failed to chart. Three singles were released from the album: the title track backed with "Jean the Machine" was released in the Netherlands, and "Jean the Machine" and "Thanks For Chicago Mr. James" were each released in Japan. No singles were released in the UK. The release is a loose concept album about the inhabitants of a tenement.

Background and recording

[edit]

After the critical and commercial failure of Walker's previous album, Walker made several compromises with his manager and record company in an effort to restore his career momentum. The most apparent commercial decision was the singer's return to his stage name having chosen to be credited under his birth name, Scott Engel, for the first time on his previous album Scott 4 (1969).

The album was split between the opening ten original compositions and five interpretations of middle-of-the-road standards and pop songs. Walker also took the unusual step of sharing his writing credits with his new manager Ady Semel. Walker summarised the collaboration with Semel: "He acts as my censor, vetting all my lyrics and striking out the words likely to harm old ladies".[1] Walker also brought in Esther Ofarim, another singer managed by Semel, as a guest vocalist on "Long About Now".

Walker wrote the songs for the album quickly while on a working holiday in Greece in September 1970.[1] The album was recorded late that same year between September and November 1970,[5] with Walker's usual Philips studio team consisting of producer Johnny Franz, engineer Peter J. Olliff, and both Angela Morley (credited as Wally Stott) and Peter Knight directing the musical arrangements.

The album marked the last time Walker would release any original material until the Walker Brothers' album Nite Flights in 1978.

Release

[edit]

The album was first released in December 1970. It was subsequently deleted and was not available for over 25 years. Receiving poor reviews upon release, the album was later reassessed much more favourably and was eventually reissued in the UK on CD by BGO Records in August 1996, with new liner notes. This new edition fell out of print before a second CD re-issue followed in 2008 by the US label Water Records. The album was re-issued again on 3 June 2013 as part of a 5-CD set entitled Scott - 'The Collection 1967-1970'.[6]

The original liner notes were by Semel, with cover photography by Michael Joseph.

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[7]
Pitchfork Media8.4/10[8]

At the time of release, 'Til the Band Comes In received negative reviews by the majority of critics. Critical reception of the album has warmed considerably since Walker was critically reappraised in the decades following the Walker Brothers' 1978 album Nite Flights. The album is now classed as a worthy if somewhat compromised[8] follow up to Walker's first four studio albums (not counting Walker's 1969 TV companion album, Scott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his T.V. Series).

In retrospective reviews, Scott Plagenhoef of Pitchfork described Walker's originals "[as] a step down from those on his previous two albums" but "worthwhile nonetheless".[8] Dave Thompson of AllMusic was less charitable, calling "Thanks for Chicago Mr. James" and "Joe" "[the] album's sole concessions to such matters as reputation",[7] and "while Walker's first four albums remain essential listening, and the TV LP at least has its moments, Til the Band Comes In is best left waiting at the stage door. Some 'lost classics' were lost with good reason."[7]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Scott Walker and Ady Semel, except where noted.

Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Prologue"1:23
2."Little Things (That Keep Us Together)"2:18
3."Joe"3:42
4."Thanks for Chicago Mr. James"2:18
5."Long About Now" (Sung by Esther Ofarim)2:06
6."Time Operator"3:37
7."Jean the Machine"2:10
8."Cowbells Shakin'"1:06
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."'Til the Band Comes In" 3:50
2."The War Is Over (Sleepers)" 3:36
3."Stormy"Buddy Buie, J. R. Cobb3:09
4."The Hills of Yesterday"Paul F. Webster, Henry Mancini2:45
5."Reuben James"Barry J. Etris, Alex Harvey3:03
6."What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life"Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand3:36
7."It's Over"Jimmie F. Rodgers2:26

Personnel

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Label Format Catalogue
United Kingdom December 1970 (1970-12)[9] Philips LP SBL 7913
UK August 12, 1996 (1996-08-12)[9] BGO Records CD 6308 035
United States September 2, 2008 (2008-09-02) Water Records CD water226
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Watkinson, Mike; Anderson, Pete (1994). Scott Walker - A Deep Shade Of Blue (1st ed.). London: Virgin Books. pp. 155–6. ISBN 1-85227-482-4.
  2. ^ "45cat - Scott Walker - Til The Band Comes In / Jean The Machine - Philips - Netherlands - 6006 107". 45cat. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  3. ^ "45cat - Scott Walker - Jean The Machine / Joe - Philips - Japan - SFL-1308". 45cat. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  4. ^ "45cat - Scott Walker - Thanks For Chicago Mr. James / The Hills Of Yesterday - Philips - Japan - SFL-1329". 45cat. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  5. ^ Reynolds, Anthony (2009). The Impossible Dream (1st ed.). London: Jawbone Books. p. 244. ISBN 978-1-906002-25-1.
  6. ^ Minsker, Evan. Scott Walker's First Five Albums To Be Reissued
  7. ^ a b c Thompson, Dave. AllMusic review
  8. ^ a b c Plagenhoef, Scott. Pitchfork Media review
  9. ^ a b "Release: 'Til the Band Comes In – MusicBrainz". Retrieved 2010-08-10.
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