AT ST. JAMES’ PARK, a new CD from The Exiles Newcastle/Vancouver/Zurich, December 2012: The new CD of Toon Army tunes by The Exiles consists of no fewer than 17 tracks spanning a century of Newcastle United history. The disc opens and closes with the two songs collaborators Tim Readman in Vancouver and Alan Millen in Zurich originally composed and recorded in support of Mark “Run Geordie Run” Allison’s epic fundraising trek across the USA in the summer of 2011. The songs remain current ahead of the run across Australia that Mark will undertake toward the end of 2013. In between these opening and closing tracks are 15 songs in a wide variety of styles that commemorate various memorable moments and personalities in Newcastle United history, all viewed through the eyes of lifelong fans. All of the songs were recorded in Vancouver and showcase the combined studio talents of Tim Readman and co-producer Bill Buckingham. Alan statement: “Including the two songs for fellow NUFC supporter Mark Allison brings our total output of Newcastle United songs to 47. This figure corresponds nicely to one song per minute of a half of football. As on the two earlier releases, the lyrics in the third instalment of our football folk opera again explore a range of moods between joy and dismay while the variety of musical styles and colourings involved covers a wide spectrum: from passionate rock and roll to heartfelt folk ballad, angry protest song and music hall whimsy. Thanks to our association with Mark Allison we’re delighted to present a selection of songs for Geordies to run across America to.” Tim statement: “We had so much fun recording these songs. There are more styles of music than ever before and it feels good to keep the saga of our beloved football club going. As a collection, The First Eleven (and three on the bench), ...and 50,000 in the Stands, and ...at St. James’ Park have captured some unforgettable moments both football and music-wise.” In alphabetical order here’s a brief description of the musical style and subject matter of the songs on ... at St. James’ Park: Always a Magpie: Text: The Strawberry pub is the setting for this heartfelt tribute to Joe Harvey. Music: reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel, slow, melancholy Fairs Cup Reverie: Text: A nostalgic look back at Fairs Cup glory through the eyes of a fan aboard a double decker bus. Music: a jaunty accordion carries a familiar “singalong” folk music melody. Final Score 4-4: Text: Modern communications technology brings a fan in Montreal together with one in Spain as they share their thoughts during the rollercoaster ride of a memorable home match against Arsenal in February 2011. Music: Mainly spoken word with sound effects Grand Day to be a Magpie: Text: A light-hearted music-hall medley celebrates a famous 6-0 win over Aston Villa in August 2010. Music: Ukulele takes the spotlight accompanied by sound effects suggesting a 78rpm recording. Kickabout Days: Text: Terrace-chants inspired this tribute to numerous players from the past. This one’s for anyone who ever dreamed of actually playing for the Magpies. Music: Guitar-driven up-tempo rocker with plenty of snap Lovenkrands: Text: The moving photograph of Peter Lovenkrands dedicating a goal to his deceased father in January 2010 inspired the lyrics to this father/son story. Music: Mainly spoken-word with a hymn-like backing. Uplifting, bittersweet. Man of the People: Text: The first song written for the new CD, this tribute to Sir Bobby Robson was penned two days after he passed away in July 2009. It reaches out to fans other clubs with which he is associated. We hope it inspires people to contribute to the foundation that bears his name, especially since Mark Allison is now a fundraising force on the foundation’s behalf. Music: Medium-tempo. Stirring, with Northumbrian pipe accenting the mood. Peter The Great: Text: An under-the-weather fan feels a whole lot perkier after watching a video of highlights from the career of Peter Beardsley. Music: Up-tempo, humorous, with nods to Chuck Berry and rockabilly. Postcard from Newcastle. Text: An expat fan living in California feels more than a twinge of nostalgia upon receiving a postcard from Tyneside. Music: Reflective, nostalgic but humorous; highlighted by tasteful guitar colouring reminiscent of California rocker Steve Miller Seven Goals and Counting: Text: A derby-day romp celebrating Shola Ameobi’s remarkable goalscoring record against our Wearside rivals. Music: Rhythmic, intense, upbeat. May inspire spontaneous outbreaks of Geordie dancing. St. James’ Park Bitter: Text: The rebranding of St. James’ Park caused our blood to boil. No further explanation necessary. Music: Relentless fury Supermac: Text: Seventies cult hero Malcolm McDonald steps into the spotlight for this lively tribute. Music: Straightahead uptempo rock. The Ghost of Geordie Armstrong: Text: A supernatural response to the turbulence that enveloped the club following the departure of Kevin Keegan as manager the second time around. Positive conclusion thanks to respectability being regained since then. Music: Hauntingly humorous; mixed tempos. Toon Spirit: Text: Promotion back to the Premiership in April 2010 after a season in football exile is hailed for all its worth. Music: rousing rock; street anthem, air-punching, buoyant. We Are The Seven: Text: In 1914, seven Newcastle United players departed Tyneside to serve in The Great War, never to return. Their sacrifice is the subject of this tribute. Music: somber. Runner on a Lonely Road and Beneath The Angel’s Wings Once More were written and recorded in support of fellow lifelong Newcastle United supporter Mark Allison ahead of his 3,100 mile-run across the USA in 100 days in the summer of 2011. We have included these two songs to commemorate Mark’s remarkable achievement and to provide renewed encouragement for his 2013 run across Australia. Above all, we hope the songs will inspire people to donate to the causes Mark is supporting. Runner on a Lonely Road is a hard-driving, up-tempo piece celebrating the phenomenal Geordie determination and grit required to run across an entire continent. Beneath the Angel’s Wings Once More is an introspective reflection on the theme of “home” and what it means to return to familiar surroundings after completing a journey beyond the imagination of most people. For more information: rungeordierun.com Background information Worldwide fans of Newcastle United are in for another off-the-pitch treat courtesy of The Exiles, two members of the Toon Army who live in Canada and Switzerland respectively. At St. James’ Park, their third collection, follows on from their two previous releases: The First Eleven (And Three on the Bench (2003) and its follow-up And 50,000 In The Stands (2007) were the fruit of a collaboration by Tim Readman – composer, musician and singer – and lyricist Alan Millen, both lifelong supporters of the magpies. Originally from the Northeast of England, Tim Readman has lived in Vancouver since 1987, where he is an active participant on the local music scene. (For more on Tim, visit his website at www.timreadman.com.) Alan Millen was born in the same part of the world as Tim but grew up in Canada with a deep sense of Geordie heritage and a close affinity for all things Newcastle United, through good times and bad. He also lived in Vancouver for a number of years but left Canada in 1987, the year Tim arrived there, and has lived in Switzerland since. Through the magic of the Internet, Tim and Alan hooked up in the summer of 2002, quickly developed a common bond and set out to celebrate their team and its supporters in song. One year later 14 completed tunes were in the bag. The songs on their debut CD feature Tim on guitar and vocals, with some fine accompaniment on violin, accordion, flute, keyboards and various other instruments by musical all-rounder and studio engineer Victor Smith, also of Vancouver. Among the famous players celebrated in The First Eleven (and three on the bench) are Alan Shearer, whose club goalscoring record serves as the perfect backdrop for “Goals To Newcastle”. Peter Beardsley, Jackie Milburn, Paul Gascoigne, Frank Clark and Tony Green are also celebrated for their individual exploits. But the CD is just as much about the fans as their football heroes. Other songs relate the tension and ultimate disappointment of the 1976 League Cup Final, memories of standing on the terraces and the thrill of meeting one’s future wife at St. James’s Park. Also explored are the nostalgic feelings of Geordies who have emigrated and settled elsewhere but still retain a deep affection for “their glory days down by the River Tyne”. The Exiles “returned” in 2007 with a second album of songs by, for and about the global Toon Army. Entitled And 50,000 in the Stands, this album of 16 songs covers various moments in the history of Newcastle United, ranging through time from the pre-war days of the legendary Hughie Gallagher right up to the 2006-7 season. Among the players and memorable moments saluted are the trip to the 1998 F.A. Cup Final in the song “So Far From Whitley Bay”, which relates the tale of a father-and-son journey to Wembley and the anticipation and reflection that takes place as kick-off time approaches. Tino Asprilla’s unforgettable hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League, the heart-tugging return to the club of “Prodigal Son” Lee Clark, the October 2005 Tyne-Wear derby victory, and the atmosphere around Alan Shearer’s testimonial match are all covered with customary flair. Guitarist and vocalist Tim Readman again teamed up with versatile musician and producer Victor Smith to bring the lyrical ideas of partner Alan Millen to life. Selected media coverage: • CBC Radio Vancouver “North By Northwest” (Tim Readman interview and airplay) October 2003 • BBC Tyne website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/worldwide_geordies/exiles.shtml • BBC Radio Newcastle “Sport Talk” (Alan Millen interview and airplay) March 2004 • NUFC match-day programme, August 24, 2006 (Alan / My Memorable Match column) • Newcastle Chronicle, June 11, 2007, full-page article, page 3 • CBC Radio Vancouver “North By Northwest” (Tim and Alan interview and airplay) September 2007 • NUFC match-day programme, December 28, 2008 • NUFC official club magazine, February 2009 • Newcastle Chronicle, September 4, 2009, full-page story on Man of the People, our tribute song for Sir Bobby Robson Newcastle Chronicle, March 4, 2011, half-page article about our theme songs for charity For more information and photos please go to: http://timreadman.com/tim-readman-music/current-bands/the-exiles/