Books #17 Different Every Time by Marcus O'Dair

It hasn't taken me long to make my way through the 465 pages of this book and I am very pleased that I made the effort. I have been a fan of Wyatt since his days with Soft Machine and I regard his 1974 album 'Rock Bottom' as one of the greatest albums of all time. Yet being a fan of a person's music does not necessarily make for an interesting read when it comes to biographies. However I recall a 2001 BBC4 documentary 'Free Will And Testament' which delved into the real story of Robert Wyatt. I watched the film again recently on YouTube and felt compelled to also read this book.

The title of course comes from the the opening line of the brilliant 'Sea Song' which opens 'Rock Bottom'. It is fitting because with each subsequent album, Wyatt has produced something different from what has come before. He is clearly an artist who is prepared to take chances and not comply with the expectations of the record buying public. Perhaps that explains why sales of his records have never been in the major league, but credit to him for sticking to his own principles.

The book gives a great insight into the writing and recording of all of his recordings (under his own name, or supporting other artists) but it gives so much more than that as Wyatt is and was a fascinating character in his own right. Consequently among other things we get details of his political activities (he was for many years a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain),  and his relationships with others, most notably his wife Alfreda (Alfie) Benge.

Alfie is indeed central to the story and has often single-handedly kept Wyatt going, acting not only as wife but as a business manager, album cover designer and writer of beguiling lyrics. Of course she has also been the muse and inspiration for many of Wyatt's greatest songs. Fans of Wyatt certainly owe her a debt of gratitude.


One of the most striking things gleaned from reading the book, is how self deprecating Wyatt is about his own ability as a writer, singer and musician. Indeed it has taken many other very talented musicians to encourage and bring the best out of him. These include Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera and David Gilmour, plus numerous others from many fields of music. Also, the actress Julie Christie played a significant part in the lives of Robert and Alfie.

For me however, the single most striking thing is the way that Wyatt responded to the terrible accident in 1973 that left him paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair. One must remember that this incident happened not too long after Wyatt had been unceremoniously booted out of his own band, Soft Machine and he had ended his next venture, Matching Mole. He was very much in a state of flux, unsure about whether his future lay as a singer or a drummer. The accident effectively made the decision for him as he was left unable to operate the foot pedals necessary for a career in drumming. Wyatt referred to the accident as "an incidental detour" and he described his new situation as being "fantastically liberating". He realised that he couldn't be all the things he was trying to be and his mind became more focused on what he could become. 

As fans of his music, we can only be grateful that he survived the fall and took the route that he did.

If you are a fan of Robert Wyatt or just want to read an interesting story of someone overcoming all kinds of adversity, I thoroughly recommend this book. Oh and have a nice bottle of wine and all of Wyatt's albums close at hand. You will find it a great journey.