Track Listing:

Reaction (RR080686CD), the charity album in memory of Neil Cole who died in June 2005, was completed on Aug 26th at Stable Studios, Aldbourne, Wiltshire UK, and was released  Saturday September 17th on Revolver.  

Recorded on the Prism mobile by Pete Zak (who has since recorded the Gang Of Four at the Barbican, in London, and been working with The Levellers), the eleven-track album was produced by myself over a period of eight days, along with Stable’s ever-reliable engineer, Nick Beere:  ‘’If I’d have laughed any louder during the recording of Lord Of The Dance, I think I would’ve most definitely died…’’  

Hmm, might he be referring to the Reverend Ian Paisley, whose mighty singing injected said hymn with a touch of (vexed) class?  

The remaining ten tracks were recorded live at NeilFest on June 19th at the Victoria in Swindon - artists include: Belarus, Broken Daylight, Charlie, Charred Hearts, Hitchmo, The Last Calm, The Rentals, The Return and myself (absolutely not in that order!).

Opening with the aforementioned Lord Of The Dance recorded by Choir 16 – an ensemble which includes my former compadre in The Aggravators, Steve Baker –  Reaction closes with a song I wrote in relation to Neil’s funeral called Standing Room Only.  

All tracks in-between reside amid a rather wide gauntlet of musical persuasion - from that of full-throttle rock (Hitchmo’s Fade In Time) to acoustic acknowledgement (Charlie’s This Is My Goodbye) to sampled sociology (Teabo’s Dealin With A Maniac) to cellophane punk (The Rentals Zin Zin).

Twas a while in the making, especially when one takes into account the album’s art-work - done by myself and the overtly fabtalented Kevin Harris - but hopefully Reaction will stand as a lasting (musical) testament and acknowledgement to that of a much loved, young life.

It will also generate funds to be equally divided among the following three charities:

In the meantime, may you rest (and skate) in peace Neil, and may the angels look over you…

To: <revolver@davidmarx.co.uk>
Sent: 06 October 2005 19:11
Subject: Reaction


> Dear David,

Order REACTION here

Or from the Vic Swindon e-mail, and website www.thevicswindon.com

Reaction to Reaction

>
> My name is Debby and I'm Neil Coles eldest sister.  I have just received a
> copy of Reaction and its amazing!  Unfortunately i couldn't make the
> Neilfest but listening to the cd has made me so proud of my little
brother.
> Your song brought back memories of his memorial when it was standing room
> only.  The perfect tribute for an amazing young man who touched so many
> people in such a short time.  Thank you x x x

To: <revolver@davidmarx.co.uk>
Sent: 28 October 2005 12:04
Subject: Reaction


> Hi David
>
>Neil was such a great guy, a funny person to work with who made everyone around him laugh.
>My favourite memory of him is him trying to trip me up whilst I was carrying drinks.  I was always thinking of ways to get him back, but he was always one step ahead!
>I’ll always think of him and smile.

>John Lucas

To: <revolver@davidmarx.co.uk>
Sent: 28 October 2005 12:13
Subject: Reaction


> David,
>
>Working on Saturday nights in a busy pub to some would seem out of the question.  It did to me.
 >Although working with Neil made it seem possible.  Constant banter, practical jokes and always trying to get one over each other - it was great!
>He could give as good as he got and always saw the funny side of things - no matter how brutal it got.
>The Vic’s not the same without him... It’s quieter!

>Keith Morrison

E-mail
19/11/05
Subject: Reaction

These songs are fast becoming part of our collective unconcious!

Richard Johson

E-mail
21/11/05
Subject: Reaction

It's good to see a fitting tribute to a well loved friend

Frank Lucas

Thought the sound quality of the CD is excellent.  Also, the concept of the album is excellent.  Particularly like the cover of the album.
The price is brilliant value.
I have to say though, to keep the momentum up, there will need to be a second album, such as Reaction II.  David Marx needs to head it up again - once you have a successful recipe DO NOT CHANGE IT!!

Nick Le Bosquet

To: Revolver
22/11/05
Subject: Reacrtion

A great album for a great bloke.

Roger Davies

To: Revolver
22/11/05
Subject: Reaction

Neil so muchly missed by so many people.  Please please buy this CD to raise funds for Helmet Awareness.

Emma Jade

To: Revolver
23/11/05
Subject: Reaction

I only met Coley once but he was so sweet & funny - I will remember him forever.

Elsie Oram

To: Revolver
24/11/05
Subject: Reaction

Fabulous album in memory of a fabulous lad.

Lizzie Burrow

Reaction is a well crafted 11-track CD which takes us on a journey of remembrance of a much loved friend and all round good guy - Neil Cole.

Swindon singer/songwriter David Marx has produced a fine tuned album with quality songs that are performed from the heart by those that knew and loved the skateboarder.

Recording a live album is a potential minefield but David has skillfully pulled it all together as a cohesive collection of varied tracks - some to make you cry, some to make you smile, but all to lift the spirits.

Clarity of sound and quality mixing give a lasting impression of the tribute night of memorable music.

Flicky Harrison (Swindon Advertiser).