Automatic

• Artist: Channel Light Vessel
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1994
• Total Time: 40:45
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Electronica

Review

A short-lived collaboration between keyboardist Roger Eno, guitarist Bill Nelson, and oboist/saxophonist Kate St. John, Channel Light Vessel is more than a new age supergroup. Perhaps it's the influence of St. John (a key member of the underrated Dream Academy), but this is the most pop-oriented album Nelson's been involved with since his early-'80s run of pre-ambient solo records. Some tracks have vocals by Nelson and/or St. John (the opening duet, "Testify," is downright catchy), but even the instrumentals have recognizable melodies and easy-to-grasp structures. Eno's contributions are about evenly split between piano and synthesizers, and his playing is typically excellent; though often overshadowed by his more famous and innovative older brother Brian, Roger is a notable talent in his own right. His jazzy fills in the chattering "Ballyboots" elevate what might have otherwise been an aimless rhythmic exercise into something far more interesting. It's nice to hear Nelson singing again, and his gruff voice fits perfectly with St. John's angelic harmonies. Overall, the placid but not static feeling of Automatic is very much like David Sylvian's post-Japan work, and an excellent addition to all three artists' respective discographies. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Testify	Bill Nelson, Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:08)
Train Travelling North	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(4:18)
Dog Day Afternoon	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:00)
Ballyboots	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:52)
A Place We Pray For	Bill Nelson, Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(4:26)
Bubbling Blue	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:41)
Duende	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(1:12)
Flaming Creatures	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:51)
Bill's Last Waltz	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(4:13)
Thunderous Accordions	Bill Nelson, Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(2:25)
Fish Owl Moon	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:06)
Little Luminaries	Channel Light Vessel	Channel Light Vessel	(3:37)

Credits

Roger Eno (Banjo), Roger Eno (Guitar), Roger Eno (Piano), Roger Eno (Accordion), Roger Eno (Clavichord), Roger Eno (Horn), Roger Eno (Keyboards), Roger Eno (Group Member), Laraaji (Chimes), Laraaji (Sound Effects), Laraaji (Zither), Laraaji (Kalimba), Laraaji (Bells), Laraaji (Whisper), Laraaji (Group Member), Bill Nelson (Guitar (Acoustic)), Bill Nelson (Bass), Bill Nelson (Guitar), Bill Nelson (Percussion), Bill Nelson (Piano), Bill Nelson (Clavichord), Bill Nelson (Guitar (Bass)), Bill Nelson (Guitar (Electric)), Bill Nelson (Keyboards), Bill Nelson (Vocals), Bill Nelson (Ebo), Bill Nelson (E-Bow), Bill Nelson (Mixing), Bill Nelson (Group Member), Channel Light Vessel (Producer), Channel Light Vessel (Main Performer), Markus Dravs (Engineer), Kate St. John (Oboe), Kate St. John (Saxophone), Kate St. John (Vocals), Kate St. John (?), Kate St. John (Cor Anglais), Bob St. John (Clavichord), Mayumi Tachibana (Cello), Mayumi Tachibana (Clavichord), Mayumi Tachibana (Voices), Mayumi Tachibana (Group Member), James Cadsky (Assistant Engineer), James Cadsky (Assistant), John Spence (Engineer)

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