I think you’re right - just went for (and found) my original version. The Steven Wilson mix is an interesting listen.

I really like ‘Reap the Wild Wind’. I know what you mean about the production, though. I always think that ‘Hymn’ shows the best and worse of Ultravox mk II: there’s a weight to the music that is not matched by the lyrics, which nevertheless aim for weight, and miss.

Love the sound on the intro.

Unearned suffering is redemptive.

I remember a single (‘Lava’?) that seemed perfect for the charts. I have it on cassette single somewhere. I remember being confused that it didn’t seem to find its audience (maybe it did?).

These are beautiful!

Late to this, and you probably have it - but I remember a Scanner album starting with that ring. ‘Delivery’ maybe?

Looks brilliant!

I really like where the flow has taken you. Lots of drafts of ‘jrr stuff started at the mic, responding to the music. Not with the intention of writing The Thing. Stuff just comes out of you - usually better than the conscious stuff. The conscious mind is a good editor, but often a bit of a copyist.

…by which I mean that it leans into repetition and that becomes a tool.

It isn’t objectively awful. Just lose the shoes. Then it becomes like a line from Lou Reed’s New York.