Hatfield released five albums, the first three on Virgin. The five albums are: 1973's eponymous effort, 1975's The Rotters' Club, 1980's now-deleted compilation Afters (of which the new bits have been tagged onto the end of The Rotters' Club CD), 2005's radio sessions/live compilation Hatwise Choice, and 2006's radio sessions/live compilation Hattitude,. The latter two are available only from Burning Shed. The group split in 1975 because of overwhelming indifference. It re-formed briefly in 1990, and again in 2005, with the possibility of new material being issued.
The name of the band was inspired by the road signage on the main A1 road heading north from London, where the a succession of signs referred to the first major town, and the overall direction, as 'A1 Hatfield & the North'. This style of sign from the 1970s has now been replaced by a slightly different variant.
In 2005/2006, the band released two archival collections, "Hatwise Choice" and "Hattitude", both featuring the classic Miller/Pyle/Sinclair/Stewart line-up.
Pip Pyle passed away 28th August 2006, Phil Miller passed away 18th October 2017.
Fol de Rol
Hatfield and the North Lyrics
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The lyrics to Hatfield and the North's song Fol de Rol mainly consist of nonsensical syllables. The song is an instrumental piece that is known for its experimental and avant-garde approach. The lyrics serve to add an element of playfulness and whimsy to the music, as they invite listeners to engage with the piece on a purely visceral level. They allow the listeners to focus on the rhythm and melody of the music, without being distracted by the meanings of words or lyrics.
The song is a perfect example of the Canterbury Scene, a sub-genre of progressive rock that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This genre was characterized by its experimental and unconventional approach to music, as well as its emphasis on improvisation and collective creativity. Hatfield and the North were one of the best-known bands associated with the Canterbury Scene, and Fol de Rol is regarded as one of their signature tracks.
Overall, the lyrics to Fol de Rol are best understood as an expression of the band's playful and experimental approach to music. They serve to enhance the joyful and carefree mood of the music, inviting listeners to engage with the piece on a purely emotive level.
Contributed by Violet F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.