131. Why Don't You Say Somthing? (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, bongos, percussion, drums, lead guitar, organ
Recorded: 31st March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Secret"

Continuing the experimentation with loops, finally this great song is recorded, almost two years after it was first demoed. Stylistically different from anything Lotus have recorded before, this song could be described as an acoustic dance song, as it features a 4/4 beat similar to techno. However, the track is intended to more like a 60's 'Woodstock' jam session than a 90's dance track. At 8 minutes, this song is a new departure for Lotus, and has a bass solo! Written in 1999.


130. Let's Go To Planet Earth (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, bongos, percussion
Recorded: 30th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "If I Could Fly" / B-side

A new style and a new technique - loops. This song is a funky, laid back track which makes full use of loop effects. The main guitar part was looped and the bassline, bongos, and percussion were looped over. A Santana-style lead guitar was added, making for a fun song. Written in 2001.


129. Sand (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums, lead guitar
Recorded: 27th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

Continuing in the folky style of recent recordings, this is an excellent track. The arrangement is interesting because rather than the ensemble instruments beginning simultaneously at the start of the song, each is dropped in at different points throughout. This leads to an exciting build up to the plucked guitar solo at the coda. Lyrically, it builds on the 'honest' style of the "Ballet Dancer" era, and the vocal itself is sung in a mid-range register. Written 2001.


128. Everything But The Sun (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars
Recorded: 24th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

Once again influenced by Mark Kozelek's recent solo albums, this new song is a bouncy folk number. Like "Bon Voyage" it features detuned guitars and no other instruments. Written 2001.


127. Bon Voyage (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, lead guitar
Recorded: 24th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

An interesting new song, featuring just acoustic guitars. Written using an unorthodox guitar tuning (like "Let Your Love Belong To You"), the song has many intricate passages and the vocal is uncomplicated to allow for an uncluttered arrangement. Even though there are no drums or bass, this is a powerful track. Written 2001.


126. Photograph (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, organ, lead guitar, harmony vocals.
Recorded: 19th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Faithful In Your Heart"

The polar opposite of "If I Could Fly", "Photograph" is slow, long, and very much inspired by Red House Painters. Similar in style to "Painted In The Sky" and "Glass" (although written a good 5 years previously), this is one of the best examples of this style of song. Starting softly and slowly, the song builds up to a crashing finale; and clocking in at over 8 minutes, is one of the longest Lotus tracks. Incorporated into "Photograph" is the 80's guitar sound explored on "Olympic"; it work as a contrast to the otherwise acoustic sound. Vocally interesting, the second verse is half-spoken allowing lyrical freedom and pure emotion to come through. Impressive and brilliant. Written in 1995.


125. If I Could Fly (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, electric guitars, bass, drums, organ, lead guitar
Recorded: 17th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

"If I Could Fly" is an electrified-country strum, similar in style to "Not For Me", but with a more distorted sound. Its apparant simplicity belies what was a complicated recording; getting all the elements right and finding a good vocal to match the overall sound was no easy task. Persistance paid off, and although the vocal track could have been better, the song is an enjoyable romp. Written 2001.


124. Nothing More I Can Do (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric piano, bongos
Recorded: 14th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Radiate"

The third straight "Radiate" song in a row to be recorded, bringing this album closer to completion (only four songs now remain unrecorded). For this song, Robert plays some elegant electric piano over a simple plucked guitar, and this tender ballad takes shape around these two elements. The addition of bongos and drums for the stirring finale is inspired. Written in 1999.


123. Not For Me (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, organ, acoustic lead guitar
Recorded: 13th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Radiate"

"Not For Me" is a folky number, similar in style to the Waterboys (although without the Irish instruments). Well performed, and with a good built up in the last chorus, this is a strong "Radiate" track. Written in 1999.


122. Will I See You Again? (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums, organ, acoustic lead guitar
Recorded: 10th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Radiate"

Certainly faster and more energetic than the recent crop of recordings, this song is an album filler at best. The performance is good but this is fairly basic 'rock' Lotus. Written in 1999.


121. Olympic (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Acoustic guitars, lead guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 10th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: unreleased

An instumental track with quite an interesting sound. It features similar guitar effects to both "In The Night" and "Warm", and overall sounds quite 80's! Written in 2001.


120. Glass (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums
Recorded: 7th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

After the relatively commercial sounding recent songs comes this: another homage to Red House Painters. Similar in structure to "Painted In The Sky", this brand new song begins with arpeggio guitar, and the main vocal line is melodically cautious, Robert singing in a deep, rich tone. After a decent build up the song explodes into an unusual 3/4 time waltz, with raucous electric guitar and crashing cymbals. A very good track, it should feature on "Just Another Universe". Written in 2001. 


120. Here To Stay / Won't Go Away (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 7th March 2001, Binn Eadair View Studio
Produced By: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Above All" / B-side

One of the oldest Lotus songs, "Here To Stay / Won't Go Away" (the unusual title referring to the two separate phrases used in the song, and Robert's uncertainty of which to use) was written in the the early 90's, when Lotus were Waterfall (other titles from this era include "Magpie", "Crown", and "Lavender". It is doubtful these songs will ever be recorded). Robert has always played this song throughout the years; in fact at one stage it was in the running order for "Ballet Dancer". It is no longer an album track but remains a precisely executed, dreamy song with amusing lyrics. Written in 1992.


119. Hot Coals (Rymes)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric guitar,
harmony vocals
Recorded: 3^rd March 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio
Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Lions" / B-side

Another track for the proposed covers album, this is one of the best Lotus covers to date. Robert first heard The Lonesome Strangers' "Walkin' On Hot Coals" performed by Evan Dando in the movie "Heavy". For this version, Robert develops Dando's arrangement and adds some harmonies and guitar parts to make the song his own. The vocal here is one of the best examples of the low singing register; and the warm, easy going nature of the arrangement suits the song's mood. Written in n/a.


118. Lions (remake) (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, organ
Recorded: 27th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio
Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Painted In The Sky"

"Lions" was originally recorded in November 1999, but that version suffered from a tinny production sound with very little bass end. Additionally, the song showed potential that was not fully realised. For these reasons, Robert set about re-recording this song, the first instance of a remake of one of his own productions (the original versions of remade songs were recorded in other studios). This version stretches out the track to four minutes, and is a much funkier affair. The backing track still features guitar, but the rhythm comes from the rich organ-driven backing in tandem with the funky bass. The vocal is sung in the low register Robert has now perfected, which gives the song a much needed air of cool. Written in 1998.

117. She's So Beautiful (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, electric guitar, lead guitar, electric piano
Recorded: 24th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "Just Another Universe"

One of the most focused and fully realised songs of recent times, "She's So Beautiful" is a return to the confident style of "Beautiful Day" and "This Morning". A melodic tune written in D major, this song contains some of Robert's most affectionate lyrics. The unexpected change to the minor key for the middle 8 guitar solo (originally written as a separate song) is powerful, and the song's coda is also based on this chord sequence. A gorgeous vocal tops a great performance. In all, this is classic Lotus and a contender for top 5 Lotus songs ever! Written in 2001.


116. I Will Miss You (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitars
Recorded: 20th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "She's Gonna Go Away" / B-Side

Again from the "Ballet Dancer" era, this song takes its cue from the Beatles' "Julia", with its similar fingerpicking style. One of the saddest Lotus songs, the track features some impressive guitar playing and the yearning vocal is full of the melancholy found on most songs from this era. Written in 1993.

115. Let Him Go (Crosbie)

Crosbie: Vocal, acoustic guitar, bass, drums
Recorded: 19th February 2001, Binn Eadiar View Studio Produced by: Robert Crosbie
Appears On: "What I Have To Do" / B-Side

A very basic song from the "Ballet Dancer" era. This track is odd as it has no discernible chorus or refrain; but it does contain some nice changes and interesting musical ideas. Written in 1993.


114. Another Day For Stories (Crosbie)

This pretty ballad is quite old, and was written at the piano by Robert during his productive summer of 1995. However, on this version no piano is to be heard. This version was probably intended just to be a run through but actually turned out rather well. The vocal is very good, and the guitar line throughout (originally the main piano line) acts as a nice counterpoint to the main melody. Written in 1995.


113. Wicked Game (Isaak)

Finally, a recording of this great cover version, which was played by Lotus during the late 1998 gigs. Totally transforming the track with a rocking backing section, this is a wonderfully executed version, and is very close to the 'original' Lotus cover. This song should appear on the rumoured covers album. Written in n/a.


112. A Year From Now (Crosbie)

A new, moody piece, using similar effects as "In The Night". The song stops and starts and builds up some tension with impressive ease. Excellent drumming punctuates the track. It is a perfect song to end an album; indeed, it is the final track on "Just Another Universe". Written in 2001.


111. Always Be Here (Crosbie)

This song is quite old, and opens the second half of "Faithful In Your Heart". A nice, flowing song, it features a beat not normally found on Lotus recordings. All in all this song has a very warm ambience, a sound helped by Robert's new bass guitar - the bass line here is very bubbly and original. Written in 1996.


110. Fall Into My Open Arms (Crosbie)

A folky throwaway number, but good enough to be an album track. A very nice vocal on this track, and interesting "knee slap" percussion! Written in 1999.


109. You'd Only Be Wasting My Time (Crosbie)

After the more reflective nature of recent songs, here Robert bounces back with another catchy A-Side. A song rooted in 70's rock, this is harmless fun, but is well performed and features some nice interplay between the guitars and bass. Written in 2001.


108. Trees River Mountains & Boats (Crosbie)

Another beautiful instrumental, similar to "Natural E". Featuring intricate finger picking, with some delicately played acoustic guitar. Written in 2001.


107. Never Been Like This Before (Crosbie)

The third version of this song to be recorded, and the best. This is the version that finally fully completes the "Ballet Dancer" album, an album full of melancholy and sadness - but full of beautiful music and some of the most original moments in the Lotus repetoire. Written in 1994. 


106. Outside Your Garden (Crosbie)

Another song from the "Ballet Dancer" era, this is a song Robert never thought too highly of. However, as before the song was transformed into a musical 'tour de force' in the studio. A new coda was written, and the sparse instrumentation and repeated progressions hint at Red House Painters. The Spanish guitar solo adds an exotic flourish. Written in 1993. 


105. Too Stupid For You (Crosbie)

Pounding drums, blistering guitar, and a screamed vocal - definitely the hardest rocking song to date! Written in the "Ballet Dancer" era, this song is similar to "Mindless (Over You"), and sounds more like a live performance than a studio recording. The energy level here is surprising, given the mellow nature of recent recordings; but the results are brilliant. Written in 1993.

104. Ragged Eyes (Crosbie)

Robert once again demonstrates his versatility with this number, a slow blues instrumental. It features some excellent lead guitar, and ends with some unexpected, but lovely, chord changes.  What is most impressive is that this track sounds like it was recorded by a band, and not just one man in a studio! Written in 2001.


103. What I Have To Do (Crosbie)

Another resurrection of an old song. Robert decided that the 1994 recording of this song was not of good enough quality to include on an album, so he set about recording it again. This remake, with its low vocal and heavy reverb, turns the original upbeat version into a dark, brooding song with a hint of menace. Written in 1993. 


102. In The Night (Crosbie)

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