Description
Acclaimed songwriter David Rotheray (Beautiful South) returns with his beautifully crafted new solo album 'Answer Ballads', a collection of songs in which Rotheray, and his collaborators, take twelve classic pop songs and attempt to formulate an 'Answer Ballad' for each one. Taking existing fictional characters, from The Police's "Roxanne" to Elton John's "Daniel", who are well-known but simultaneously unknown, Rotheray picks up the story from their perspective, using complete artistic licence.
The roll call of collaborators on 'Answer Ballads' is truly impressive, with a number of familiar names, who worked with Rotheray on his debut album, 'The Life of Birds', returning for the new album: Lisa Knapp - former Mojo Folk Album of the Year winner whose new album, 'Hidden Seam' is released this September; Radio 2 Folk Awards winner, Eliza Carthy; Kris Drever - who has previously worked with John McCusker and Kate Rusby; former Mercury Music Award nominee Kathryn Williams; Josienne Clarke - one half of the award winning duo Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker, currently receiving wide-spread acclaim for their new 'Fire & Fortune' album; BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalist Jackie Oates; celebrated Irish singer/songwriter Gemma Hayes; Devon guitar genius John Smith; Radio 2 Folk Award winner Bella Hardy; pioneering Scottish folk musician Alasdair Roberts; Julie Murphy of Welsh folk innovators Fernhill; folk/country songstress Naomi Bedford, Irish jazz/folk singer Mary Coughlan.
Rotheray's career began in the late 1980s when he formed The Beautiful South with songwriting partner Paul Heaton. Over the next two decades the band went on to release ten albums plus various compilations before finally going their separate ways in 2007. Whilst with The Beautiful South Rotheray formed his critically acclaimed acoustic side project Homespun and released three albums on his own 'Homespun Recordings'. In 2010 Rotheray released his highly praised debut solo album 'The Life of Birds', a series of autumnal, rustic reflections on life collaborating with some of the UK's finest folk singer-songwriters. Throughout his career Rotheray's name has become synonymous with music that mixes the melancholy with dry humour to great effect.
Track Listing
Mrs Jones's Song
Maggie's Song
Daniel's Song
Roxanne's Song
Pearl's Song
Billy Joe's Song
Marie's Song
Bobby's Song
Lucille's Song
Mrs Avery's Song
Sylvia's Song
Dino's Song
Jolene's Song
Details
- Genre: Pop, Folk & Country
- Product Type: Audio CD
- Barcode: 805520620864
- Release Date: July 27, 2026
Delivery and Returns
Dispatch Information: Dispatch times vary by item and items are only dispatched on UK working days – not weekends or UK Bank Holidays. Items marked "Dispatched Same Day" will be dispatched on the day of purchase if bought before 2pm GMT. "Dispatched Same Day" items bought after 2pm GMT or on a non-working day will be dispatched on the next working day. For all other items the dispatch timeframe is clearly labelled on the product page.
Delivery Information: We aim to deliver your order as quickly and efficiently as possible. All UK orders are dispatched using Royal Mail 48 Tracked service and the standard delivery times are 2-3 business days. Please note that delivery times for overseas orders will vary depending on your location and the shipping option you choose during checkout.
Shipping Costs: We offer free delivery on all UK orders and free worldwide delivery on orders over £15.
Tracking Your Order: All UK orders are tracked. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your delivery on the Royal Mail Track and Trace website.
Returns and Exchanges: We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not happy with your order, you may return it within 28 days of the item being dispatched for a refund or exchange. Please note the following guidelines:
- Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging – items that have been opened or had shrink wrap removed are not eligible for return or refund.
- Make sure to include your order number in the returned package.
How to Initiate a Return: To initiate a return or exchange, please contact our customer service team. The team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed as soon as we receive your item back into our warehouse. Replacements are subject to availability and if a replacement is not available, a refund will be issued.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team or check out our FAQ’s. We're here to help ensure your shopping experience is enjoyable and hassle-free. Thank you for choosing Chalkys!
Delivery Information: We aim to deliver your order as quickly and efficiently as possible. All UK orders are dispatched using Royal Mail 48 Tracked service and the standard delivery times are 2-3 business days. Please note that delivery times for overseas orders will vary depending on your location and the shipping option you choose during checkout.
Shipping Costs: We offer free delivery on all UK orders and free worldwide delivery on orders over £15.
Tracking Your Order: All UK orders are tracked. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your delivery on the Royal Mail Track and Trace website.
Returns and Exchanges: We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not happy with your order, you may return it within 28 days of the item being dispatched for a refund or exchange. Please note the following guidelines:
- Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging – items that have been opened or had shrink wrap removed are not eligible for return or refund.
- Make sure to include your order number in the returned package.
How to Initiate a Return: To initiate a return or exchange, please contact our customer service team. The team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed as soon as we receive your item back into our warehouse. Replacements are subject to availability and if a replacement is not available, a refund will be issued.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team or check out our FAQ’s. We're here to help ensure your shopping experience is enjoyable and hassle-free. Thank you for choosing Chalkys!