Search - Robert Wyatt :: Dondestan Revisited

Take two : even better than take one!

russell | Paris | 03/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is significant that the title of the album is 'Revisited'. Wyatt himself claims that he's just tinkered with a re-mix, but in fact the whole album sounds more coherent and simply crisper than the 'original' of a few years ago. This is perhaps Wyatt's most neglected album, but is built almost entirely around pure melody, while his singing even out-hypes Ryuchi Sakamoto's cliché. Not the saddest, but certainly one of the most human voices in world music. You won't find a more beautiful or poignant chorus than CP Jeebies (I don't like the title much) and the imagery of other songs' lyrics about empty Spanish beaches perfectly matches the quiet sense of loss that Wyatt felt as his own political party abandoned the struggle long before he himself did. A sense of being true to one's ideals, but.. alone. The music embodies this sincerity perfectly. Only with the release of the warmer and more dynamic 'Shleep' is it apparent that 'Dondestan' was no sad swansong, but a pause to leap even further skyward. A real understated and very, very rich masterpiece. Added to which, there's a charming and informative video interview about the making of... generous to a fault, and giving the lie to all discographies that still have Wyatt's talent peaking with Soft Machine or the admittedly awesome Rock Bottom."

A beautiful light.

12/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dondestan is one my favorit record. I did not know Mister Wyatt before hearing it, a few years ago, and found it a little strange at the begginig. Strange enough, anyway, to listen to it again, and again, and again... More than music, this is pure light; and some kind of incredible one, deeply white and generous. I always wear sunglasses while listening ro it."

A Masterwork.

russell | 07/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album of great depth and beauty. Where in some ways it could be seen as Old Rottenhat part 2, it still merits credit in it's own right and could be seen as one of his greatest works. Wyatt brilliantly plays all the instruments here presenting brilliantly sparse yet rich, mature songs, sounds and rhythms. This is a recording that will both grow on you and sustain you over time. Robert Wyatt is truly a unique and original artist one deserving of a significant place in the history of contemporary music. Highly recommended...Simon"