BLOOMSDAY-FORTUNY.
BLOOMSDAY-FORTUNY.
The group I am going to write about in this article, were a short lived project, between members of two of Scotland’s finest bands. Bloomsday were formed by Chris Thomson of The Bathers and two former members of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions Stephen Irvine and Neil Clark.
The story of how Bloomsday is quite an interesting one, and shows how sometimes record company politics can lead to the demise of promising and successful bands. This story nearly saw one of the best bands to come out of Scotland in the last thirty years nearly strangled at birth. Chris Thomson formed Friends Again whilst studying English literature at university. Being in a band was much more alluring than academia. Having secured a record deal, Friends Again released several singles and the album Wrapped and Unwrapped. A dispute over the band’s musical taste saw Friends Again split up. This lead to Thompson forming The Bathers.
Having signed a record deal with Go! Discs, The Bathers released their debut album Unusual Places To Die in 1987. Although the album was well received by critics, internal problems with their record company, meant it was not possible to build on the enthusiastic response.
After this disappointment, Thomson then went back to plan their second album, Sweet Deceit. By now the band were on the Island record label. Sweet Deceit was released in 1990. Once again, the album was critically acclaimed, once again problems with their record company scuppered the band’s chances of commercial success. Island records was at this time was a label in chaos, members of staff were being sacked and Sweet Deceit was doomed to failure. At best the album was seen as a token release. Yet again, Thomson had been denied the success his music deserved. This lead to him forming Bloomsday.
By 1989 Lloyd Cole and the Commotions had split up, and Stephen Irvine and Neil Clark found themselves without a band. This was when Neil and Clark joined forces with Chris Thomson. Suddenly the trio had a new musical vehicle, that was Bloomsday, and in 1990 they released their one and only album Fortuny, an album which many people, myself included, consider a minor classic. Read on and you will discover why.
Here is the deal, take three great musicians and songwriters, get them to form a band and then let them write enough songs for an album. What you get is a song like Strange Honey, the first song on Fortuny. When you listen to Strange Honey you are immediately struck by song’s great lyrics. Yes, there are similarities to both The Bathers and Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, intelligent and thoughtful lyrics, which feature a really strong narrative. Strange Honey is a song about admiration, and love, although maybe falling in love was not part of the plan. That was not meant to happen, although it appears to have. Thompson sings the song well, articulates the lyrics effectively, and Clark, Irvine and friends back Thomson perfectly.
Black River has a very different start to Strange Honey. They are polar opposites, Strange Honey started with acoustic guitar, Black River, has a bigger louder sound featuring electric guitar and drums. The lyrics have a classical and mythical feel to them. Throughout the song there is a clever use of similes. The sound is totally unlike what you would expect to hear on either an album by The Bathers or Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. That does not make this a bad song, quite the opposite, I like the track, although I feel the guitar and drums dominate the sound. This means that Thomson’s vocal is almost drenched. I would love to hear this song re-recorded with guitar and drums much further back in the mix. It is a good song, but one that could be better.
Forever Through Traps and Lies is a far better song than Black Honey. Thomson’s voice is not fighting a losing battle with guitar and drums. Instead, the way the song is arranged, compliments his vocal. Here the lyrics are intelligent, and are about temptation and love. The song starts gently, Thomson almost whispering the lyrics, then quickly, the song opens out, and the story unfolds. During the song Thomson almost enters a duet with the backing singer, their voice complimenting each other perfectly. What you end up with, is a track that is one of the album’s best.
Torn has a moody feel to it, and tells a tale of woe. The song is obviously about someone who is a tormented soul, having lost their lover. Thomson delivers the song perfectly, giving an outstanding vocal performance, one that transmits the hurt and pain that is being felt. Quite simply, an outstanding performance of a brilliant song.
Having heaped such praise upon the last track Torn, it is hard to believe that the next song, Universal Thirst could be better. Believe it or not, it is the case here. Thirst sees Thomson sing despairingly, about losing the one true love he has ever had, and about holding out for their return. He sings how love has a genius for holding on, surely a sentiment many people will recognize, and be able to relate to. Thomson’s genius is being able to portray a wide gambit of emotions, and in doing so, make it real for the listener. His ability for being able to empathize with what we all feel, and suffer, and articulate in such a way that we recognize, and relive it, with him, is uncanny. Having thought Torn was a great song, Universal Thirst, is even better.
North Country Girl lacks the intensity of the previous two songs. That is not a criticism, merely an observation. What the song does have is quality. The lyrics have a strong narrative and tell a story, and tell the story well. It appears that the North Country Girl has lived life in the fast life, and like Icarus, has flown to close to the sun. She previously has the looks, power and ability to make grown men crumble, sadly that is no longer the case, and she is a shadow of herself seeking direction. It is a good song and a good story, one that reads like a morality tale, the sort of things mothers would tell their daughters, so they keep on the supposed path of righteousness.
Lemon Beach is a faster song that has much in common with Black River. The sound is fuller, and here Thomson sounds not unlike Lloyd Cole. When you listen to the lyrics, they are eloquent and astute, they have the depth that all the songs on Fortuny have. The arrangement on Lemon Beach is much better than the aforementioned Black River. The vocal is not swamped by the rest of the band, instead, the vocal and band compliment each other, each bringing something to the arrangement that the other cannot. This is a strong track, albeit, one that cannot match the quality of some on the album.
I Cheated Myself (For Someone Like You) has always been my favorite song on the album. Everything from the vocal to the lyrics make this a great song. It is a song of betrayal and regret. There is the realization after the event of how stupid you have been, to have had an affair with someone like that. It is what you lost, to get what you thought you wanted, you don’t think about. It is only afterwards you realize what you lost, and what you will never regain, for something that was not worth it, and after which you despise yourself for. That is what I Cheated Myself (For Someone Like You) is about, and I am sure many people who listen to the lyrics feel the song was written about them. Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Maybe that should be the follow-up. Quite simply, I Cheated Myself (For Someone Like You) is the best track on the album.
Serene is the penultimate song on Fortuny. It is another song that features a strong narrative, that takes you on a journey, a journey that you can almost visualize. So strong is the picture you find yourself there, can smell the musty Panamanian floorboards, visualize the snowstorm in Adelaide and picture the everglades. That is how good the song is, when you can imagine yourself as part of account. Thomson is like an 11th century troubadour or minstrel, singing of his wanderings and experiences, sharing them with the listener. He does so exquisitely, bringing the song to life, for us all to enjoy and share.
The final song is 63 Cinnamon Crescent. It is a song that features Joycean lyrics that have a somewhat surreal quality to them. They are intelligent and erudite, two words that describe all the lyrics on this album. Thomson sings the vocal well, and Clark and Irvine provide a simple yet effective, backing track, one that allows the vocal to shine and dominate the arrangement. 63 Cinnamon Crescent is a good way to close a great album.
Having listened to Fortuny more times than I care to remember since the album’s release back in 1990. It is an album that I find myself return to time and time again. Each time I appreciate the album’s quality, and savor the intelligent and sophisticated lyrics. These are lyrics that Thomson articulates perfectly, demonstrating his strength and ability as a songwriter. My comparison to a medieval troubadour, is not far fetched, as he is a master storyteller, someone who can bring lyrics to life. Throughout Fortuny, he does a masterful job.
What saddens me about this album, is that it was not a huge commercial success. Instead it is an album that has a cult following, loved and cherished by a few, instead of by many. Sadly, this album came out at the wrong time. It was released when dance music was king, and thoughtful and intelligent music was neither wanted, nor valued by the music buying public. My hope is that when people read this article, they are intrigued and interested enough to consider buying this album. Should you decide to buy this album, you will instantly fall in love with the beautiful music on Fortuny. Standout Tracks: Forever Through Traps and Lies, Torn, Universal Thirst and I Cheated Myself (For Someone Like You).
BLOOMSDAY-FORTUNY.
dereksmusicblog
dereksmusicblog 
Lovely to read this article. I picked this album up cheap in FOPP (Byres Rd Glasgow) in 1990 expecting very little and really liking it. Haven’t heard it for years but stumbled across this review and now sit listening on Spotify.
Hi Robert,
Glad you enjoyed the review of Fortuny. Like you, it’s a long time since I bought the album, but I still enjoy listening to Fortuny, along with The Bathers and Blue Nile albums. All these albums bring back memories and are a bit like meeting an old friend all of a sudden. Oh for artists like Chris Thompson, Neil Clark and Steven Irvine nowadays, the Scottish music scene would be a lot healthier. At least we’ve had an album from Paul Buchanan this year. Thanks for your comments, maybe time to listen ti those old Bathers and Blue Nile albums now?
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Just LOVE this record, bought the LP way back…..
Liked your article too, always wondered what happened to them and if they have released more.
Listening to Bathers (new to me ) on Spotify now.
/Tomas from Sweden
Hi Tomas,
Glad you liked my article on Fortuny. Sadly, that was there only albums. The Bathers have released several albums, with Sunpowder, Kelvingrove Baby and Pandemonia three of their best albums. Other Scottish bands that are underrated are Love and Money, Blue Nile, The Pearlfishers and more recently, Mull Historical Society. Astrid Williamson is a solo artist and her album Boy For You, which I’ve reviewed is well worth a listen. I’m sure it’ll be on Spotify. Scotland has had quite a strong music scene for the last twenty-five to thirty years, but sadly, many of them don’t get the credit their talent deserves. Hope you enjoy these artists and keep checking my blog.
Best Wishes,
Derek
Hi again Derek!
Thanks for your response and the list of bands to check up.
I’ve always liked Chris Thomson’s voice and the Bloomsday record. And every now and then I have searched for more records and info about the group but I haven’t found anything. But yesterday I found some info on Google and wiki which led me to Youtube and your blog, almost like X-mas for me! 🙂
Sweet Deceit is on Spotify, the rest are not. Found some others on Wrasse Records web, maybe I’ll shop around a little.
I’m also listening to some old “String driven thing” from early seventies (now on Spotify) and I have “Julie Fowlis” too, from Scotland if I’m not Wrong.
First and latest time I was in Scotland was in -75, just two days in Edinburgh on Inter-rail, so maybe time to go back….
Best Regards
Tomas
Hi Tomas,
Glad you like the music I suggested. It seems that The Bathers’ music is quite hard to find. Even second hand CDs on Amazon or expensive, although MP3s are cheaper. Julie Fowlis is Scottish and is one of a new wave of Celtic singers.
That’s thirty-seven years since you were in Scotland, so you’re due another visit. You could take in the Edinburgh Festival or some concerts in Glasgow. There’s plenty of music and lots of other things to do or see. Keep reading my blog, there’s some great stuff coming soon.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Although very shortlived as you say Derek, there are some other rare Bloomsday recordings around. I have a CD of part of a concert broadcast by Radio Forth on November 24th, 1990 and a session they did for Billy Sloan’s FM radio show broadcast on October 25th, 1990. Neil Clark is now living in Toronto; Chris Thomson is still in Glasgow and finally working on some new material; not sure what Stephen Irvine is up to.
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for your comments. It’s a pity Bloomsday were so short-lived. They were just one of a new wave of Scottish bands coming through at the time. It’s a shame it never laster longer. It was a tantalising taste of what might have been. I’d heard Chris was working on new material. I was hoping it might be a new Bathers album, as they’ve not released anything in ages. We can but hope. It’s a coincidence Neil Clark is living in Toronto, because one of Teenage Fanclub is living out there too. Steven Irvine seems to have dropped of the radar, which is a shame as he’s really talented.
The only good news on the Scottish music scene is the rerelease of The Blue Niles’s A Walk Across the Rooftops and Hats. They’re both double albums, complete with unreleased tracks. They’re meant to be out mid-November, but knowing The Blue Nile I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Hi Derek,
I just found out that Stephen Irvine is in London and is still in the music business producing and managing artists.
I exchanged messages with Chris Thomson just a couple of months ago and he said he was working on new material and hoped to release it soon. I was also in touch with Neil Clark recently and he has also continued to write and record and you can find some of his new material at http://www.neilclark.com and http://www.sleeperstheband.ca.
The remastered Blue Nile albums Walk Across The Rooftops and Hats now have a confirmed release date of 19/11/12. There is an extra CD of material with each as you mentioned – see http://www.paulbuchanan.com for details – but a number of us Blue Nile fans are disappointed as we know there is far more unreleased material that could have been put out, some of which is harder to get hold of than the tracks they are putting out which many of us already have in various forms.
I have it on good authority that when they were recording High in the studio they had more than 30 other tracks that did not make it on the album…but then we all know what perfectionists they are.
All the best.
Alistair
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for all that information. I was interested to read what Steven Irvine, Chris Thomson an Neil Clark are doing. I’m always interested in hearing how artists careers after they’ve been in bands. Since I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve had many messages from artists, who long ago released music. I’m always fascinated to hear what happened and are they still involved in music. Often they’re doing something very different. I was interested in the links you sent. I’m quite passionate about Scottish band. Just now, there’s a local band to me are Finding Albert. You should check out there music. They’re from Dumfries, not far from me.
I enjoyed Paul Buchanan’s solo album, even though people’s opinions were divided. So, the rerelease of A Walk Across The Rooftops and Hats will warrant new reviews. If only Blue Nile would release a box set, all their unreleased material. Given how high standards they had, I’m sure it would be fantastic. I saw them over twenty years ago in Edinburgh at The Usher Hall, a truly great night. That was a time so many great Scottish bands were on the go. Now they’re all rereleasing their old albums again. So keep reading and I’ll post reviews of A Walk Across The Rooftops and Hats.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Hi Derek,
Talking of Scottish artists who haven’t released any new material for a while, I strongly recommend you check out Joe McAlinden’s new album Bleached Highlights. Great album just released a couple of months ago and produced by Edwyn Collins.
Joe, formerly of Superstar fame in the Nineties and who has also played with Teenage Fanclub, BMX Bandits, etc. You can find his web site at http://www.joemcalinden.com
Joe is living in Strathlachlan, Argyll and running a restaurant with his wife Jasmine http://www.invercottage.com
All the best,
Alistair
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for your comments and thanks for the links to Joe’s website. I had a look at Joe’s website, loved the music so much, I bought a copy of his album. I’ll review it here once it arrives. Between that and The Blue Nile albums, November is looking good.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
hi there, just thought id let you no someone on ebay is selling bloomsday demo.and also the bathers demos. best wishes dawn
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for letting me know. I’m watching the listings as I type. I never knew about the Bloomsday album of demos. It must be really rare. I’m a huge fan of their music and that of The Bathers. I’ve got most of The Bathers’ releases. I saw the listing too and will watch it. It’s always difficult to know what are and aren’t official releases, as I’ve seen a number of bootlegs being sold, often for quite high prices. It would be great to get my hands on them.
Have you heard Hazel Morrison from The Bathers’ last album, Flux. It’s well worth looking out for, as is Joe McLinden’s Bleached Highlights, produced by Edwyn Collins. You can get a copy from Joe’s website. It seems Scottish artists are still releasing great music. Thanks for telling me about the listings.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
hi derek,thankyou for your reply im also watching the listings. iv got a few myself but didnt no there stuff was rare! why is this? i no what your saying abt bootlegs to be honest i would,nt be able to tell the differnce lol they look genuine and iv emailed the seller for more info he,s seems a honest and genuine seller. but i dont think he realizes how rare they are. i think somtimes on ebay they just put that if they have no clue what they,ve got .lol best wishes dawn
These are the recordings that used to be sold online by Jimmy Smith, with Chris Thomson’s cooperation and permission. Jimmy no longer does this but you can still find details of these recordings and how they were made at http://www.bathers.com.
I bought a number of these recordings from Jimmy some years ago – including the demos CD which is currently for sale on eBay – and they are generally of good quality. I think I paid about £7 for each disc at the time.
Hi Alistair,
I remember Jimmy selling recordings years ago. It’s good it was with Chris’ permission. Is Jimmy still around? If I remember correctly, he wasn’t keeping too well. Hope he’s still about. It would be interesting to hear the demos.
Have you got your copies of The Blue Nile rereleases ordered? I’ve got mine on the way and I’ll review them here. Can’t wait to hear them. I reviewed Joe McAlinden’s album Bleached Highlights recently. Thanks for pointing that one out. Here’s one you might like, The Magnetic Field’s Orkney: Symphony of The Magnetic North. I came across it recently and will be reviewing it soon. Hope you’re well.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Derek,
I have not heard from Jimmy Smith for a few years now and I know he no longer maintains the web site or sells from it. I recall he sent out an email a few years ago to all those subscribed to the site about a final sale of recordings before he called it a day.
I was in touch with Chris Thomson recently and he also said he hadn’t heard from Jimmy for some years now so not sure where Jimmy is now.
Alistair
Hi Alistair,
I remember Jimmy from years ago and remember with fond memories his site. He was a real champion of The Bathers’ music. If I remember right, his health wasn’t good and hope wherever he is he’s okay. I’d meant to tell you about Hazel from The Bathers album Flux. I picked a copy up some time ago and was playing it recently. Last I heard she was teaching music in Edinburgh. I just wish The Bathers would release some new music.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Hi Derek,
Yes Hazel is teaching music in Edinburgh – we are connected on FaceBook – and playing in a covers band Bazooka Joe’s. See http://www.musicforscotland.co.uk/artistDetail.aspx?artistID=50
Cheers,
Alistair
Hi Alistair,
I’ll key a look out for Hazel’s band. Hopefully, she’ll be reunited with The Bathers and we’ll have some new music. Just heard from Joe McAlinden, he liked the review of Bleached Highlights. It’s good he and Edwyn Collins are back.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Hi Dawn,
Looks like Alistair has solved the mystery of The Bathers bootlegs. I remember Jimmy used to sell recordings of The Bathers concerts years ago. They’ll be interesting to listen to. Some bootlegs are really well made and recorded, others leave a lot to be desired. They can be a fascinating snapshot of a band developing. For years the bootleg of Bob Dylan’s 1966 concert at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall when he went electric was the only recording of the concert. Then the bootleg was released officially in 1998. Nowadays, many bands are hoarding lots of early material for box sets.
Although slightly different, years ago, I got involved in an Ebay bidding war for a supposedly official limited edition print of the Screamadelica cover. It was one of 16 made and the print had been given to band and record company personnel. I really wanted the print and made a bid. In the last few minutes the bidding went into the mid-hundreds. I was out of the bidding long before that. Eventually, the bidding reached about £600-£700. The next week another came up and then another the next week. By then, people realised they were fakes. A few weeks later, there was even a warning posted about it on a Primal Scream site.
Remember tomorrow is Blue Nile day. A Walk Across the Rooftops and Hats special editions are out. Watch for reviews here later this week.
Good luck with the bidding.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
All the live recordings I bought from Jimmy had been taken directly from the sound desk Derek and so are typically very good quality. He did the CD reproduction on professional digital recording equipment so the recordings he sold were far superior to CD-Rs.
For other recordings he often had access to the master tapes via Chris.
Alistair
PS I have mixed feeling about the Blue Nile remastered extended recordings which are coming out tomorrow. I actually have almost all of the ‘previously unreleased’ tracks in some shape or form and they have been widely available (if you knew where to look) for some years. Still I will be getting them as presents for my birthday this week!
Hi Alistair,
You’re spot on about Jimmy’s recordings. He was a true pro and having access to good equipment, really made his recordings far better than others I’ve heard. I must ask my cousin what happened to Jimmy, he’s involved in the music scene in Glasgow and is around studios a lot.
I think you’re feelings about the Blue Nile remasters are that of a lot of people. Seemingly, they were available in France last week and a lot of people managed to get copies. I’ll still get copies as my original copies are so old. I’ll review them here and The Magnetic Field’s album. If you’re interested in The Magnetic Field album, you can hear samples on Amazon and get a copy for £7. I really enjoyed Bleached Highlights and right now, I’m working my way through a load of remasters I’ve picked up recently. That and the Acid Jazz box set. Although there’s not much new Scottish music out just now, there’s plenty of old stuff out. So if you get any record tokens (do they still sell them?) you’re spoilt for choice. Have a good birthday.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
Hi Derek,
Like you I have bought quite a lot of remasters over the years and in some cases have ended-up with 3 copies of the same album – original LP on vinyl, first CD issue and CD remaster. Don’t mind it so much when you get previously unreleased material.
Alistair
Hi Alistair,
I know the feeling about having multiple copies of the same album. If you get bonus tracks, that’s okay, but just the same tracks and I feel cheated. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve repurchased albums. Vinyl, tapes, mini-disc and CD. Then there’s remasters, anniversary editions and box sets. Recently, I’ve picked up remasters by Blue Nile, Jimmy Hendrix, Jethro Tull and King Crimson. All are albums I’ve already bought before. For friends that don’t like music, they can’t understand it. Blue Nile remasters arrived yesterday, so reviews to follow.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
A different Derek here, I got back in to the Bathers a couple of years back and managed to acquire all their CD’s. Absolutely wonderful. Saw Chris Thompson with James grant at Paisley abbey in May 2013. what a great, great concert. Oh for some new Bathers material……Derek P
Hi Derek,
Thanks for your comments Derek. You’ve done well, managing to collect all The Bathers’ CDs. I keep being asked by readers asked where they can buy them? Sadly, they’re getting harder to find. The Bathers’ back-catalogue could do with being rereleased. They seem just as popular today. It would be great of a new album was released. That’s beginning to look unlikely.
The show at the Paisley Abbey sounds like a great night. There’s been a few shows there from what I hear. Sadly, they never held concerts at the Abbey when I lived in Paisley. Mind you, that was a long time ago.
Let’s just hope that The Bathers release a new album soon. We’ve waited long enough.
Best Wishes,
Derek.
I was in touch with Chris Thomson in 2012 and he said he was working on new material which he thought might be released in 2013, but nothing so far, so will have to make do with the official and unofficial recordings.
Hi. Huge fan of this album. I have it on vinyl. And CD. And download. I saw the band performing at live Radio Forth gig and bought the album after that. Still on my playlist regularly.
I saw a del Amitri gig at Loughborough Students Union back in late 1990. Bloomsday were the support act. del Amitri did a brilliant gig – but Bloomsday were better!
The very next day I visited one of the indpendent record shops in town and purchased Fortuny. It is an excellent album; a great shame it was not a commercial success.
Wow, this is a real find. I recently resurrected my vinyl LPs after 10 plus years of them sitting in the loft. When going through I came across this album and must confess had absolutely no memory of it whatsoever, no memory of buying it, why I bought it and as far as I knew had never heard of them! Was with some trepidation that I played for the first time probably in over 20 years. Immediate reaction was wow, this is good, who are these guys? This led me to your blog post where all becomes clear. I loved Lloyd Cole and the Commotions and Friends Again back then and must have followed these connections through to Bloomsday although I must confess have never heard of The Bathers, will have to investigate further. Thanks for all the info in your blog post.