(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocal
Gordon Midgley: Guitars / Bass / Backing Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Arrangement, Production & Final Mix by Gordon Midgley

From the very beginning of our relationship, my wife Jo had always wanted me to write her a love letter. We have been together for 34 years and, in that time, I’ve written her 3 love songs, which she often says are very special and mean so much to her - and yet she would still remind me that she’d never had the love letter she had always wanted.  So the idea occurred to me that I would write her a love letter within a song.  I wanted to make it a surprise, so had to write it in secret, which in itself was no easy task.
Once I had something I thought worked well I decided, although possibly difficult, to play this song with it's personal expression of love to someone who I knew would give a totally honest opinion.  That person could only be my brother Gal.
By the time I sent him the secretly made demo, I’d convinced myself it wasn’t very good so it was something of a surprise when he said he absolutely loved it.

Even as I was writing the song, I always had Gordon in mind as the best person to work on it with us.  He’s such a sensitive and tasteful player and the arrangement he produced, along with Gal’s drumming, proved the perfect vehicle for the kind of ‘love letter’ I wanted it to be.  Without their consummate skills, none of the following could ever have happened.    

The original plan was to play Jo the song on Mother’s Day but I’m afraid excitement got the better of me so, on the very day Gord sent the final mix, I decided to reveal the big secret. I suggested she listen on headphones, hoping that would help give the kind of immediate intimacy and connection I wanted her to feel.  Watching her listen, I was feeling more than a little nervous but as the track continued, she grabbed my hand and started to cry and continued to do so after it had finished, telling me that she now had her love letter and that it was the most special thing ever.

It was something I’ll never forget and, as sentimental as all of this may seem, I make no apologies for this love letter to my beautiful wife Jo and the perfect moment it gave to both of us.
(Terry Reeves) 

Dear Jo 
When we first met love at first sight I never knew
I had never felt could you to feel the same way too
Two long years to get the strength to tell how I felt
The fear inside you would smile and make life melt
Life was far too short to keep a secret to myself
When I explained you didn’t leave me on the shelf

Dear Jo, Dear Jo Dear Jo, Dear Jo
Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo,

Dear Jo 
A lifetime in your arms can never be complete
Do it all again my heart would miss a beat
Hanging by my fingertips showing I want to stay
Every single second and every second single day
A chance to tell you how much I love you I always will
Creation of a love storm, from the start we made it real

Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo
Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo

Dear Jo
We were meant to be with each other there’s no doubt 
Some tried to separate our love by loudly shouting out
Our love never about anybody else just you and me
Knowing that the end result didn’t need an apology 
Heads up looking forward three children by our side
Memories are for you and me our time machine will glide

Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo
Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo 

Dear Jo 
You always wanted me to write you a special love letter
All the words you deserve are so hard to put together 
No time to apologize for the difficulties I have caused 
Not the plan I promised and like you I am so confused 
I said many times I wouldn’t change a single thing
All my love is yours you gave my voice a chance to sing

Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo
Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo, Dear Jo  
Dear Jo

DEAR JO - CRIPPLE CLUB & GORDON MIDGLEY

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocals
Gary Reeves: Backing Vocals
Hans Albers: All instruments, Arrangement, Production & Final Mix

Gary and I have always been fascinated by the beauty of cloud formations. So when we first heard about SoundCloud, the very name piqued our collective imaginations before we'd even visited the site or posted any music. We started Mountain Songs nine short years ago and we've now had well over half a million plays on the page, something we could never have expected. 
The two of us have had many conversations about SoundCloud being like an imaginary village situated somewhere up in the clouds. In this village, there are lots of pubs and bars where we meet with other like-minded folks, occasionally stopping to play music together and share a hypothetical drink or three to oil the wheels of discussion. These hospitable watering holes may indeed be imaginary but the friendships made have been very real, meaningful and long-lasting.
This seemed like the ideal time to write a song about this fantastic village. Within the lyrics, you may read names you've never heard before but they are all, in some way, connected with cloud phenomena. If you're at all interested, do Google them and read their stories. It's fascinating stuff.
Of course, Hans picked up on the atmosphere of this one straight away and, as always, has produced a brilliant arrangement that took the song on to greater heights. He is just one of those with whom we not only collaborate musically but have also become close friends, alongside others such as Gordon Midgley and Arkestar. There are so many other names we could mention but we sincerely hope they know who they all are.
As many of you will be aware, neither Gary nor myself are getting any younger and age has brought with it a number of debilitating medical conditions that are making it harder and harder to stay as active on SoundCloud as we have been in the past. Gary has always been the one who maintains the day-to-day contact but his ongoing health problems are now starting to make that impossible. We continue to support each other as best we can and will be posting new songs when we get the opportunity. 
We're not saying goodbye here, more of a 'we’ll see you around when we can...’ 
This song is for all of you, our wonderful SoundCloud friends. With all our hearts, we thank you for the kindness and support you have shown over the last nine years. It really has meant the world to us. (Terry Reeves)

Welcome to the SoundCloud village
Come and play your part and don’t worry about the spillage

The cloud committee with thermal drafts
All around the world from Moon to Mars
Fish skin and fire giving rainbow skies
And many sounds heard avoid euphonious lies
Welcome to the SoundCloud village
Come and play your part and don’t worry about your image

A Nimbus cloud forming part of our friendship 
With an open gate to welcome McKendrick
Harmonic instruments played by the commune
As our voices scream, searching for the right tune
Welcome to the SoundCloud Village 
Come and play your part don’t worry about the beverage 
Welcome to the SoundCloud Village 
Come and play your part and make sure the world’s astonished
Welcome to the SoundCloud village
Come and play your part and don’t worry how long to finish

Columnas clouds covering every hamlet
With your head inside to avoid any bandit
Gavin Pretor-Pinney guides ukes to a mission
And shares music and clouds with all who listen
Welcome to the SoundCloud village
Come and play your part with moments to cherish

William Rankin rode hard and past thunder
With Lucy in The Sky, with diamonds up and under
In the cloudy village that never will be seen
Covering collaborations of musical dreams
Welcome to the SoundCloud village
Come and play your part and don’t worry it’s a privilege 
Welcome to the SoundCloud village (repeat….)

SOUNDCLOUD VILLAGE - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS (Please See Description)

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocal
Gordon Midgley: Guitars/Bass/Moog/ Backing Vocals
Arkestar: Horns & Horn Arrangement
Gary Reeves: Drums/Percussion
Arrangement, Production & Final Mix by Gordon Midgley

In case you’re wondering why the track is called what it is then I cannot tell a lie. it’s all Gordon’s fault.  I was having an email conversation with him about life, the universe and everything when, for no reason I could easily glean at the time, he said “I’ve got to go and walk to Asda in the fog". I wasn’t sure if he meant he could only walk to Asda if there was fog or that he just needed a walk in the fog and Asda was as welcoming a place to go as anywhere else or, more simply, that he had to get some groceries and Asda was the nearest and most convenient place to go in such inclement weather. Whatever the reason, my immediate thought was “What a great title for a song…”.

There’s certainly no shortage of songs about Covid-19 but I just couldn’t resist the temptation Gord had inadvertently sent my way to vent some of my Covid frustrations.  If you chance to read the lyrics and aren’t from the UK, I should explain that all of the words in capital letters are the names of UK supermarket chain stores.  You may also be wondering why I mentioned the Royal Yacht so, for those of you that hadn’t heard, our wonderful government, in the midst of the pandemic and the financial constraints it was placing on the country, announced that it was commissioning the building of a new one at a cost of somewhere around 200 million pounds.  Isn’t it good to know they have their fingers firmly on the pulse of public spending at times like these?

For some time now, Gal and myself have wanted to work on a track with both Gord and Arkestar and for many reasons, this particular song seemed to lend itself really well to the idea.  We’d therefore both like to thank them for lending their unrelentingly brilliant skills and commitment to the entire project and for making it such a complete pleasure to work on.  We certainly had more fun than we’d a right to. Thanks again for listening. (Terry Reeves)

Walking to ASDA in the fog
Every step with a loud paradiddle 
Avoid a variant of thickening smog
Strings of ministers in cabinet fiddle

Who got it?

Running to TESCO in falling snow
Remaining safe, wash all our hands
Vaccination waits for protection show
Sharp scratch but no summer sands

She got it
He got it

Skate to SAINSBURY’S on slippery ice
Peering to find the unforgiven Lord
Discuss the increasing price of rice
Politicians cut with ceremonial sword

Who needs it?

One, two cold runnings to MORRISON’S way
Sliding monobob a lonely lockdown 
Cresta pandemic flat on skeleton tray
Oxford to Moderna safety COVID town

Middle

Adventurous trip to the ICELAND’S
Climbing frozen peaks in cabinet change
Arctic conditions finding blue diamonds
Words of memoirs on only one page

Who reads it?

Freezer in ALDI like a 63 mission
Hunting food to last past pandemic 
People buy rolls with zero nutrition 
Persuasion ignored by Academics 

Who wants it?
They missed it

Running to LIDL in the ice-kissed smog
Chance of surviving a Third World War
Is there time to buy a new Royal Yacht?
I don’t think so!

WALKING TO ASDA IN THE FOG:  CRIPPLE CLUB with GORDON MIDGLEY & ARKESTAR

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocals / Guitar
Hans Albers:  All additional instruments, Arrangement and Production

When Brian first played me “If The Stars Are The Dreams Of Spacemen“, I was absolutely stunned by its brilliance.  Of course, having grown up with his songwriting, I was already a huge fan of everything he wrote but did think there was something extra special about the song.  Knowing him as a brother, I saw just how revealing it was about his often uneasy relationship with the world and his place in the scheme of things.  The closing line, “Who am I?” said it all for me.  It was a song to which I often returned, particularly after he was gone.

Eventually, I arrived at the idea of writing something that in some way linked to his original composition but told the story from my own perspective.  Not wanting to ride on his coat tails in any way, I felt very uneasy about doing this, so decided it was something I would do purely for myself.  It took many long months to come up with something I thought would be a worthy companion piece but the more I wrote, the more the idea took on a strength and shape of it’s own until I had fashioned it exactly as I wanted it to be.

It took quite some time to summon up the courage to play it to Gary, thinking if he thought it was any good, I might take it further.  When he said that he thought that it was one of the best songs I’d ever written (something I really didn’t expect) and that I should send it to Hans, it had an overwhelmingly emotional effect on me, particularly since I was very doubtful about playing it to anyone else at all.

Hans always has a way of emotionally inhabiting the songs I write and the arrangement he produced was exactly what I felt the song needed.  There’s no doubt in my mind that if he and Bri had ever played together, they’d have created musical dreams that would spread throughout the universe.

Today, the 22 August 2021, marks the ninth anniversary of Bri’s death and I can only hope that this song does him justice.  We miss him more than ever.  (Terry Reeves)

*Manu (https://soundcloud.com/man-on-a-grill) put together a wonderful version of Bri’s original song a few years back.  If you’d like to hear it, you can do so here:
https://soundcloud.com/man-on-a-grill/rocky-mountain-wmoag-the-inconsistent-jukebox-if-stars-are-the-dreams-of-spacemen  


How can I write a song about the stellar writer?
Breathing music in space, helping bands to be tighter
A Bishop’s marriage of schemes inside your wigwam 
As the cluster of stars reflects only you as it can 

CHORUS 
If the stars are the Dreams of spacemen
Floating around by imagination 
Adjusting scope to seat the nightmares 
A magnetic field of dreams 
With musical chairs

A spaceman in search of the perfect mate
Floating through Galaxies more dreams of love can’t wait
Loving tears never seen behind a facial shield 
As the Milky Way melts revealing what Kepler’s laws might yield 

CHORUS 

I could never write the songs of stars
With your heart so full of love from here to Mars
The spaceship framed inside a past that lingers
Touching gravity with your skill of voice and fingers

CHORUS 

Isolations ending showing fusions of greatness 
Will never explain your skill of silence and lateness 
Knowing love as you do 
Making love a sad fool
I will never fully know who you are

CHORUS

STARS THAT LINGER (FOR BRI): CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves, 23.6.21)
Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocals
Hans Albers:  All instruments, Arrangement & Production

image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blackbird_Silhouette_(150819537).jpeg

You might imagine that this song is very much influenced by Paul McCartney’s classic but although it certainly covers similar ground, the route via which it came to be has a genesis all it’s own.

Some months ago, Barbara Browning & Imre Lodbrog covered one of my songs, ‘Who’s Gonna Be My King’ (https://soundcloud.com/barbarabrowning/whos-gonna-be-my-king?si=e95c961d64c34c798ce64a06d2c3c767).  One of the many delights of hearing it was that, from their garden, you can clearly hear a blackbird singing, almost as if he or she were somehow joining in with them. I’d written the original as a lament to my late brother Bri and every element of Barbara & Imre's version resonated so deeply that it stuck in my mind for quite some time. 

In the early Summer, the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement was beginning to receive some rather  negative press reaction, something that was, to me, entirely and unforgivably misplaced.  Whenever I listened to B & I's version of ‘King', the feelings I still harboured about how unfair and undeserved Bri’s death had been somehow became intertwined with those I was having about the criticism the ‘BLM’ movement was receiving. 

So that was how this song came to be written.  I realise it’s just a cathartic exercise, one that isn’t going to change the world, merely being something I felt needed saying.  What I do know is that it’s a song that I love to sing because I mean every word.

It has been said so many times in these descriptions just how amazing a musician Hans Albers is and with this song he surpassed himself by producing four different versions from the demo I’d sent, all different and all completely wonderful.  Hans had written a tune called ‘Werewolf’ some years before which had a very similar chord structure and he  experimented to see if the two would fit together.  As things turned out, they were a perfect match, which is why we chose to post the version we have.  We hope you enjoy it.  (Terry Reeves)

A mirror image of many things seen before 
Reflecting faces behind slow closing doors
Asking questions to those who lived before
To those who lived before

Time to move forward and statues to ignore 
Duplications of fears hoping to leave all behind
No more chains, No more chains, No more chains 
To holdback opinions of kind 

I heard The Blackbird sing (x 4)

A birthplace of distance not to forget in mind
Born on one planet to help one planet rewind
Change of scenery distance and hopeful contrast 
The reality of truth in time can never be too fast 

No secret should be held of any slavery plan
Celebrating in marble supporting political scams
Family riches remain controlled in Buckingham 
No apologies given rejecting any honest exam

I hear The Blackbird sing (x 4)

What happens when clones repeat living past
Historical opinions keep a discriminating cast
Change of scenery distance and hopeful contrast 
The reality of truth in time can never be too fast

I hear The Blackbird sing (x 4)

BLACKBIRD SING (Feat. The Werewolf Orchestra) - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocal
Hans Albers:  All instruments, Arrangement & Production

When a long-term relationship comes to an end, there is almost inevitably a lot of bitterness, anger, upset and regret.  But as time moves along, in my experience at least, these are replaced by a gratitude that you were able to share precious moments with your partner and remember the everyday things that you will always treasure.

Last year, Terry and myself fell into a conversation about my marriage break-up - some eight years ago now - and for some reason I started to share with him all of the little things that made being with my ex-partner so special.  They weren’t earth shattering, just times when we did something ordinary, like cooking a really nice meal together or watching a movie we’d seen many times before and knew we would enjoy.

Sometimes, I’d lay in her lap as we watched.  She’d gently stroke my head and very often I’d fall into the deepest, most relaxing of sleeps.  All the cares of the outside world just drifted away, until it felt as as if we were the only two people in the world.  I’ve never known a feeling like it.  It was sheer and utter heaven.

When we split, she tried to make me understand that it was the right and proper thing to do and, although I went through all of the negative emotions described above, she was absolutely right.  The good times had gone and they were never coming back. That’s just the way life is sometimes.  

So this is the song that Tel wrote about the things I told him.  A sad song yes but tinged with the warm glow of great times shared.  It really is better to have loved and lost...

As always, with Tel’s wonderfully apposite lyrics to guide him, Hans understood exactly what the song was all about and the arrangement he put together sums up my feelings so much better than the words I’ve used here to describe them.  My deepest thanks to he and Terry for telling the story with such truth, compassion and intensity.  (Gary Reeves) 

Can there be just one more moment? 
A lovers dream to touch a single breath
Giving a lifetime to love just one more second 
One thousand heartbeats to stop the thought of death

I remember curling tightly on the sofa
I remember protection from the outside world
I remember feeling arms around my shoulders
I remember it so warm and tender not growing old
Not growing old

A book of moments can’t change an indiscretion 
The best there is seems to haunt the past
Deep depression equals every slice of laughter 
As a memory tries to make the good bits last
               
        CHORUS                 Middle

Hiding from the progress but avoiding backward steps
No comprehension why standing still can’t be the best
Every calculated journey causes fractures to the health 
Looking fine and healthy but not up to living like the rest

                          CHORUS

Looking at the mirror screwed tightly on the wall
No reflection of a happy face but the screws stopping the fall
Eyes fixed on the reason that seems to change all sounds
As the wrinkles prevent the facial skin slipping to the ground 

                          CHORUS X 2
Not growing old
Not growing old
Not growing old

I REMEMBER - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves, 2018)
Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocal
Gary Reeves:  Occasional Chorus Vocals
Hans Albers:  All instruments, Arrangement & Production

Cover art picture is of Mum & Brian, taken in 1949.

My Mum requested that, at her funeral(today, 16 January 2022, being the third anniversary), our sisterJayne and her children made arrangements to cover her coffin in pink roses as a sign to everybody that we should celebrate her life and not mourn her death.  They found a casket with a pink rose design too, which would have pleased her even more.  She wanted to be remembered for the good times she had with her family and many close friends.  Mum enjoyed parties and celebrations a great deal.

In writing the song, I wanted to represent all the important parts of Mum's life to help us to remember what an incredibly generous person she was,  always there to help those who needed some extra love and attention.  We grew up in a house that was somewhere our friends and neighbours could always turn to if they needed help. Throughout our lives it wasn't at all unusual to wake up in the morning to find someone who needed refuge asleep on the sofa.  Neighbours' children would join us for meals on a regular basis and Mum made sure there was always plenty to go round..

At the funeral itself, as the chorus explains, I felt so uncomfortably exposed, standing at the front with all eyes seemingly looking at me, gauging every reaction. I think Jayne and Gal felt much the same if truth be told.  Even with my wife and children there to support me, it was one of those moments in life I don't think any of us ever really wants to face. 

We will certainly never forget our wonderful Mum and all the things she did for us.  She always made special times just a bit more special, going that extra mile so that the memories would last a lifetime.

I felt it was particularly important to write this song for my sister, who was the main carer for my Mum in the latter years of her life and dealt with all the difficulties with so much love, care and strength.  This song is for you Jayne, with all our love. 

As always, we give our heartfelt thanks to Hans for producing an arrangement so in keeping with the spirit of the song and the occasion it marks.
Thank you everyone for all your support.  (Terry Reeves)

One thousand pink Roses to light the flame
One thousand reasons making you live again
One thousand regrets as we all stand still 
One thought of sadness makes this moment so real.

I don’t wanna be here for all to see   X2

Five hundred stories to make you live again
Five hundred dresses in a beautiful frame
Five hundred presents for your many friends
One single moment, our love will never end

I don’t wanna be here for all to see. X2

One hundred whispers hiding words of truth
One hundred wishes turning magic loose 
One hundred kisses for children who sing
Only one person could make hearts ring

I don't wanna be here for all to see.     X4

Only one mother helps grow with a laugh
Only one mother puts smiles in every photograph
Only one mother gives when others take
Our family love you never stopped trying to make 

I will always be here for you and me
I will always be here for you and me...
I will always be
Here for you

ONE THOUSAND PINK ROSES (FOR MUM) - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocal
Hans Albers:  All Instruments, Arrangement & Production
Gary Reeves, Terry Reeves, Jo Reeves, Jason Reeves, Dan Reeves, & Charlotte Reeves sang the chorus backing vocals.
The four month old Richard Terence Reeves provided the laughter for the intro.  

As far back as I can remember the Reeves family were always big on Christmas. We were not a particularly well-off family (we lived in publicly-owned housing) but my Mum, Dad and Nan always made it the most special of times. Dad would make sure that we had both a barrel of beer and comprehensive choice of beverage to welcome any visitors who might call round to celebrate the holiday season. Friends and family we may not have seen in many a long year would be sure to visit and all were welcomed.

The house itself was always bedecked with paper-chains and Christmas lights (a tradition I have continued at my family home to this day), the crowning glory being the tree, at the base of which were a cornucopia of presents, the opening of which began every Christmas Day.  After that it was a continuous celebration of food, drink, music and games.  By the time the evening rolled around, we’d switch on the telly to enjoy all of the Christmas Specials, after which the board game marathons would usually start.

As we all grew older, Bri & Gal started to play instruments, giving rise to the annual family sing-song. In 1969, we recorded one of these on our old Grundig reel-to-reel, a small selection of which have been included on the above track (see: https://soundcloud.com/mountain-songs/xmas-at-home-with-the-von?si=2317d359e0f6482ebeb6662a88d5148b). 

During the later Norman Chop years, when the band became a duo, Brian & Katy opened their own folk club (the Palais de Folk) at the now defunct Derby Arms pub, Shene and built up a very decent following, enabling them to book some of the finest acts on the then thriving folk club circuit.  In 1975, they decided to recall erstwhile members of the band (Gal & Steve Jinks)for their Christmas Party.  It turned out to be one of the best nights the club ever experienced and the place was filled by an enthusiastic, overflowing crowd. I was there that night and will never forget how brilliant it was, wishing I could be up on stage as the fifth member of the band - hence the chorus of the song. 

As always, we owe Hans so much for pulling together all of the strands involved and for making them gel with such a bittersweet resonance.  We do hope you enjoy our Christmas song. (Terry Reeves)

A barrel of beer a pint for every visitor                                                                                  
All food cooking  annual Christmas meal
Flashing lights decorate every corner
The live music from the band always a thrill

CHORUS:
I want to be in the Norman Chop Trio
I want to be the fifth member of the band
I want to sing happy Christmas in the background 
I want to play guitar with melodic hands

Hear songs from daylight to darkness
Family sing together finding harmony 
Two brothers pitch a musical sharpness
Giving feel of sweet sounding certainty

CHORUS

Dad with a pipe helped every low note
Mum and Nan danced and sang every tune
A sister joining fun in beautiful petticoats 
Family singing music melody filling room

CHORUS

Babycham, Sobranie cocktail cigarettes 
Dates in Brazil helped the family go nuts 
Presents under tree one thousand more or less
Another log on the fire keeps temperature up

CHORUS...With melodic hands (x2)

Morecambe and Wise laughter to millions 
Bruce …nice to see you… to see you nice
The board games turning ten hour missions 
Winners still playing not stopping the dice

CHORUS...With melodic hands (x2)

A Bishops Wife noticed a choir of future 
Guitarist and Drummer with flowery shirts
Queen in Black screeching favourite lick slider
Palais de Folk Derby Arms welcome verse

CHORUS...With melodic hands (x4)
CHORUS...With melodic hands (x2)
Happy Christmas!

NORMAN CHOP CHRISTMAS - Cripple Club, Hans Albers & The Reeves Family

Written by Terry Reeves
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Hans Albers:  All instruments, Arrangement & Production

SC Version Video: https://youtu.be/uHu4SAWhysc  
Dark Version Video: https://youtu.be/AZQoKfJCTYA 

You may be wondering how this song acquired the title it did.  These very words were actually said to me by one of my wife Jo's three long-standing and very close friends.  Over the years, they had all entered into long-term partnerships which, for differing reasons, ended very sadly, resulting in them being left on their own.  So I was, in a manner of speaking, last man standing.

When they needed a male presence, I was volunteered to help in a variety of ways, e.g. being a pretend boyfriend when one of them was being pestered by someone in whom they were not interested.  There are many more instances I could recount, some of which were definitely in the ‘very unusual’ category but I was always happy to be of help if I possibly could.  Besides which, they often turned out to be exceedingly amusing.

Fast forward a few years to when I was diagnosed with MS, which brought about a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia, causing pain the like of which I’d not known before.  After a spell taking hefty painkilling drugs that basically turned me into a kind of zombie, my MS specialist suggested ‘Gamma Knife Procedure’.  

This involves (and I kid you not) a metal helmet being screwed directly into your skull at four strategic points, rendering your head totally immobile so that radioactive rays can, with pinpoint accuracy, be fired at your Trigeminal Nerve.  It is indeed a singular sensation to feel blood trickling down your face as said helmet is fixed into place but the benefits that ensued were more than worth the temporary inconvenience.  I was pretty much pain-free for the next two years, after which it did return but all things considered, was extremely pleased with the result.

To celebrate, a dinner party was thrown in my honour, a splendid time guaranteed for all.  It was here that Jo’s friend, whose husband had sadly died, uttered the immortal phrase.  It caused much laughter, as it rightly should have.  I wasn’t in the least offended and, anyway, my very first thought was “What a great title for a song”.

Once again, deep thanks are due to Hans for not only producing two brilliant versions of this song but videos to go with each (links above).  The man has a depth of talent of which others can only dream, myself included.  Thanks so much for listening.  (Terry Reeves)

I was invited to a party
I tingled with the chance
To talk about the future
Step in and out of the past
Who’s that man in the corner?
Wearing a helmet on his head?
This is just my day wear
The gamma ray gun Doctor said
(I heard someone say)

Why ain't you not dead yet?
Why are you still here?
Why are you the only man?
Who smiles and has no fear?

We talked about the weather
And laughed about the grass
The world is tasting plastic
And it doesn't seem to last
Who's that man in the corner? 
With the radiation smile
The glow won't last for ever
Why not enjoy it for a while?
(I heard someone say)

Why ain't you not dead yet?
Why are you still here?
Why are you the only man?
Who has ten layers of veneer? 

We shared some special moments
And showed the battle scars
A pigment of growing older
Figments hidden in a jar
Who's that man in the corner? 
Four holes drilled into his head
Tried to screw me to the wall
Keep me standing and out of bed
(I heard someone say)

Why ain't you not dead yet?
Why are you still here?
Why are you the only man?
Who we seem to volunteer?

Why ain't you not dead yet?
Why are you still here?
Why are you the only man?
Who floats in this atmosphere?

Why ain’t you not dead yet?
I may not be really here
If my name gets mentioned 
I want a smile and not a tear

Keep smiling, I want to smile
Keep smiling, Give me a smile
I want to smile, I want to smile
Yeah, smile...

WHY AIN'T YOU NOT DEAD YET? - Cripple Club & Hans Albers (Video links with description)

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead & Backing Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

When you take into consideration that modern footballers have infinitely better equipment and technical assistance at their disposal, George Best's stats (not that I’m a great fan of these) show what a great player he was. I certainly never saw a player who could do what he could with a football. He was the first footballer to transcend the sports pages and become what we now term ‘a celebrity’. Today’s players are protected from the pressures he experienced but George was always surrounded by people who merely wanted to bathe in his reflected light and take advantage of his generosity. His slide into alcoholism is well documented but, had he played under today’s conditions, his life may have been totally different.

I was fortunate enough to meet him on three occasions and on one of those had the pleasure of just the two of us sitting at a table, sharing our love for football. It probably only lasted about twenty minutes but it meant the whole world to me because he seemed genuinely interested in everything I had to say. He even told me he could speak to Matt Busby and get me a trial at Man. Utd. To this day I regret not taking him up on the offer, not because I thought I was the next George Best but to have my hero offer a trial at the club I supported was something never to be forgotten.

Many years later, I reached a time when drink became my escape from everything and looking back, it scares me to remember how easy it was to become so dependent. I was very lucky to have been rescued by a wonderful woman who gave me a true reason to be. If you've never been utterly dependent on something it’s difficult to realise how much it totally controls your life and the experience certainly gave me a window into George’s world.

As far as I’m concerned, he was the greatest football player that ever lived - even the great Pele said, “George Best is a footballer without comparison”. This is why I say, "Come back Georgie!"

Hans’ brilliant arrangement and Gary’s power drumming give musical wings to my honest tribute to George and I owe them both the deepest of thanks for that. If you listen closely, you’ll be able to hear what the man himself thinks about his football career and I totally agree with every word. Many thanks for listening. (Terry Reeves)

An addendum. You all need to know just how good a footballer Tel was. I watched him play schoolboy football and he was always the best player on the pitch, leading his teams to the winning of many trophies. But for injury problems (he had his leg broken twice) he could have played professional football. I had the privilege of playing Sunday League football with him and his skills were light years ahead of everyone else. In one game, he scored with a shot from the halfway line and this was a good 15/20 years before David Beckham did it. He was special. (Gary Reeves)

Yes I drank the bottle dry
Please don't ask the question why
Just accept this drunken man
Drinking for another plan

Couldn't take things in my stride
Second place it hurt my pride
Told to take some time to think
Think I'll have another drink

CHORUS:
Yes he's the greatest, he really has it all
The king of any man who ever kicked a ball
He makes the headlines every time he shows his face
I wonder if they know our hero up in space?
If not it's just a disgrace
He's here
Georgie 
No fear

Tried to force me to retire
From the bottle I admire
Knew I'd lose out in the end
Destroying me or my best friend

Belong to no one else but me
I'm not public property
I know I have myself to blame
Life is not my favourite game

CHORUS

It's not as sad as you might think
Not looking for a missing link
And I don't need an open door 
Cause all I have to do is pour

Georgie, Georgie come back Georgie...

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS (V1) - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans Albers: All instruments, backing vox, arrangement, production

I have been trying to play the guitar since the early 70s but even after all this time still don’t think I’m really good enough to actually call myself a guitarist.  I was lucky that there were always guitars laying around the family house and could therefore pick one up any time I wanted and strum away to myself.  Having two older brothers who were semi-pro musicians was also a big encouragement and I used to love going down to see them rehearsing with the band they were in at the time, developing a yearning to join them, whilst never believing it would actually happen.

When I moved into a place of my own, my brother Bri gifted me one of his guitars so that I could play any time I wanted.  I can’t actually remember when it occurred to me that I was actually starting to write my own songs but as I continued to play,  pleasing chord structures just seemed to emerge and I started to sing along.  Eventually, I wrote down some lyrics and gave each piece a title. It became a kind of therapy, channelling a lot of my personal and political frustrations into song but keeping it all to myself.  Fear of rejection ruled my thinking for some time.

That I managed to overcome that, tentatively recording a few songs onto cassette and sending them to Bri & Gal turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.  I’ll never forget them calling to say they thought the songs were great and that we must get together to rehearse and record them. 

So that’s how Root Division became an actual band.  We drafted in John Palmer, who had played bass in the band I used to see rehearse all those years before and soon after, there we all were in my living room, recording my songs onto Bri's four track reel-to-reel machine.  It all seems pretty stone-age now but it sounded bloody great to me.  

Those first sessions were recorded in a house on the edge of a school playing field (I was the groundsman) so we could make as much noise as we liked.  Later on, we gravitated to the attic of a house Bri was sharing, going on to record 13 songs and having a blast in the process.  The memories I have of those days still loom large in the memory.  Days full of wild ideas and even wilder laughs.  Days I will never forget.

In all the nostalgia of yesteryear, we mustn’t forget Hans Albers, who has once again produced another brilliant arrangement.  I cannot ever thank him enough for everything he brings to these songs.  Thanks to you all for listening.  Your encouragement means everything.  (Terry Reeves)

Head in the clouds nowhere to go
Empty room with guitar solo show
Playing demo of songs for reaction
Cathartic moments, hidden rejection

Searching for a root division (Dividing dreams, finding truth)
Searching for a root division (Concerts in telephone booths)

Expressive words tried to be taken
Spying musical notes not unshaken
Hopeful moves toward a joint decision
Holidays end in disappointing collision

Searching for a root division  (Dividing dream, avoiding life)
Searching for a root division  (Cutting sharp, use surgical knife)

Writing words with a political slant
Separation of four directional plants
Playing music with family heroes 
No thought of ending with ‘Another Zero’

Searching for a root division (Dividing dream, avoiding truth) 
Searching for a root division (Finding time, a musical sleuth)

(Never expected my brothers to call...)
Searching for a root division (repeat)
 
Live band recording reel to reel tape
Buzzing feeling with a chance to escape 
Start to finish our music engagement 
All on my own to a foursome arrangement

Searching for a root division (Dividing dreams, avoiding truth) 
Searching for a root division (Keeping time all under one roof)

(It’s time to get the band out of bed…"Come on John!")     
Searching for a root division… (Repeat to end)

SEARCHING FOR A ROOT DIVISION - Cripple Club & Hans Albers

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Hans Albers: All instruments/Arrangement & Production

New video on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Z7NUmzq-TCY

For me, getting older has certainly had some advantages, one of them being the ability to take on life's pressures without continually worrying about what is coming along next.

Being seen as the “Wise Old Man" in the family (you know, the one in the comfy chair closest to the TV in the living room), my sons, daughter, nieces and nephews will often plonk themselves down on the seat next to me and disclose their personal problems.  Much though I’d like to pretend otherwise, I rarely have any useful advice to volunteer, the reality being that I offer little more than a sympathetic ear.  That they trust me enough to take me into their confidence is nonetheless most flattering, the reason most likely being that I’m neither judgemental nor threatening and most importantly can be trusted to keep what I’m told entirely to myself.

This song was written after one of these tête-à-tête’s, one in which there was absolutely nothing I could do to change the situation and could only empathise, say that they need never feel they were on their own and affirm I’d always be there for them whenever the need arose.  All the same, I did find myself wishing I could have been of greater help.  I truly did feel blue for them.  

Life can be a sod of a thing sometimes.  When that happens, what else is there to do but write a song about it?   (Terry Reeves)    
 

A glass on the table, half full a distance away
Feeling thirsty and dry so unreachable today
Closer tomorrow but might drain to half empty
Distance unchanged my thirst remains plenty

Feeling so blue for you
Really blue for you

I’ve stood in the forest heard whispers of lies
Every leaf falling past, covers a layer of spies
Try hiding from truth, planet can never disguise
Face stays in the shadows screaming silent cries 

Feeling blue for you
Really blue for you

Look out of the window reflections inside my head
Reversing a vision giving sight to those who bled
The slaughter of life has reduced the time earned
Loving life not chewing death the option unfurled

Feeling blue for you
Really blue for you

I will answer questions if you ask with a smile
I may travel a distance over one million miles
Moving is never a picture puzzles of reasons
Hoping to find missing piece to help mental lesions

Feeling blue for you
Really blue for you

FEELING BLUE FOR YOU - Cripple Club & Hans Albers

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Hans Albers: All instruments, Arrangement & production

From the age of 15 when I first stepped into the world of employment I was told it would be a major advantage to get a job that lasted through to the State retirement age of 65. At the time I'll admit it was not something I took at all seriously.  When you’re that age, the last thing on your mind is bloody retirement.   

However, by the time I reached my early 50’s and had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, my mind became a little more concentrated on reaching what might now  conceivably prove to be an eminently missable target.  In the interim, the UK government decided that, given the population was living considerably longer than it once had, they would incrementally be raising the retirement age, meaning that mine now became 66. 

Our dear old Nan was a dedicated Bingo player and knew that number callers used particular phrases for certain numbers, one of the best known being 66, known as  ‘Clickety Click’.  So reaching pensionable age became inextricably linked to Bingo, hence the title and subject matter of this song.   

The number one - ‘Kelly’s Eye’ - seemed a good place to start and having done some fascinating research, I worked my way through the Bingo calls, choosing the ones whose scansion worked best, until I reached the magic ‘Clickety Click'.  

As the chorus explains, there were no guarantees I’d actually get there, it was just a target.  But I did get there and this song celebrates the fact.  

The song ends with the traditional exclamation of the player who has won the game, being either ‘House!’ or ‘Bingo!’.  When I was recording the vocals, my constant and beautiful companion Marvin (it is he who is pictured in the cover art) reacted to my shouts with a loud bark, perfectly in time, so we decided to keep it in.  Marv is with me at 99% of the recordings and enjoys being involved when the opportunity presents.

As always, huge thanks to the wonderful Hans Albers for another brilliant backing track which is, as I think you’ll agree, perfect for the song.  That man is a genius.
Thanks so much for listening.   (Terry Reeves)


It all started with Ned Kelly’s eye (1)
A cup of tea (3) to stop going dry
Tom Mix (6) wearing hat, riding fast
Monkey’s cousin (12) hanging, trying to last
Key of the door (21), two little ducks (22)
Paid half a crown (26), keep up the luck
In a state (28), rise and shine (29) but alive
One dirty knee (33) to help jump and jive (35)

Sixty six not to preconceive
Sixty six, a target to achieve

Half way to laugh, more than eleven (37)
As life begins (40), time for fun (41) isn’t heaven
Up to tricks (46) towards four dozen (48)
Five-0, Five-0, it’s off to work (50) with percussion
Danny la Rue (52), a man at the door (54)
The snakes are alive (55) but don’t wriggle more
Shotts bus (56) to Scotland, check the sign
Variety of Heinz (57) to the Brighton Line (59)

Sixty six not to preconceive
Sixty six a target to achieve

A baker’s bun (61) all tickety boo (62)
Tickle me (63), almost retired (64) laughing too
Retirement age(65), it should have been fun
Clickety click (66), getting paid
Take the money and run  
Route 66, nearly there
Clickety click, the sound of my wheelchair

CLICKETY CLICK - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Hans Albers: All instruments, arrangement and production.

Einstein determined that time is relative and that the rate at which it passes depends on your frame of reference.  Now I’m not saying that I’m much of a scholar of his work but what I do know is that when the Covid pandemic was at it’s height and we were all confined to our homes, many of those that I spoke to didn’t even know where in the week we were, let alone the time of day, so yer man Einstein probably had a point.

This song was written long before the pandemic surfaced and came during telephone and email conversations I had with my two fellow Cripple Club garage band members, Gary and Hans . For example, I was chatting to Gal one day when he said “You know, I just can’t get the hang of time, these days.  Weeks seem to just merge into each other”. 

On the very same day, Hans sent me an email in which he stated "I’m really struggling to get the hang of time at the moment…” As someone who spends much of his time at home anyway, the two ‘hang of time’ statements did resonate with me and therefore carried an intriguing synchronicity.  I’m not someone who thinks these things have any mystical significance but the fact that they had both used precisely the same expression on the same day certainly placed the idea for this song in my mind.

Thanks again to Hans for taking the concept and formulating it so brilliantly into his arrangement for the song.  And many thanks to you for listening.
(Terry Reeves)

I just can’t get the hang of time
Tomorrow seemed a million miles behind
And yet a date turns up in front of mind
What more to remember or try to find

I just can’t get the hang of time

Another month goes by without a breath
Although breathing in moves me to the left
Time to the right can cause calendar theft
Pitching very low sounds to a musical clef

I just can’t get the hang of time

No shaking up time without showing my age
As click track continues keep missing the page
Never losing my temper but cheating a rage
There is never a tempo that keeps sounds in a cage

I just can’t get the hang of time (Repeat)

BREAK

Qualified people pointing a direction to live
Not one understands why I’m mentally captive
Each box with a tick but the time doesn’t give
My Individual need making all words so inactive

I just can’t get the hang of time

A window reflection shows a man with a beard 
Tuesday or Wednesday? All days disappeared
I just can’t get the hang of time
It wasn’t meant to be an ageing skill of mine.

I just can’t get the hang of time

THE HANG OF TIME - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Tomorrow, 22 August 2022, marks ten years since my brother Bri died. Hard to believe. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. His ashes were released into the River Thames, from the towpath that runs alongside Fulham football ground (quaintly known as ‘Craven Cottage’). He’d been a lifelong supporter of the club so this seemed a very appropriate resting place for him.

For those unaware of the sporting ritual, nearly every year since 1839, there's been a boat race on The Thames between Oxford & Cambridge Universities, held on a course between Putney and Mortlake. It is quite the occasion, with crowds lining the banks of the river for much of the four mile, 374 yard distance. It is broadcast live by the BBC and the Fulham stadium can clearly be seen as the crews row past. Guess who we think of when that happens?

When we were kids, we lived on a housing estate just a couple of minutes from the river, so Boat Race Day was always special. Every family was either a vehement supporter of the light blues of Cambridge or the dark blues of Oxford which seemed quite normal at the time but, thinking back, appears quite odd now. We were all decidedly lower class, with precious little chance of attending any university, let alone Oxbridge. But I clearly remember having a punch up with another kid on the estate because he supported Oxford. Total madness…but in my defence, I was very young at the time.

The family ritual was to watch the race on the telly until it reached Hammersmith Bridge, run to the river to watch the boats go by and then run back to see the finish. You still hear folks say “We had to make our own fun in those days” and I rather think this custom now falls into that deeply enigmatic category.

So that’s how Bri’s death has become inextricably linked to The Boat Race and the thoughts I have of him when the drone cameras look down upon the crews as they zoom past Craven Cottage. The fond memories always win out over the political bewilderment…and, strange as it may seem, I still want Cambridge to win.

For you, Bri. We miss you. (Terry Reeves)

Ten years of ashes floating, reasons to find
Connected thoughts search sensitive mind
Watery echoes continue, grieving combined
Reluctant tidal memories, questions behind

Never to forget you're all part of me

Cambridge beat Oxford, repair some sorrow 
But cannot add smiles to a never tomorrow 
A two to one chance, exciting times borrow 
History growing up, running riverside to follow

Never to forget you're all part of me

Ten years have past left me standing here
No harmony practice, new song to appear
Every heartbeat 4/4 beat counting each year 
Independence not requested, vocal unclear

Never to forget you're all part of me

From Birth to final moments always there
No feeling exchanged or choosing to care
50 years of musical lifetime joined with stare 
Total love for a brother, dreams cannot share

Never to forget you're all part of me
Never to forget you’re all part of me

RELEASE THE ASHES - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

I think it’s important to say that a lot more women than you think have had one or multiple miscarriages. It’s just that it is a subject not often talked about because of the very personal pain that the couple go through. The unborn life has no contact with anybody else except the mother and the emotions are often only remembered by the mother and father.
When Jo and I were expecting our second child we were very excited and looking forward to having another Reeves in our growing family. I will never forget the day that we were told we were going to lose the baby and once told, left sitting in an open A & E waiting area having to cope with all our raw emotions and the prospect of the impending loss amongst the rest of the other patients.
Jo had to go through a painful operation to terminate the pregnancy and it is a day she will never forget. We were a family of three planning being a family of four having now to plan being a family of three recovering from an invisible loss and explain it to our young son.
It was an extremely difficult time but we were fortunate that after a few years we did have two more children. Jo tells me that although it is difficult to explain the connection she had with the unborn child that the presence of life inside her will never be forgotten.
I felt I couldn’t let this moment in our lives pass by without acknowledging our unborn child in some way. The rollercoaster of emotions we shared at that time from euphoria at increasing our family to devastation and bereavement at our loss were felt intensely only by Jo and myself played it’s part in forging the strong bond we have had throughout our relationship. (Terry Reeves)

Two giving chance for more to love
Sharing excitement of a life that grew
Future moments by imagination
Holding tightly to a dream, not knowing who

The moment will always be there

No blessing from a hand of friendship 
Could change the feeling of love untried
A desperation of disappearing contact
Sixteen weeks of wonder with a life inside

The moment will always be there
Will always be there x2

Will always be there x3

It’s hard to share the tears of life unborn
Expectations waiting, true feelings strong
Growing three to four into a family together 
Not knowing where to be or why we belong

The moment will always be there
Will always be there x2

Many questions asked reasons who or why
Emotional growth but no name it’s true
An everlasting memory impossible to share
Changing 4 back to 3 kept just between two

The moment will always be there
Will always be there
Will always be there
Will always be there

FOUR TO THREE - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocal
Gary Reeves: Drums / Drum arrangement
Hans Albers: All instruments, backing vox, arrangement & production

Cover art by Jooinn.

This is a totally stolen idea gleaned from another one of those phone conversations with my brother Gary. We talk to each other every few days and normally end up sounding like two old men sitting on a park bench putting the World to rights.

I’m sure a lot of what we say has been said many times before (what hasn’t?) but one day, out of the blue, Gal says to me “ Sometimes I find things too difficult to deal with. I would love the opportunity to step off the world for just one second and clear my head a bit...” At the time I just accepted it as the type of thing we say to each other but two days after the phone call the idea of stepping off the world to escape the pressures of daily life returned when I was playing my guitar. The words “I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off” fitted with what I was playing and the start of a new opus was born.

Once a song seems complete, I generally record a quick demo and send it off to Gal to see if it has any potential. If he thinks it has, between us we try to put a better demo together to send to Hans.  If he thinks it’s any good, he’ll work on an arrangement and more often than not sends back something back that sounds way better than what we’d imagined.  

We might chip in a few ideas here and there (as Gal did with a totally new drum arrangement on this) but Hans is definitely the one that gives it most of it’s final shape and sound.  I love every step of the songwriting process.  It provides a kind of therapy and the creative process gives every day purpose and interest.  You could say it’s my way of stepping off the world for a short moment.
(Terry Reeves)

I’m stepping off the world
To give myself a chance
For a moment of reflection
Avoid the need to dance 
One thousand miles per hour
Never firmly on the ground 
Gravity with no connection 
Spinning fast head going round 

Stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off
Stepping off the world 

No New Year's Revolution 
Rotating much too fast 
Survival of the fittest
Fittest days are in the past
Step off every Monday
Not back until Tuesday week
One moment makes a difference
Like a lifetime so to speak

Stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off
Stepping off the world

Don’t want to give a reason
Good feelings are oppressed 
Try different constellation 
Laying down has more interest
Stepping off a single second 
With no single past regret
Not a care for single thinking 
Avoid joining one single thread

Stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off
I’m stepping off, I’m stepping off the world
Stepping off the world, Stepping off the world, Stepping off the world, Stepping off the world, Stepping off the world, Stepping off the world...

STEPPING OFF THE WORLD - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums, Cajon
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

This was one of those songs that was inspired by something Hans wrote,  prompting an idea of the movement of water representing the melding of musical ideas.

Whilst we were working on “Release The Ashes”, he sent me a working arrangement in an email, signing off with the words "Love from The Elbe to The Thames”.  Friends and family often say things that spark song ideas and this poetic  greeting stuck in my mind.

I looked at a map that showed The Elbe flowing into The North Sea and The Thames into the Estuary a little to the south and imagined the two bodies of water flowing toward each other, intertwining back and forth, much as the song ideas between Hans, Gary and myself are inclined to do when we’re working on something.

So I have to thank Hans on two counts, both for bringing the idea to mind and also for the arrangement he created, which to me is very special.  Hope you do too.  Many thanks for listening.
(Terry Reeves)     

The river runs from Elbe toThames
Connection between distant friends 
North Sea growing back and forth
Mixture giving and taking at source 

A watery song with dance 
Dispersing over distance
Ebb and flow with a chance 
Avoiding tide resistance

Mersey mixture in history and song
Salt water blends and tries to belong
Move East to West, North To South
Trickle of ideas by word of mouth

A watery song and dance 
Dispersing over distance
Ebb and flow with a chance 
Avoiding tide resistance

River to river to river to river to river...

Tidal transfer of words and music
Echoing sounds, a demo acoustic 
Treaty of Versailles to Parliament plaque 
Rules of agreement, musical track

A watery song and dance 
Dispersing over distance
Ebb and flow with a chance
Avoiding tide resistance

The river runs from Thames to Elbe
Passing secrets, some to be held
Musical water with mixture to last
Ferry sails sea with historical past 

A watery song and dance 
Dispersing over distance
Ebb and flow with a chance
Avoiding tide resistance

River to river
River to river
River to river to river to river….

RIVER TO RIVER - CRIPPLE CLUB & HANS ALBERS

(Song Terry Reeves, Lyrics Janice Slater)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Gary Reeves: Vocals, Congas, Drums
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Cover pic from Janice Slater's personal archive.
Arterial-flow – Rive-gauche
australianjazzrealbook.com/artists/janice-slater/
bentenlaughing.blogspot.com/
www.reverbnation.com/janiceslater

I arrived in London in early ‘71 and landed on the Holland Road, Shepherd’s Bush not long after.
My good pal Julie Lewis (from Durham) with whom I’d worked with in Sydney, had digs there and invited me to stay. Nonetheless I found it a challenging place to be after Sydney, Summer, beaches, family and gigs. Amongst Julie’s record collection was Nick Drake’s 'Bryter Later' which brought solace to me as I often felt very alone and completely at a loss as to how to navigate London town.

Years later I was to learn that Freddie Mercury was living just a few doors down from us on the Holland Road...no I never knew him...but when I wrote the lyric it seemed apt to pay homage to Freddie and our collective dreams. I’m so happy with Cripple Club’s interpretation of the lyrics, bringing to life a musical collage that depicts the highs and lows of living on the Holland Road through my first cold winter! From my heart; thank you Terry & Gary Reeves; you are two soulful & gifted brothers; I feel so indebted to you both and to Hans Albers for his powerful musical contributions. Thank you, everyone, for listening. (Janice Slater)

Having been such a good friend to us over the years, it has been such an honour to work with Janice on this song. It is dedicated to every one of the beautiful friends we have made here on the Cloud. Thank you all for the support you have given to our music. The last ten years have been filled with such wonderful memories. Much love to you all. (Gary & Terry Reeves)

I’m standing on the fraying edge
Of golden russet gown
Everything’s evolving
Spinning and turning my head around

A familiar voice insulted
And 'Bryter Later's so understated
There’s evidence of a circumstantial nature
But once again, I don’t feel the danger

(Spoken) But now I’m declining all invitations...

I hear the doorbell
But there’s just a stranger
Standing on the fraying edge of fear
Of a city without pity and you’re not near

Freddie he’s walking
Heading down the street
Just like me
The snow and sleet under his feet

Oh but we’ve yet to meet
Looking down the Holland Road
Nobody can see us
Standing on the fraying edge

(Spoken) I was just like you Freddie, looking for that song...

Or three or four
We are looking for salvation
On the Holland Road
And Shepherds Bush Station

Freddie he’s still walking, heading down the street
Just like him, singing music for trick or treat

(Spoken) Oh but we’ve yet to meet…

GUITAR BREAK

(Spoken) Just around the corner from…
Portobello Road
On the fraying edge (repeat x 8)
Of a fraying town

THE FRAYING EDGE - CRIPPLE CLUB, HANS ALBERS & JANICE SLATER

(Written by Terry Reeves)

Terry Reeves: Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans-Michael Albers: All other instruments, arrangement & production

Illustration: 'Floating Man' by Enrique Mendez

I don’t believe in luck but I do feel very privileged to have two angels looking after me. My wife Jo and my daughter Charlotte have saved my life on three occasions keeping me alive until the ambulance arrived. I have been told that without their interventions I would not have survived.

Both have chosen not to believe in any God or indeed any outside power that can change our lives.  There may be many of you who disagree but these are the choices we make - each of us believes what we feel is best for us.  If a belief in a higher being helps give anyone’s life more meaning and guides them through each day, we have no argument with that at all.   

I think of Jo and Charlotte as my Atheist Angels.  The care they have given me during these close-to-death experiences shows what beautiful souls they are, always there for me at the time of greatest need.   

On every occasion, there were times when I truly thought that I was drawing my last breath, my existence disappearing as they fought to save me and all I could think of at the time was that, barring my brother Gal, all of my closest male antecedents died when they were just 63.  I was the same age during these episodes and I really didn’t want my name added to the sequence.  My Atheist Angels made sure that it wasn't.

Now I am 67, a proud grandfather, still around to enjoy the experience of watching my family thrive and grow.  There is another grandchild on the way later on this year and the more time I can spend with the love of my life Jo, the better and although my illness is not exactly how I planned things, I still try to enjoy every extra moment.

The continuation of ‘Cripple Club’ with Gal and Hans has been another unexpected bonus and we plan to keep going as long as we can. Here’s to the next song - I do hope you enjoy this one.   (Terry Reeves)

The whisper of a distance voice
Two angels arriving single choice
Keep breathing slow not too much
You're not leaving just stay in touch 

I’m floating yes I’m floating yes I’m floating floating away

A feeling of desperate final breath
Lonely moment no time to caress 
Fighting every 63rd dying thought
Surviving each gulp of air caught 

I’m floating yes I’m floating yes I’m floating floating away

Has time arrived to lay down still
Not accepted by two who really feel
More than one chance to live again
The Angels alongside helping pain

I’m floating yes I’m floating yes l’m floating floating away

Fight to avoid final thought of death
A fading light continues to suggest
Only time decides what, when and how
My Atheist Angels this time will not allow

I’m floating, yes I’m floating, yes I’m floating, I’m floating
I’m floating, yes I’m floating, yes I’m floating, I’m floating 
I’m floating, yes I’m floating, yes I’m floating,
Floating to stay……………………..cont

MY ATHEIST ANGELS - CRIPPLE CLUB

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Lead Vocal
Hans-Michael Albers:  All instruments, arrangement & production

Whenever we send Hans the demo of a new song, one of the most enticing parts of the process is that we never know what is going to come winging it’s way back from Hamburg.  We never try and steer him in any particular direction because we have total faith that whatever he sends will  be much, much better than anything we’d had in mind.

Quite often, once a week or two has passed and he’s had the chance to expand on his thinking, he’ll send another version, totally different from the first but always something equally as brilliant, causing both Tel and myself to ponder which one to post.   A quandary of the very best kind.  

Chris O is a multi-faceted musician who seems at home within any genre but there’s no doubt she is best known for her mastery of The Blues, hence the demo leaning very firmly in that direction…or so we thought  However, on hearing it for the first time, Hans heard something very different.  His thoughts focused on a simple piano / voice ballad, something we were certainly not expecting but which totally blew us away.

By the end of that weekend though, along too came the blues version, a delicious groove to which I couldn’t wait to add some drums and as those who’ve already heard it will know, that’s the one we eventually posted.  Nevertheless, the indelible mark imprinted on my sensibilities by the unplugged mix simply refused to go away.  Even though it’s precisely the same vocal, the pared-back accompaniment pushes it’s heart and it’s power to the fore and I felt that it deserved to be heard.  So that’s the reason we’re posting ‘The Love of Mrs. O’, phase two…

In closing, despite our retirement from active involvement here on SC, Cripple Club wanted to send each and every one of you our sincere thanks for continuing to support our work.  Your generosity of spirit and kind words always mean so much to the three of us.  (Gary Reeves)

I met a brave woman by the name of Mrs O
Playing ‘The Blues’ flying high sometimes flying low
Guitars and Banjos pitching..always acoustic 
Singing and sharing a love affair with music

The Love Of Mrs O

No distance too far, mile by mile growing warm
Confidence of written word believing in art-form
Marriage strings and voice harmonising sounds
The love of freedom scales tightly in bounds

The Love Of Mrs O

Concerts of brave, pulse to a time
Ensemble in waves, helping the climb
Brothers of blues, traveller of love
Live music choose, to fit like a glove

The Love Of Mrs O

Mrs O keeps soaring magnum opus in her hands
Song of friendship for a man from many bands
Expanse of cumulus clouds, filming for all to see
Never hiding from the challenge in the Nebulosity

The Love Of Mrs O

Up and down across the world finding a closeness
No discrimination of any kind, love is always best
From ‘The Beatles’ land to a Sydney education 
Fondness for Mrs O, giving a continuous ovation

The Love Of Mrs O

THE LOVE OF MRS. O (UNPLUGGED) - CRIPPLE CLUB

If The Stars Are The Dreams of Spacemen

Written by Brian Reeves, August-October 1972
Recorded in a New Malden bedroom, October 1973

Another bedroom demo, recorded around the same time as “And I Never Took You To A Festival”.  As with many of these old recordings, the tape was pretty mangled at the end so hope you won’t mind the attempt at masking this in the best way I could.  Hope it doesn’t impair your enjoyment too much.  I 'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been such a supporter of this page over the last 18 months or so.  Our family has been astounded by  all the support and We need to you all to know that every one of your kind words means the whole world.  You are the kindest of people and we will never forget the support you have given.  You have hearts the size of lions.  It means everything.  Our deep love and appreciation can never be enough to repay you all..
  (Gary Reeves)

Brian Reeves:  Vocals and Acoustic Guitar

Lyrics:

Knowing love as I do
Yes I’m frightened
Desperate gasps of conversation
Fears heighten
If I’m only the dreams of dreamers
Why am I in isolation?

Seeing life as I do
Yes I’m whitened
Seeking masts on horizons
Pains tighten
If the stars are the dreams of spacemen
Where am I in heaven’s tracing?

I am the hammer on closed doors and windows
Asking the question that nobody knows

Breathing songs as I do
Yes I’m lightened
But they’re only gaps in vacuums
Freak lightning
Inside dreams of dreams of dreamers
Outside schemes of schemes of schemers
Who Am I?


If The Stars Are The Dreams Of Spacemen - Rocky Mountain (1973)

Terry Reeves:  Vocals
Gary Reeves:  Drums
Hans-Michael Albers:  All other instruments, Arrangement & Production
(From the forthcoming album ‘From London To Hamburg’)

Photograph and post production by Dan Duchars.
Hans’ video: https://youtu.be/Lm8WoxCegRE?si=XFq1zX8Gkz3oLDmH

When you’re brainstorming ideas for album covers, you never really think they might involve placing yourselves in the middle of a road as traffic bears down on you.  However, that is precisely what we did.
Now I’m not one to tell tales but it was all Gal’s fault.  He thought our front cover  should feature an image of the entire band, which was quite compelling aside from the fact that we lived in London, Hans in Hamburg and have in reality never met.  But Gal had a mate called Dan (who lives in Norfolk, hence the title), a professional photographer whose comprehensive knowledge of Photoshop could bring the three of us together.
We’d always loved the pre-fame, Astrid Kirchherr portraits of The Beatles, taken during their club-playing, Hamburg days and two of these became our template - in focus subject occupying the foreground, covert and blurred figure (in our case, 2  figures) in the distance.
And so it was that, armed with a pin-sharp shot of Hans, we met with Dan to photograph the background scene which, as outlined previously, was in the middle of a busy side road.  Camera in hand, Dan teetered on a plastic crate as Gal and me  dodged back and forth to avoid a plethora of oncoming vehicles - everything from lorries to mobility scooters - who were, on the whole, very accommodating in the circumstances. Some even smiled and waved - at least I think that’s what they were doing…
We owe Dan so much, not only for his consummate skills and kindness but also for laying his life on the line in the name of art.  This song is for him.  (Terry Reeves)

I met a man called Dan holding a magical light
Viewing future moments, giving individual sight
Shadows from Hamburg, combination of skills
Show London reflection of a figure standing still

Chorus:
A flash of light, picture to follow
In black & white, diverse as tomorrow

Stand high in right places, enchanted vision of art
Friend of ageing musicians, sorcery skills from the heart
A Wizard conjuring cover, Kirchherr’s copy of claim
Painting light into a picture, producing Album in frame

Chorus

Viewing from height - sparks of vision
Seeing it tight - artist precision
Know left from right - avoid collision
Negative in sight - develop position

Chorus

Confidence in commitment, enjoying musical tracks
Working four to an image, platinum vinyl plaque 
Black and white cover photo, a clue why, when and who
Monochrome life connections, enjoy vision past to new

Chorus

A feeling it’s time to give a show
A feeling making history grow
A feeling, a feeling only one way to go
A feeling thinking fast going slow
A feeling Duchars photos will glow
A feeling CC one day will all know

FROM NORFOLK TO LONDON  - CRIPPLE CLUB  (Video)

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves:  Vocals
Gary Reeves:  Congas
Hans-Michael Albers: All other instruments,  Arrangement & Production

Illustration by Michael Tompsett

Behind the mix video:  
https://youtu.be/B8sz6TwQfh0?si=_vU1R8YKlnKTCMNm

My niece Sam has always been a wholly free and singular spirit, something which enables her to fully embrace life and live it exactly how she pleases.  For his proposal of marriage, her partner Tom arranged for a busker to play ‘Here Comes The Sun’ (her favourite song) as they walked along the beach one bright Sunday morning.  They decided to tie the knot on the Isle Of Wight, a small island set off the coast of Southern England and known by locals as ‘The Jewel Of The South’.  For various reasons, none of the band are able to travel to the ceremony, which is taking place today, on the 27th. August 2024 so, as means of both apology and compensation, I decided to write a song to commemorate the joining together of two profoundly unique people.  We hope our gift will always help remind them of this very special day on their Island of Dreams.

Most of my songs are connected to events from both past and present and as I searched for the catalyst that would light my path to a song for Sam and Tom, my mind alighted on something that happened at my 60th. birthday party.  

In the traditional Reeves’ fashion, live music was an essential part of the celebrations.  
To get things going, Gal and myself played a few Cripple Club songs, my brother Bri’s kids Joby and Blue did a couple of theirs until we eventually reached a point where it seemed there were more people on stage than in the audience.  For those in the latter category, I left various percussion instruments laying around so that even they could join in if they so wished.  Sam chose an old  tambourine, which sadly fell apart in her hands as she was playing.  She felt so guilty that she brought along her older sister Elizabeth for support when breaking the news to me, thinking I might not react too well.  But I just smiled and told her that these things happen.  Over the subsequent years it became something of a running joke between us and was referenced every time we met at birthday celebrations.

Consequently, it was uppermost in my mind when I was writing the song and is even  referred to in the lyrics, so it struck me as a good idea to buy her, from the band, a wedding present of a lovely new tambourine as a way of keeping the memory of that lovely evening alive.  I can’t wait to see her playing it….  

I am most indebted to both Hans & Gary for their input into the song it has become.  Most importantly, though, we all hope that Sam and Tom enjoy hearing it.  Our distanced garage band wish them a lifetime of happiness, music and fun.  (Terry Reeves) 

Sam and Tom on a journey, channel to cross
Ceremony of joining, no history being lost
No forgotten treasures of a family and past
Dancing for enjoyment, recognition to last

Chorus:
A theatre of emotions 
Performance of dreams
Forward excitement 
Happiness it brings (Happiness it brings)

The asking of questions, the answer I do
Legal bonding connection of one into two
Marriage much more than a paper to sign
Promise to each other, feelings underlined

Chorus

Partnership giving a respect and affection
Supporting each other, every life direction
Jewel of the South, East Afton Farmhouse shines
Confirmation of your love, together combines

Chorus

Best wishes from the band, club of enjoyment 
Thinking of you both, this very special moment 
Synchronicity of music, on new tambourine 
Lifetime share forever, supporting the theme 

Chorus

This tiny island, brings the largest of dreams
Combined love and kindness always to be seen
Celebrate marriage, squeezing close real tight 
Commitment forever, on this tiny island delight

ISLAND OF DREAMS - CRIPPLE CLUB

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans-Michael Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement and Production

Reaching the age of 60 can signal a difficult time in one’s future life but may also, if you so choose, be a time when there is much to which you can look forward. My wife Jo was 60 earlier this year and wasn’t wholly enamoured with the idea so, as a family, we decided to make it extra special for her. If anyone deserves to be spoilt rotten it is she, having had to put up with me for 37 years along with being the most wonderful Mother to 3 fantastic children. Our family means the world to her, especially since we were blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren and what she loves most of all is having them gathered around her. Over the years, we have followed the Reeves’ tradition of making Christmas a time to push out the boat in right royal fashion and as soon as December begins our house is festooned with lights and decorations, creating a party atmosphere that stretches right into the early days of the New Year.
In the lyrics, you’ll find many references to moments that always bring a certain Yuletide brand of merriment. For example, our Golden Retriever, ‘Prince’ Marvin The Magnificent’, makes it his exclusive responsibility to collect Jo’s slippers as soon as her back is turned. Try as you might, he won’t let you have them back until He decides the time is right (see cover pic). For myself, I take on the combined mantle of Court Jester - without fail, the same jokes every year folks - and Dextrous Magician (hence ’Abracadabra!’). I have recently discovered a new audience for these sleights of hand (of which they never seem to tire) in the shape of said Grandchildren, Richard and Theo.
We eat and drink our fill, we laugh and we sing, for even in a world as mad as this there is always room for a month of unbridled fun, so you’ll certainly get no apology from me! If you can imagine such a thing, this year we have decided to crank things up a little to make it extra memorable for Jo, starting with this special song to celebrate all of the Christmas days she has known. She doesn’t know about it yet so let’s hope it’s the catalyst for her best one ever. For me, I’m sure they must all have been memorable, merely because Jo has been there to see them.
Sincere thanks to all our loyal, generous listeners. Hope you all have a Peaceful, Relaxing and above all Happy Christmas & New Year!
ABRACADABRA! SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS!
(Terry Reeves)

Celebrating Sixty Christmas Days
Sixty four to a twenty four phase
Family singing classic hit songs
Melodic vibes, help Jo party long
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS

Celebrating Sixty Christmas Days
Repeat the Father Christmas craze
Dressed in red with individual style
A gift for Dear Jo and a family smile
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS

Experience a life of generations
Family growing with imagination
Sixty Christmas Celebrations
Giving all our love for inspiration

Celebrating Sixty Christmas Days
Making sure the groundhog behaves
Repeating good times, fun we have
I think we’ve heard that joke before, Dad
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS

Celebrating Sixty Christmas Days
Deja Vu theatre of Panto plays
Shouting out loud “it’s behind you”
Prince Marvin knows, Jo fits the shoe
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS

Celebrating Sixty Christmas Days
Entertainment in grandad’s matinees
Abracadabra, another magical spell
Rich and Theo know but never tell
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS
ABRACADABRA! ABRACADABRA! ABRACADABRA!
SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS

SIXTY CHRISTMAS DAYS - CRIPPLE CLUB

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Gary Reeves: Lead Vocal
Terry Reeves: Spoken Vocal
Hans-Michael Albers: All instruments, Arrangement & Production

Video: youtu.be/4t-H-HHpQ20?si=_reTvkVVmF73vkRi

I was walking down Mare Street, Hackney
Climbing boots and back pack on
Looking for a song of mountains
I had climbed them many times before
Challenge may help to find another door

I’ve climbed arduous N.H.S mountains
Planted flags a'top of wedlock peaks
Hung upside down on magical fountains
With my muscles springing major leaks
My heart is growing smaller by the week

Stood and pointed at hours of darkness
Winds of silence a challenge of their own
Worn out boots a testament to distance
But the misery of counting my toes alone
Sixty three feet behind me as it goes

I have loved being a man of mountains
I hope many will profit from my deeds
I will try to climb just one more mountain
Slide down the other side to save my feet
At the bottom I'll need brand new cleats

This was written over 10 years ago as a George Formby style (Google the name if you’ve never heard of him) ukulele song - a mildly amusing message to Gal to let him know that I was fully aware of the mental health difficulties he was having and that I would always be there if he needed me.

Over the years, we spoke often about the song but nothing much came of it until Gal suggested slowing the tempo and giving it a kind of shuffle beat. As it was about him, I thought he should definitely sing the lead vocal, which I think works rather well. (*Vocalist’s note: It would help if I could still sing…)

You’ll find many personal references to Gal’s life in the lyrics. At the time it was written, he was 63, literally a fatal age for men in the extended Reeves family and he wasn’t having the best of times himself, still wrestling with the grief of a marriage break-up alongside the loss of his big brother and closest friend less than a year before. But even with all of this going on (and not always out of choice) he found there were plenty more mountains to climb.

The transition of the tune from Formby to Albers is a story in itself but suffice it to say that Hans somehow managed to transform it into this rather poignant opus.  He has also made a beautiful film to accompany the piece (see link above). All in all, it testifies perfectly to the reason why Gal’s cleats are somewhat care-worn...and he still has many mountains yet to climb.. (Terry Reeves)

MOUNTAIN MAN - CRIPPLE CLUB

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocal
Gary Reeves: Toms
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Photo of Max from The Albers' Archive

What to say about Maximilian?
There are so many things to be told: a lifetime of 24 years, full of special moments, joys, fears, sorrows, worries, hopes, dreams, ups, downs, progress, regress, searching, finding, winning, losing, restlessness, peace...
His life had begun with an extremely difficult birth, almost as if the world didn’t want him. They told us he had a life-threatening infection, there were probably holes in his lungs and he obviously had no kidneys. In total, his chances of surviving were exceedingly slim. However, after endless weeks of both despair and hope, he overcame the infection, the diagnosis of holes in his lungs turned out to be totally wrong and they even discovered a kidney.  Just one maybe but at least it worked perfectly.  His journey into existence had begun.
As he grew, so did the never-ending nightmare of problems, challenges and battles, until we began to wonder what could possibly happen next.  Through it all, Max took every opportunity to accumulate extreme experiences - never hiding, always   seeking.  For that, we loved him even more…and even more it broke our hearts that we couldn’t help him find what he was looking for.
But suddenly, as the Summer of 2011 dawned, his troubles seemed to merely fade away.  Was he just arriving in life, coming of age, finding his place in society?  To be honest, we hadn’t the faintest idea.  But it was abundantly clear that, having always been an underdog, that same unwelcoming world had simply started to like and respect him.  He began to realise his many talents, enjoying his job as never before, finally becoming something he had never been - happy.
Fast forward to the gorgeous Summer evening of June 28th, the eve of a 4-week vacation to which he had been looking forward so very much.  A smile on his face, he said he was in the mood to go jogging, something he loved. Sometimes, he ran and ran for ages.  He’d been gone about 3 hours, quite a long time even for him, so Carina called his phone and he answered, cheerfully telling her not to worry and assuring her he’d be home very soon.  Seconds after the call, out of the blue, he collapsed.  A pulmonary embolism.  They told us he died instantly. 
Max, we have no words for what happened, nor for the eternal gratitude we feel for every single second of your life.  We do know we will never stop loving you.”
(Hans & Carina Albers)

Small chance of survival, words from the first day
Stretching all emotions not a single which way
Asking whys and reasons, a chance to breathe long
Heartbreaking moments, hopes remained strong

Such a short distance, but a life running miles
Bring every sensation, fear to a million smiles
Experience not forgotten, continuous hug of care      
Born with fighting spirit, giving back more to share

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

Every challenge building, inner muscles to be felt
Secret ways to be happy, never question hand dealt         
Complication of thinking to find a new sentence 
Pathways to friendships, dreams of acceptance

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

A vision full of truth with strength to admire
Finding a hidden talent, past helping to aspire 
No journey of distance could prevent direction
A phone call assurance became last connection

It’s hard to find words, express feelings remaining 
Deep down inside shell, empty, sad, self-complaining 
But we will never forget our boy hero from birth
Brought love and kindness, past and future unblurred

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, will never forget
24 years of love…

MAXIMILIAN - CRIPPLE CLUB  (Please Read Description)

(Music: Hans-Michael Albers, Lyrics: Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves:  Vocals
Hans-Michael Albers: All instruments, Arrangement & Production

Today, 22nd. August 2025, marks 13 years since our dear brother Bri succumbed to the deadly combination of leukaemia and Guillain-Barré syndrome.  Watching him through 2012, unable to do anything for himself and increasingly confined to a hospital bed is something none who loved him will ever forget.  
He has never been (and never will be) forgotten, not only for the music he created but for the force of nature he most certainly was.  In 1964, our Mum & Dad bought him an entry level acoustic guitar as a Christmas present and his progress on the instrument was something to behold.  By the time he was 18, he’d bought himself a Gibson Les Paul on HP (24 payments of five pounds and thirteen shillings per month) from Selmers in Charing Cross Road, London.  He joined a band, somehow co-opting me in as lead singer at the tender age of 15 (still a schoolboy, no less) and over the ensuing ten years, formed bands of whose line-up I was always a part, graduating from singing to percussion and eventually drums.
There being guitars laying around the family home, Tel took to playing and encouraged by Bri, never stopped.  Fast forward another five years and he too started writing songs so that by ’82, the 3 of us decided to form a band (Root Division) to play them.  It’s a truly special thing to be in the same band as your brothers and recording those songs became something Tel and me still remember with an abiding nostalgia.  No wonder we still talk about those days…
This song started life as an instrumental, written by Hans and of course, it’s brilliant as is but Tel liked it so much, he asked if he could write some lyrics and a vocal melody.  Being a generous fellow, our dear friend from Hamburg said he’d love to hear what Tel had in mind.
His basic idea was to incorporate as many references as he could to Cripple Club tracks, in celebration of the firm friendship we have formed in together recording what amounts to over 50 songs.  There may be a few of you who can spot one or two…
So this is for you, Bri.  We love and miss you, sweet brother.
(Gary Reeves)

Last Summer day reasons
Hamburg always shines
Shadows of Superheroes
Another surprise will come in time
Click toward a pension
From birth but never knew
Surprised to find a blackbird
In the flames as the music grew

Touch wood for satisfaction
CC music every day
Root of strong existence 
Step off the world to feed the phrase
Another Titan message
Titanic stories past
Image of a fraying edge
Never thought hang of time would last

It’s the time, it’s the place
It’s the only performance I can show my face

Last chance for singing
Avoid resistant tide
Pleasing distant garage
Remember 4 to 3 to 5
Stars in space that linger
Soaking up the blue
Palette of sunshine yellow
Mix to green for go - but for who?

T,G & H, Two and you!

LAST SUMMER'S DAY BLUES - CRIPPLE CLUB

Email received from SoundCloud:

Hi there,

We are writing to you today because your comment on SoundCloud has been found to be in breach of our Terms of Use on the grounds of containing hate speech.

The content in question is your comment from 29 Aug 2014 at 05:56 on the following track:

Satri"Iany"

The relevant section of our Terms of Use is highlighted below, for your reference:

(viii) You must not use the Platform to upload, post, store, transmit, display, copy, distribute, promote, make available, continue to make available or otherwise communicate to the public:

any Content that (a) breaches our Community Guidelines; (b) includes hate speech on the grounds of race, ethnicity, cultural identity, religious belief, disability, gender, identity or sexual orientation;

As such, we have removed this content from your account. Please note that a repeated violation of our Terms of Use could lead to the permanent suspension of your account.

While we always strive to be fair and objective in our decision making, you have the right to dispute this decision. To do this, respond to this message with the reason you believe this removal was done in error. Please provide us with as much information as possible in order to assist us in our review.

Regards,

SoundCloud Trust & Safety Team

A Mountain Message

ANOTHER ZERO (TO MY NAME)
(Written by Terry Reeves, 2016)

I decided to write a song to celebrate my 60th birthday and came up with the line 'another zero to my name' and at the time I thought I really had something and was looking forward to working on an up-beat, happy song.
Age is becoming a big issue in my life right now, affecting my Mum and Mother-in-law, who are both in their late eighties. The ageing process is making life difficult in so many ways, and they do miss the simple pleasure of being able to go outside and feel the sun when they want to. It’s hard to watch, because they are both very special people who, against the odds, try and make each day worth waking up for.  The medical care they’ve received hasn’t always been too helpful, though.
Having observed this from such close range, it does appear that advances in this area haven’t focused nearly enough attention on the effects the ageing process has on their mental health. Lack of patient care for the old is scary at the best of times, but when it comes to how you actually ‘feel’, if your needs don't tick the designated boxes, they are, sad to report, mostly ignored. 
So that became what this song is about.  Not the first time that the writing process has taken a different direction to the one I’d expected, but certainly the first time I’ve fully completed a song in just half a day. I hope they like this protest song on their behalf and that I can help keep the sun shining.
When Hans agreed to listen to my demo and then to having a go at laying down a version, I couldn't wait to hear the result.  When Gary contacted me some weeks later and said, "You have got to listen to this", I still had no idea just how brilliant it would be. How on earth was I going to do a vocal that could even come close to matching that brilliance I didn’t know but, in the end, thought, “Who in their right mind would miss the chance?”  (Terry Reeves)

Anyone who has had the privilege of working with Hans (https://soundcloud.com/clouders_for), will know just how rewarding a process that always is, but what he did with this song really is something else again.  Neither of us can ever thank him enough for that.
Also want to thank Jono Trott (https://soundcloud.com/jonodog) at Core Arts (https://soundcloud.com/coreartsmusic), for all his help with mixing the vocals. Could never have achieved this result without all his knowledge and help.  (Gary Reeves)

Cover art shows local graffiti artists ‘Nanksy’ defacing Tel’s garage wall.  You’d think they’d know better at their age….

Terry Reeves:  Lead Vocal
Hans Albers:  All instruments and backing vocals 

LYRICS:
I tried to cry
But there's a desert in my head
It's been going dry
Since the sun stopped shining

Intake of breath
Assisting broken heart
A thought of death
Since the sun stopped shining

Another zero to my name
I Think the Birthdays are to blame       CHORUS                    
I'm not able to beat Cain
Another zero to my name

Aching words of trust
Forget the lack of care.                   
Finance going bust
Since the sun stopped shining

Walking through the pain
Tried and tested thing to do
No supporting frame
Since the sun stopped shining

CHORUS

Voices always on the edge
Shouting childlike in my face
No more vision of a pledge
Since the sun stopped shining

Mindful thoughts but no repair
Not listed for success 
Best friend despair
Since the sun stopped shining

CHORUS

Another Zero (To My Name)  Cripple Club and Hans Albers (Free download)

Mountain Songs is a project dedicated to my brother Brian Reeves (aka Rocky Mountain, 1948–2012), an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and arranger.  He was the creative force behind so many of the songs on this page.  If you have time, please click for lyrics and track history. 
This is for you Bri, with love and thanks from us all.   We miss you. (Gary Reeves)

Mountain Songs

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks