I Think I Need A Therapist
This one has puzzled me for years.
Although bought in the UK on the day of release, my copy of third album ‘A Happy Pocket’ comes from Germany. This may well have been the norm for labels to manufacturer their CDs overseas (cheap labour) as I have other CDs, Cassettes etc which are made in Europe, but I would have thought a UK release would be made in the UK – or am I being stupid.
The official TCS discography has a separate listing for the UK version – so it does exist. Does it? Surely?
I think I need to lie down.
Update: I finally came across the UK version. A Happy Pocket = An Empty Pocket.

I never liked the design on the CD – could never read the writing – but it’s still my favourite album



Some copies – like this one – had promo information included, although it’s not a promo CD.

1996 Go! Discs Ltd 828696-2
One At A Time
Here are the US and European versions of second album ‘I’ve Seen Everything’.
Different from the UK version – which was released as a digipak – these were both released in a standard jewel case. The insert is pretty much the same, but the big difference, as you can see, is the CD itself.
Little known fact: The working title for ISE was ‘Spooktime’ and was then supposed to be called ‘Milk The Dwindling Hours’ after a lyric from ‘Claw’ but it was decided to exclude this song from the final pressing, and was eventually re-christened ISE.

European CD, this one from Germany.
US CD, notably different



1993 Go! Discs/London 828412-2
1993 Go! Discs Ltd 828402-2
Peacetime
…was released by Eddi Reader in 2006 and included a couple of songs written by John Douglas – namely ‘Prisons’ and ‘Should I Pray?’
Both these songs as you know appear on the TCS’ most recent long player ‘In The Music’.
‘Prisons’ is a simple, stripped down duet with John and Eddi swapping harmonies throughout and I think it’s just magic, whilst ‘Should I Pray’ takes on a different dimension with female lead vocals as opposed to TCS’ later version.
Another song covered by Eddi on this album is ‘The Afton’, written by Johnny Dillon from Heirloom – a band who were at one time graced with the talents of Mr John Douglas and Mr Livingston.





2006 Rough Trade Records Ltd RTRADCD233
Doctor! Doctor! Gimme The News
Eddi Reader’s ‘Medicine’ was the first single released from her third album, ‘Candyfloss And Medicine’ – a gentle musical ebb and hypnotical lyrical flow typical of her low key approach.
The single, which failed to bother the UK charts, included the Trashcan Sinatras penned song, ‘Earlies’.
I like the little comment, ‘Part 2 of the album ‘Sadenia Sings The Sinatras’ – an obvious reference to her cover versions of TCS songs.



1996 Blanco Y Negro NEG95CD1
Ae Fond Tribute
This is an excellent tribute CD from Eddi Reader to Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns.
Eddi Reader has never hidden her love for Burns and it shows on this fantastic release, where she brings her own unique arrangements to his poems.
Backed by a who’s who of international artists such as John McCusker, Boo Hewerdine, Phil Cunningham, Roy Dodds and Christine Hanson the album was recorded in a mere three days and includes one track not written by Burns.
That track is ‘Wild Mountainside’, written by Mr John Douglas – but you knew that didn’t you. It’s a cracking version and includes the amazing Kate Rusby on harmony vocals.
A deluxe version of this CD with 7 additional songs was subsequently released not long ago – seek it out, ‘n a’ that.





2003 Rough Trade Records Ltd