Album Notes

"Congratulations on a great sound...A GREAT BAND!" - Dean Jackson, presenter of The Beat on East Midlands BBC radio.

"The lads have fined tuned their unusual rock-meets-reggae sound to great effect. Their debut album "Hanging Baskets of Babylon" combines this sound with essences of funk and folk, giving the tracks an ecclectic, chilled feel..." - 69 Magazine who place The Tea Monkeys No.2 in the 15 hottest bands of 2007!

The album was created between March and September 2006, all tracks were recorded live in either a school lecture theatre or our rehearsal studio, with vocals and additional instrumentation added later. The band consists of Tony on drums, Dave on bass, and Lewis and J Wo sharing guitar and vocal duties.

Here's a little info about the songs:

The Intro was an improvised jam recorded whilst J Wo was out for a cigarette break so he does not feature on this track. This (short) instrumental track has an 80s pop feel.

A Place of Safety was written by Lewis in New Zealand - the track was originally called Aoteroa after this amazing place - if you haven't been GO NOW!!! Energetically happy pop-rock, with a very slight off-beat feel. One of a few tracks originally recorded for the Ride The Tiger project in March 2006, a 4-track demo which was later axed in favour of the album you see here. Our guest Fran is on backing vocals.

Light Up is a very ironically happy tune, written by J Wo whilst waiting for a Housing Benefit cheque. Quite a bouncy tune with a very upbeat feel, despite the insidious sentiments behind it. Fran is on backing vocals.

Pot Of Gold is J Wo's commentary about having something to cling to when it seems life's going nowhere, and being rewarded for believing in oneself. Elements of ska combine with 70s pop-rock.

Another Half Life is the instrumental outtro from a song by J Wo called Another Life which was recorded as part of the Ride The Tiger sessions in March 2006. It's a light hearted ballad about a love that was never to be.

My Time is a Lewis track about how much better off one is when one leaves someone else behind. One of the band's oldest tracks, this originally featured on the 2004 EP Just Not Cricket, and is a funky-pop-gospel-rock anthem. Fran is on backing vocals and keyboard.

Devilsline is Lewis' warning about the dangers of selling out corporate style. Funky rock, going a bit mental at the end!

Phunq is a tribute to one of Lewis' musical heroes - can you guess who? Driving rock which subsides into a funkier groove. Fran is on backing vocals.

Karma Before The Storm is an instrumental taster track of a work in progress, kind of a funkyish off-beat feel.

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel was written by J Wo about the time when Kenneth Bigley was taken hostage in Iraq, a rather depressing tune which features an enourmous ending. Fran is on backing vocals.

Revolutionise is a call to arms by Lewis against any kind of bigotry or discrimination, positive or otherwise, and features undertones of dub reggae.

Girl I Want is the most chilled song on the album. Also taken from Ride The Tiger, J Wo had laryngitis when the vocals for this were recorded! Nice summery wah guitar breaks aplenty!

Tea Tone is another WIP of a ska-ish tune, this is an instrumental taster.

Proper Tropical is about Lewis spending a day in the bay of islands at the northern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. The last of the four tracks to be taken from Ride The Tiger. Fran is on backing vocals.

Sunday Afternoon Revisited is J Wo's reggae-ish tune which, like My Time, originally featured on the band's 2004 EP Just Not Cricket. One of the very first few Tea Monkeys songs to be written. Fran is on backing vocals.

Settlement In Lieu is another old tune, written by J Wo following his uncerimonious parting from a local high street bank by whom he was employed. Reggae-influenced pop.

P As P will likely feature on the next album but here is a taster of this soft rock instrumental.

Predictable is Lewis' take on doing that little bit extra for the one you love. Funky pop tune with some groovy noises.

Peter Green Blues is an improvised jam that reminded the band of the great Peter Green, hence the title.

Finally, many thanks to everyone who has helped make this album a reality. We hope you enjoy what you hear!