Album Notes

The Thinking Reeds is the musical vehicle for singer-songwriter Iain Kelly and acts as a pole from which to fly the ragged flag

Dragged screaming into the world in Sheffield, England, he has not yet stopped. Music quickly became the magic carpet on which to escape and he continues to tap, hit, plonk & bellow in order to survive. Inching slowly towards a more personal and uncompromising style the recent recordings communicate much about the journey with a return to a more organic sound.


A Sailor Me

During summer 2005 The Thinking Reeds took up residency amongst the trees and critters of the English county of Lincolnshire. Here they learned to identify bird song and stayed warm by burning the troubles and angers collected on the long voyage. They also unpacked their crumbling recording devices, known collectively as the “Rec-O-Matic”. The faded heart was unwrapped and placed firmly on the sleeve.

With the help of Maverick record producer Lance Thomas the songs became an album. With the instruments in the Parlour, the machines in the Butler’s Pantry and a well stocked drinks cabinet in between, the journey was recorded.


Bare Knuckle Love

The Thinking Reeds x


"...a remarkably human album....a longing of the sort you would associate with Daniel Johnston or Tom Waits...beautifully instrumented.....an authentic and compelling personal document, a lantern in the dark."

No Ordinary Music June 06

"...manages the feat of being reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright's grandiose air and Roddy Frame's earthbound wistfulness at the same time.....A Sailor Me is a lovely, whimsical record."

Russell Barker, Russís Reviews June 06

"....brings me to the banks of the thames, among the ginísoaked whores and stevedores."

75 or Less April 06

"you're never quite sure whether this man is singing you a love song or a painful diary entry that he's masked with a dozen or so crushed roses"

Coma magazine May 06

"a stunning debut album."

Coma fanzine July 06

"The band cycle between downbeat torch songs and upbeat, erm, torch songs.....there are show-stopping moments among the trauma. Indeed, the final 3 tracks reduce the listener to an emotional wreck."

Bernhard Bessing isthismusic.com July 06