Friendly BBC archivists Hux Records are reissuing Kevin's 'Singing The Bruise' and 'First Show In The Appearance Business' BBC Radio session collections on October 17. These were first put out in 1996 and I'd forgotten not only just how long ago this was but also just how good a collection of songs/line-ups/eras they included. The live performances form a fascinating (and frequently better) counterpoint to some of the chronological album versions. There are 5 previously unissued tracks - a good 22 minutes worth - which Hux have unearthed from the vaults and I've asterisked ** these on the track listing below.

(Press Release writes) The 2 CD set of BBC radio sessions tracks Kevin’s discography from 1970 (when his band included his former Soft Machine friends) through to 1976.

Featured here are several previously unissued recordings, including the earliest surviving example of Kevin’s post-Soft Machine output.

Among the musicians featured with Ayers on this compilation include Robert Wyatt, Mike Oldfield, Mike Ratledge, Andy Summers, Hugh Hopper, Lol Coxhill, David Bedford, Elton Dean, Archie Leggett, Ollie Halsall & Zoot Money.

The accompanying 16 page full colour booklet includes comprehensive liner notes, full recording details and previously unseen photographs.

Track listing:

Disc 1

1. Clarence In Wonderland** 2. Stop This Train** 3. Why Are We Sleeping 4. You Say You Like My Hat 5. Gemini Chile 6. Lady Rachel 7. Shooting At The Moon** 8. Derby Day 9. The Interview 10. We Did It Again 11. Lunatic’s Lament** 12. Oyster And The Flying Fish 13. Butterfly Dance 14. Whatevershebringswesing 15. Falling In Love Again 16. Queen Thing

Disc 1 Tracks 1 - 4 ‘Top Gear’ - Recorded 10.2.70. Kevin Ayers – guitar, bass & vocals David Bedford – piano Lol Coxhill – soprano saxophone Elton Dean – alto saxophone Lyn Dobson – Flute Nick Evans – trombone Hugh Hopper – bass guitar Mike Ratledge – organ Robert Wyatt – drums & backing vocals

Disc 1 Tracks 5 - 7 ‘Alan Black’ - Recorded 20.5.70. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals David Bedford – piano Lol Coxhill – saxophone Mick Fincher – drums Mike Oldfield – bass guitar

Disc 1 Tracks 8 - 11 ‘Top Gear’ - Recorded 9.6.70. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals David Bedford – piano Lol Coxhill – saxophone Mick Fincher – drums Mike Oldfield – bass guitar

Disc 1 Tracks 11 - 16 ‘Bob Harris’ - Recorded 17.5.72. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals Archie Leggett – bass guitar & vocals

Disc 2

1. Interview 2. Oh What A Dream 3. Shouting In A Bucket Blues 4. Another Whimsical Song 5. Lady Rachel 6. Stop This Train 7. Didn’t Feel Lonely Till I Thought Of You 8. Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes** 9. Mr Cool 10. Love’s Gonna Turn You Round 11. Star 12. Ballad Of Mr Snake

Disc 2 Tracks 1 - 3 ‘Bob Harris’ - Recorded 11.4.73. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals Archie Leggett – bass guitar Mike Ratledge – organ Eddie Sparrow – drums

Disc 2 Tracks 4 - 7 ‘John Peel’ - Recorded 9.7.74. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals Ollie Halsall – guitar Archie Leggett – bass guitar John 'Rabbit' Bundrick – keyboards Freddie Smith – drums

Disc 2 Track 8 ‘Rock On’ - Recorded 11.11.74. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals Ollie Halsall – guitar Archie Leggett – bass guitar John 'Rabbit' Bundrick – keyboards Freddie Smith – drums

Disc 2 Tracks 9 - 12 ‘John Peel’ - Recorded 13.7.76. Kevin Ayers – guitar & vocals Charlie McCracken – bass guitar Zoot Money – keyboards & backing vocals Andy Summers – guitar Rob Townsend – drums