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'Til the Band Comes In: Walker's Hidden Gem Found
11 Sep
Summary
- Lost Scott Walker album 'Til the Band Comes In is now reissued.
- Album features 10 new Walker compositions and five covers.
- Songs explore themes of broken people and societal issues.
The previously lost and out-of-print album 'Til the Band Comes In by Scott Walker has been reissued, filling a significant gap in his career narrative. Released in 1970, a year after his acclaimed 'Scott 4', this record comprises ten original Walker compositions and five cover songs. The original tracks, co-credited to Walker and manager Ady Semel, were conceptualized around apartment complex residents.
These songs depict characters like the lonely pensioner "Joe" and the former dancer "Jean the Machine." While a step down from his previous work, Walker's originals on 'Til the Band Comes In are frequently stunning. Arranged by Wally Stott, these delicate tales resonate with a sense of lives lived.
Tracks like "Thanks for Chicago Mr. James," the title track, and "Little Things" stand out as some of Walker's best. The jazz-inflected "Joe" and "Time Operator," alongside "Jean the Machine" and "The War Is Over (Epilogue)," collectively make this a valuable addition to Walker's catalogue.
