PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN: "Wish You Were Carrie Fisher" - copyright alan neilson 2009
The 2011 Special Edition of "bear_bare" is released June 6th on Bandcamp.
The new release features an extra free track, the full band version of "Birthday" and a 20 page PDF booklet featuring all the lyrics and chords, as well as photographs never seen before.
Click on the link below to buy.
You can buy the album "bear_bare" from iTunesand from Amazon.
Contact us to buy a hard copy of the 3 track "Birthday ep"
1. Wish You Were Her
2. Birthday (full band version)
3. Moses & Abe
REVIEW FROM PICCADILLY RECORDS, MANCHESTER:
Debut EP from this singer songwriter from Dudley. The first two
tracks, "Wish You Were Her" and "Birthday" are beautifully simple,
melancholic songs featuring just acoustic guitar and Alan's powerful
emotive vocals. "Moses & Abe" takes a different direction altogether
with cut-ups, samples and skitish electronics.
REVIEW FROM OVERPLAY:
Classed as the worthy other contender and described thus: About the song 'Harry, Lyn and Me' - "This West Coast concoction ripples with piano, 12-string and tales of lost potential. The vocal bristles with all the best bits of Bob Seger or Don Henley, while the elegantly sun-soaked vibe pulls you deeper into the shimmering ocean."
Auto Biography
Born in 1969.
In 1974 discover Mike Batt.
In 1977 fell in love with Carrie Fisher.
In 1978 fell in love with Debbie Harry, The Clash and Sex Pistols inspire me to pick up a guitar.
In 1979 John Lydon blows my mind with "Death Disco". Ridley Scott opens my mind with "Alien".
In 1980 discovered Joy Division and Bowie.
In 1982... "Blade Runner."
In 1986, Prince reminds me how important it is to keep a sense of humour.
In 1992, The Frank and Walters remind me never to forget the struggling artist; the little guy.
In 1994 travel around America, my horizons are broadened.
In 1995, graduated as a Live Artist. My short film "According to this story..." is shown at the ICA's LiveArt Festival.
In 1996 begin writing novel, "Touching Wood".
In 2000, Crackerdog Productions are born out of the turbulent turn of the century.
In 2002, get married (not to Carrie Fisher or Debbie Harry).
In 2004, my song "Given" is played on the radio, my short film "Dangle" appears on the BBC.
In 2005, joined www's pointless network.
Between 2005 and 2008: released first official CD on elementary recordings; a single called "The Birthday e.p."
Finished writing my novel "Touching Wood".
Produced radio programs for BBC Radio WM, highlighting unsigned bands from the Midlands.
Composed the soundtrack for film "Milk", made by local film company The Frames. This was shown on Sky in March 2008.
Began working with local bands on a documentary about the local unsigned music scene. This is due for completion during the summer of 2012.
In 2009, produced, filmed and edited the full-length feature film, "Die Son! Die!", with revolutionary punk band Miss Halliwell. This was released, along with the music from the film on CD and download on August 17th 2009.
In 2010 released the debut album "bear_bare".
In 2011, began work on collaboration album: "Soliloquy".
Sang with Matthew Jones Orchestra and Choir at "For Dusty - A Tribute" at the Albert Hall, with Boy George, Hazel O'Connor, Kenny Lynch, Lucie Felas and Mica Paris.
Long and embarrassing list of Influences
Bowie. John Lydon. Tony Hancock. Jean-Pierre Jeunet - "Amelie", "Delicatessen". "The Apartment" Three Colours, Blue, White, Red "Ed Wood", Coen brothers up to and including "The Man Who Wasn't There" and then again at "No Country For Old Men". "Life Is Beautiful", "Casablanca", Frank Capra films, "Star Wars", "Withnail and I", "Broadway Danny Rose", "Quadrophenia", "Naked". Ronnie Lane. Talk Talk. MPH/Miss Halliwell. Tony Wilson.