I could say that this is an album in 10 movements, because there's a lot of movement going on - passing through, flying through childhood, being upwardly mobile, walking the right path, going on holiday, life and death on the motorway, journeying into and out of love, and travelling beyond this life.   Most of these songs were written in the bedroom - the cradle of creativity and movement!

Passing Through

A song of retribution.  This guy (sorry, men, I know it could have been a lady but...) walks out on his partner, with no feeling of responsibility.  He happens to be walking down the wrong street at the wrong time.   He could be 20, 40, or 60 years old.   This should be played loud - there are some rich unison guitar and Hammond chords 

In Every Dream

A song of childhood innocence.  Imagination has no boundaries, especially when you are young.  All things are possible - and young love may be a lifetime love.  Once again, the organ is well to the fore in the mix.  AJ's favourite song.  Dedicated to Judith Meadows whom I haven't seen since 1963.

Status Anxiety

The music is relentless - just like being on the treadmill at the gym.  Who cares if you are permanently a breath away from a major liquidity problem!  It's all about image.  The lead guitar carries this one through, with some inventive drum patterns from AJ.  The laid back piano at the end, is playing in the corner of his favourite bar when he's winding down after a heavy day stretching the plastic 

A Right Way

You still have to look at yourself in the shaving/make-up mirror every morning.  Can you live with what you see?  Roland has created an ethereal setting for this spiritual song, and Jane sings multiple harmony parts to bring this to a rich ending.

Don't Ask

Pity the poor guy sitting in his office when everyone else is going on about their holidays.  He can only dream about what he's missing!  The music is all care of a 1992 synthesizer, and the words are a parody of an early 20th century poem "A Complaint of Kind Enquiries" by Sydney J Taylor

Photograph

From space, Earth is the sign of life in the universe.  But Earth is fighting a losing battle against its human inhabitants, who hold its bounty in trust.   It takes brave people to change the world.   A deliberately spartan setting on acoustic guitar. The synth chords represent the mystery and serenity of Earth, and the rumbling discord at the end is the warning bell.

Dead in the Queue

Many of us have spent a lifetime driving around the overcrowded UK road network, in our efforts to earn a living.  This song is a cry for help in middle age, having been stuck in one motorway jam too many.  You really can walk the other way for the sake of your sanity.  Whimsical guitar from Fred

Nothing to Show

Love turns sour.   Falling in love, and falling out of love.  Ally Bee's piano solo perfectly suits the smooth arrangement of a "heart in the mouth" situation

Whatever I Say

The lyrics came in a rush in Kingston upon Thames (close by London) one spring day.  This is dedicated to Sue, with whom I share four children and many experiences.  I just got lucky - a privilege for a man.  I am doing my one-man boy band harmonies, and Lee gives us all some great air-guitar opportunities

The Other End of the Wheel

Travelling on from this life, bringing the "Wheel" full circle.  The mighty organ at the end signifies the walk through the welcoming gate to the next life and whatever happens there.  Fred's favourite - and I think that he put even more effort in engineering this one to a state of perfection.

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