Dr Robert - The Coming Of Grace: An Introduction To Dr Robert

Good for what ails you

As the dashing young frontman with 80s hitmakers The Blow Monkeys, Robert Howard seemed to enjoy the trappings of fame while retaining his dignity via some classy pop, lyrical attacks on Thatcherism, and a debut album, Limping For A Generation, which ranks among the best debuts of that decade. By the end of the 80s, however, he found a dead-end in his band and its dalliance with house music. He also nurtured an interest in the past acoustic glories of singer-songwriters such as Nick Drake and Neil Young, to help steer him on the solo path.

That journey seemed to take a while but, after a foray with Starjuice and various limited edition singles, he unravelled Realms Of Gold, recorded in 1993 but not issued in the UK until 1996. Songs such as Circular Quay (a tribute to his Sydney upbringing) and The Coming Of Grace were lush, organic tunes in the finest tradition, but sales didn’t match the critical acclaim. Robert had to rely increasingly on his own resources for subsequent solo works, from the serene Bethesda (recorded 1995, only issued in Japan), the cover version-heavy Other Folk from 1997, 1999’s Flatlands and several subsequent efforts. This is the perfect pitstop to discover what you’ve missed.

Alfie | ALF 1

Reviewed by John Reed
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