"Shleep" is the seventh solo studio album by English musician and songwriter Robert Wyatt. It was released on 22 September 1997, marking Wyatt's return after a six-year hiatus, his longest break since his 1973 accident that paralyzed him from the waist down.
The album is renowned for its deeply personal and introspective lyrics inspired by Wyatt’s own battles with alcoholism and depression during the 1980s and early 1990s. Frequently regarded as one of his best works, "Shleep" incorporates a plethora of musical influences, from jazz to experimental rock and folk.
The record features contributions from notable musicians including guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist Evan Parker, Paul Weller, and Brian Eno, who also co-produced and assisted with the arrangements. This diverse range of collaborations further highlights "Shleep's" unique and eclectic sound.
The album was critically acclaimed upon its release and continues to be lauded in retrospective reviews. Despite having a minimalist and cryptic approach, Wyatt's songs manage to blend melancholy, wit, and political commentary into an ultimately uplifting and humanistic statement. "Shleep" therefore, stands as one of the key pieces in Robert Wyatt's discography, embodying his broad-ranging abilities as a musician and a lyricist.
Please note, this is a brief outline and the album's rich content and backstory could be further explored.
