A 3 CD box set expanding the 2008 album In a Bad Mood with extra discs: In a Raw Mood – a previously unreleased demos album, and In a Good Mood – BBC sessions, live at Goldtop Studio, and additional studio tracks. Notes by former Mojo editor Mat Snow in a 20-page booklet. Order here
The much-admired In a Bad Mood album led to Geraint Watkins' performance on BBCTV’s Later… with Jools Holland programme and numerous radio sessions, some of which are included in this box set.
After art school, the Welshman from Balham had a rock’n’roll apprenticeship in Red Beans & Rice, Geraint Watkins & the Dominators, the Balham Alligators and then in Shakin’ Stevens and Dave Edmunds bands. He soon became much in demand enhancing recordings by artists such as Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Nick Lowe, Status Quo, Rory Gallagher, Bill Wyman, Willie & the Poor Boys, Graham Parker, Roger Daltrey - and many others of that ilk.
However, in recent years through a series of solo albums, his own previously hidden songwriting talents have come to the fore. Bold as Love, Dial ‘W’ for Watkins, In a Bad Mood and Moustique all got showered in praise for his understanding and feel for multiple musical genres.
He’s been acknowledged by many, including Bob Dylan who played two tracks on his radio show (‘My favourite British piano player’). His songs have been covered by Don McLean, NRBQ, Dave Edmunds, the Holmes Brothers and Pokey Lafarge amongst many others. His most recent album Rush of Blood was produced by Basement Jaxx' Simon Ratcliffe.
This Mood Swings 15th anniversary box set expands In a Bad Mood to include studio, live, demo and BBC session tracks of that era, and is accompanied by a commentary from former Mojo editor Mat Snow in a 20-page booklet.
Disc 1 ‘In a Bad Mood’ - Easy To Say ‘Bon Temps Rouler’, Champion, Unto You, Fools Like Me, Chagrin, My Love, Bourgeoise, History, Jenni, Heart of The City, Catch On, At Last.
Disc 2 ‘In a Raw Mood’ (demos) - We’ve Only Just Begun, Fools Like Me, My Love, Chagrin, Body and Soul, Champion, You’ve Changed, Dedicated To The One I Love, Heart of The City, What’s Going On, At Last.
Disc 3 ‘In a Good Mood’ (live, BBC sessions and expanded extras) – Jenni, Champion, Unto You, Only A Rose, At Last, Soldier Of Love, Crazy Arms, Easy To Say ‘Bon Temps Rouler’ (Later), Champion (Later), Only A Rose (Jools Holland R2), Unto You (Mark Lamarr R2), We've Only Just Begun, It's A Wonderful Life, Bouffant, Only A Rose, Soldier Of Love.
Cat.No: FREUDCD133.
Discs 1 & 2 are also available on double-vinyl: FREUDLP133
A digital single of Champion together with the ‘live on Later’ version is issued on October 27
Release date: November 24 2023
