TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Iain

What do you think of those two albums? They always seem to get the most flak I think.

PS. I agree that Joy Mining is brilliant. Thanks for making such a fab record.

Jamie

I have very different feelings about those 2 albums. A lot of the initial impressions are based on how good the experience was making the recording.
The making of "Go for broke" was not a great experience. For the first time in quite a while I was assigned a producer. Someone very good at his job, but no-one I was familiar with on a personal level. I think it's important that the artist has somewhat of a personal connection with his producer. Norbert Putnam was very much a take charge producer and didn't want me around for a lot of the sessions. This didn't go down well with me. Hell...it was my album. He also influenced the choice of material. So...it was ultimately too commercial sounding for me. And that LP cover!!!!!
"Hit and run" on the other hand was a whole other kettle of fish.
Nick Venet was a friend and a very easy guy to work with. He didn't interfere with the arrangements. We'd also played most of the songs live quite a bit and more importantly...I'd found a songwriting partner and a style i was very comfortable with.
So.."Broke" I'll give a 5 and "Hit" I give a 9
Of course, the one thing I cannot influence is the reaction of the critics and the general public.

Thanks for your comments, Iain.

I've always enjoyed "Darkness, Darkness" off Go For Broke, but I much prefer your rerecording of "Lonely Hunter" that you did on Spot Of Interference.

Jamie

For what it's worth, "Go For Broke" was the soundtrack to courting my missus, now of 33 years & remains a firm favourite to this day. For that, Iain, I shall always be grateful.  :)