The Unthanks - "Diversions: Volume 1" Review

Artist/ Band:
Title: Diversions Volume 1: The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & The Johnsons
Label: Rough Trade
Year of Release: 2010
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

This is the shortest review I have ever done. Not because I don’t have much to say, but this is a absolute bursting at the seams performance by two sisters called The Unthanks, who I have owned all their previous recordings and wallowed in them like a pig in clay, and who I know to expect the most crazy great performances from. When I saw they did a live concert partly of Antony & The Johnsons and ever more incredible, nine songs by Robert Wyatt ...all live with no treatment or redoes.. well this was something I had to have. And have I do.

From the beginning, it is without doubt, one of the top dozen live recordings I now own. It is a disc that I have sat captivated, every clicking second, with and each breath taking utterance of these two sisters rendition of the pieces they bravely chose to do live, in front of a British audience. I love all their studio recordings and felt this would be great. Not only was it great, but is was utopian, earth lifting, and jaw dropping. All songs are superb but you listen to their take on Robert Wyatt’s ‘Sea Song’ and you just might have to change your pants. Don’t worry, I did too, twice. (I should get a royalty from Hanes or Fruit of the Loom damnit).

When music like this comes your way, just buy new underwear, sit quietly, take it in, and thank all gods that The Unthanks made this music so you could hear it. Yes yes! It’s that good, great, and peerless. All bow down and thank the UNTHANKS! This is a MUST ! MOST FULLY, CRAZY TOTAL RECOMMENDED AND MORE!

Reviewed by Lee Henderson on February 27th, 2012

Tracks:

01. Bird Guhl

02. Man Is The Baby

03. You Are My Sister

04. For Today I Am A Boy

05. Paddy s Gone

06. Spiralling

07. Stay Tuned

08. Dondestan

09. Lullaby For Hamza

10. Lisp Service

11. Free Will And Testament

12. Out Of The Blue

13. Cuckoo Madame

14. Sea Song

15. Forest (Excerpt)