In addition to my previous post, I have the following to add.

Oh, Amelia Barratt's spoken word doesn't evoke any positive feelings in me at all.

It doesn't sound sexy or captivating, and it doesn't make me curious for more in any way.

To me, it seems more like a bedtime story for elderly people in a retirement home.

No!!! I reject the album completely.

Hmmm... 'The Main Thing' FB group - not sure how many users of this forum are on it, but I've been there and long since left. Despite loving all things Roxy/BF, many of the people using it seem worryingly obsessive, to the point i imagine any dress code for participation is likely to involve jackets with very long sleeves that tie up at the back.

It's a good deal more measured/rather less hysterical, here.

@UK Richard

I absolutely agree with you about this Facebook page, of course.

I'm happy for everyone who likes the Loose Talk album.

It just isn't my taste.

I'm also disappointed that Bryan dug up old musical material and used it here. It's nothing new.

That should be enough of my criticism of the album.

VIVA ROXY MUSIC

What if Bryan sang those poems? I'm certain he's got some kind of melody in his head when making those soundscapes. He has rested his voice now for 2 1/2 years, so I guess his voice would be a good as it can be by now.

Such is the nature of this album, I think anyone would agree that it's not going to be to everyone's liking. Any new album can cause a bit of a stir amongst fans, but this one is BF going off on such a tangent, that more marked differences of opinion are inevitable.

Mes Amis,
W2 has become completely intoxicated by ‘Loose Talk’ - what an absolute masterpiece this is.
There is so much to like on this album but after repeated listenings the absolutely haunting piano and bass on ‘White Noise’ complements Barratt’s cut glass vocal monologue so perfectly it has rendered itself Windswept’s absolute favourite.
It would be great to know which musicians have played on each track.
Whether it’s Alan Spenner (RIP) or Guy Pratt on ‘White Noise’. Whoever did it layed down a fabulous line - it juxtapositions perfectly with Ferry’s brilliant piano riff.
Any favourite tracks out there ?
Salutations a tous,
W2

From BF's recent 'Uncut' interview:
"The oldest track is 'White Noise'.... It has wonderful bass playing on it, really exceptional. Alan Spenner was a genius and I think it was the first time I ever worked with him."

Whether BF is using old demos or not, is irrelevant. What matters is the final result. And surprisingly enough, it’s fantastic. After years—no, decades—of mediocre albums (Bête Noire, Mamouna, Taxi, Dylanesque, Olympia, not to mention that jazz nonsense), there’s finally a record that makes you sit up and take notice. Phew, at long last…

In a recent interview with Spin Magazine, BF shared that this was exactly the kind of record he wanted to make at this stage—something “free-flowing” rather than a song destined for radio. He’s also spoken about his desire to break away from traditional song structures—verse, chorus, refrain—so it must have been incredibly liberating when a chance meeting with Amelia Barratt unexpectedly unlocked an entirely new world of sonic exploration.

For those feeling disappointed by this turn of events—well, the Retrospective Box Set serves as a more than fitting farewell gift. Our artist is nearly 80, and in the precious time he has left, it’s only fair that he gets to sift through old boxes of cassettes and demo tapes, creating as many spoken-word sound collages as he pleases.

As Sentimental fool said ‘ Finally a record that makes you sit up and take notice’ ( although, I have to add that the great post modern experiment of ‘The Jazz Age’ also did that for me )

As I’ve said in another post ‘Loose Talk’ has the joy of being a challenging experience - like the ‘before times’ when something you disliked on first listen became an obsession by the 5th..

Cher Windswept - I’m frightened to listen to ‘White Noise’ too much because it is so beautiful I want to keep it in a special place … My obsession at the moment is ‘Pictures on a Wall’ - I love the randomness and stream of thought - climbing bat - trap for a mouse - ash and snow… the music and noise growing more intense with every word.

Taste Tarantulas,
A week on and W2 remains completely captivated by ‘Loose Talk’.
There isn’t a bad track on it and the combination of Barratt’s words and Ferry’s haunting music is divine. The whole thing is just so cinematic.
Regarding favourites W2 is starting to vacillate:
As always, Le Jardinier demonstrates excellent taste. ‘Pictures On A Wall’ is intoxicating albeit ‘Demolition’ has W2 completely hooked whilst revisiting ‘White Noise’ remains a compulsion with ‘Orchestra’ gripping more and more.
Enjoy mes amis - we are so lucky to have this.
Salutations a tous,
Windswept.