Always Last… First

In what appears to becoming a yearly tradition, I have released yet another free download that coincides with my birthday.

This year’s edition is a return to paying homage to the debut album by The Sisters of Mercy, an album and a band that I have cited as being a significant influence, without whom I probably wouldn’t have started making music. I have subtly or explicitly paraphrased, referenced and alluded to them throughout many of my recordings.

First and Last and Always is 40 years old, released 11th March 1985 on my 16th birthday.

Here are four abstract interpretations of the title track. Eagle eared listeners might figure out that the music is actually First and Last and Always with the notation reversed. It is essentially the song played backwards.

Each song is 10 minutes long with a total running time of 40 minutes, representing the 40 years since the release of the album.

I recently had the good fortune of meeting Gary Marx, founding member and original guitarist with the Sisters. The image used for this release is his iconic ‘Anaconda’ guitar, a photo which I took when we met.

Voice on Silver Heart: Steven Stapleton

Further Sisters related homages and articles by myself can be found here –

30 MINUTES OF THIS CORROSION CORRODED FOR 30 YEARS
www.mixcloud.com/andrewowenliles/30-minutes-of-this-corrosion-corroding-for-30-years/

THE 20 BEST SONGS BY THE SISTERS OF MERCY AS CHOSEN BY FORMER MEMBERS, COLLABORATORS & MORE
www.loudersound.com/features/the-20-best-sisters-of-mercy-songs

FIRST MONSTER
www.andrewliles.com/discography/first-monster-last-monster-always-monster/