For Each Other

Angel Air Records
For Each Other
For Each Other

Tracks:
A New Way
If Only
All Over You
E Mail
The Weather Report
On the Rebound
For Each Other
Loving You
Second Love
Sierra Highway
8 O'clock at the Corner
It's Too Late Now
Hideaway

Performer Notes:

  • Personnel: Verden Allen (various instruments, guitar, keyboards); Rob Watkins (guitar); Paul Boyce (bass).
  • Recorded at T.T. Studios, Glamorgan, U.K. from January to July, 1999.
  • Personnel: Robin Watkins (guitar); Paul Boyce (bass guitar).
  • Recording information: T.T. Studios, Glamorgan, England (01/1999-07/1999).
  • Arranger: Verden Allen.
  • Mott the Hoople fans have heard little from Allen since 1972, when -- weary of being typecast as its brooding organ presence, and occasional songwriter -- he walked out before the band broke wide open. A similar twist of fate plagued his marginal post-Hoople outlet, Cheeks, which gigged frequently, but never recorded.
  • For Each Other, Allen's second solo outing, finds him breaking a two-decade silence with a deftly crafted affair on which he handles nearly all the instruments (except lead guitar and bass overdubs, respectively, on two tracks).
  • Allen sets the tone with "A New Way," whose swipe against obsessive careerism bounces over a Dylanesque talk-sing twang and mid-tempo organ that wouldn't have sounded amiss on Wild Life, Mott's flirtation with country-rock. Allen keeps matters low-key and restrained throughout, giving appropriate textural priority to his evocative organ and piano work, which shines on the driving, six-minute epic "Losing You." Allen's subtlety also pays off on his Mott-era contribution, "Second Love," in which he trades the original's bombastic trumpets for a less impatient delivery and flutelike synthesizers. Other highlights include "Email," a wry look at the foibles of daily living; the stolid, determined title track; and "If Only" and "All Over You," which offer wistful laments for love gone sour.
  • As his sturdy, workmanlike vocals demonstrate, Allen is hardly a natural singer, and he doesn't display the lyrical deftness that characterized Mott's hit-and-miss early albums. Still, neither issue prevents Allen's album from being enjoyed on its own unassuming merits, although he could use two or three stronger songs next time around.
  • For Each Other may not set the world alight, but it bears repeated listening, while providing a reassuring snapshot of an underrated talent. Just don't expect reruns of Brain Capers, and proceed accordingly. ~ Ralph Heibutzki

Producer: Verden Allen

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 29 April, 2002

Label: Angel Air Records

Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.2 x 1 centimeters (0.06 kg)

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Label: Angel Air Records

Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.2 x 1 centimeters (0.06 kg)

Writer: Verden Allen

Producer: Verden Allen