It is the job of art to fight the ugliness of the world. We use love and the fascination of beauty to do this. Beauty can be a kiss, a statement, a helping hand, a smile to uplift, a pat on the back, the knowledge that someone is with you in your quest. The world is a sad place when we thrive to make more and end up seeing less.
But let it be said, in the end we are not experts, we have no surefire solution, we're just a bunch of idiots searching for the holy grail, like ships lost in a sea of indecision, we go where the wind blows. We eat and drink with thieves and kings, with punks and priests. We think and we progress, sometimes moving a step back, but never a step that was not necessary, never a step that could not have been a leap, because then we leap.
We find ourselves singing about love a lot. What gives us the right to do this? Is it the words we find or the words we search for in desperation? Is love the question or the answer? The journey or the destination? The hope or the hopelessness?
The answer of course is that loves moves the world, unrequited and sublime. And we are the storytellers that touch your soul, the missionaries that spread the word, love is great, love is good, love is omnipotent and also the bricks we use to build our songs.
Bob T
I think i am the boss
Vocals – Born in London. Has been writing songs with Henry since the eighties. They played together in Surplus Stock, Cliff Barnes and the Fear of Winning and the Illegal Artists, before the Artland Country Club. Bob plays simple guitar and sings. His lyrics spin a web of intrigue down the highways of Americana. Loves bikes.
Henry R
i let him think he is the boss
Playing lead guitar and more. Originally from the Eifel area of Germany, where a lot of Americans were stationed, he’s been living in and around Artland for years now. Works as a journalist for a guitar magazine. Played bass guitar on most of the songs as well. As a songwriter he puts the soundtrack behind Bobs lyrics.
Marcus P
More than a musician
Guitarist – played with Bob and Henry in CBATFOW and now runs the Mühle der Freundschaft a studio close to Osnabrück. Marcus engineered this to the sound of the stream outside. Marcus is also a renowned producer and works with Tito and Tarantula as their producer and guitarist. Marcus is mixing this album.
Lars P
Someone has to keep the beat
The only thing the band can’t do is play drums. And the right drummer is harder to find than you may think. Lars plays a tea chest and his unorthodox style gave the songs a kick that can only be described as sensational. We are hoping we can persuade Lars to come on tour with us. Now who will carry that tea chest?
Susan V
A women's touch
We played with Susan at South by Southwest years ago. Now she is back to spread some love with her violin. She lives in Chicago these days and still plays with Poi Dog Pondering. We sent her some files and she made some magic. Susan also runs a violin school and practices Thai Yoga. Beautiful….!
Felix H
Banging stuff
The man on percussion and vibraphone. Felix played with the Artland Country Club. He has the best collection of broken cymbals we know about. Now the lead singer and bass player in the band King Caramel. They have a cd out now. Felix hit some stuff on “I’ve got a gun”, “Cold Outside”, “The Crossing” “Cardboard Moon” and “Mr. Rodriguez”.
Martin S
The Wah-Wah is alive and well
There could never be a CBATFOW record without this man. The Doc is a recognised producer, performer and engineer, as well as playing on stage with pop star Christian Steiffen. Martin played organ, synthesiser (mini-moog!) and piano, as well as helping us with the string arrangements. Now if he’d just come on tour…
Tommy S and Co.
Blowing their horn!
Tommy Schneller and his band play their own brand of blues and jazz. The guys are at home on the best stages in Europe. They came by on a Thursday morning and blew their way through three songs. We were thrilled and they took the songs in a new direction. Thanks Tommy (Sax), Gary (Trumpet) and Dieter (Trombone)!
Mike S
The man who made us change
I could write about this guy for ages. Mike is a renowned producer and sound guy. He has worked with the stars and also with us. He is at home in a big studio and in a dark basement room. He never gets the money he should when working with us, but he is the secret behind this album. He told us to do something extreme and we did.
Camille B
Singing from the soul...
Camille Bloom is from Seattle. She tours regularly through Europe with her guitar in the back of a small rental car and we have met up many times. One gig at the Kantine in Artland we got her to sing some harmonies for us. And that’s what you can here on songs like “I let her down” and “Blue Skies”.
Manfred P
Making everything look better
Very talented photographer and video filmer. Has been working with the guys for a while now. He is responsible for the live optics and all photos and videos. Manfred will visualize the Plant USED concept in photos and film and be a full live member of the band. This time the revolution will be televised.
Frank O
He's just there..
Cliff Barnes and the Fear of Winning on stage would not be the same without Frank. He came with us around the world and to Schwindkirchen in his sandals! Sold merchandise, printed t-shirts and designed all the tour posters. And drank Mata Hari’s with a Flock of Seagulls at SXSW – good times!