Completing Transmission was tricky to say the least. Most of it was written and recorded - in some form at least - by the end of 2007, but it then took another three years to finish it off. And one of the catalysts for finalising the album would very quickly become the opening track.
Almost, or Life of Almost, as it was initially called, was by far the youngest track on the album. Simon had invested in new recording equipment in 2010, and had learnt how to use it by composing this track. Quickly partnered with a simple lyric about loneliness, and it turned out to be one of our favourite songs on the album.
So much so, in fact, that we were both keen to consider it as a single. But what we hadn't bargained with was that so many people in the internet age only ever listen to the first track on an album. So, in its own way, it had its time as a single, and was pretty well received too.
The lyrics:
Almost was an only child
Who grew up all alone
He never walked the extra mile
In a world of his own
I've almost been
I've almost seen
Everything
I think you'll find
Most of the time
You're almost mine
Almost wore a lonely smile
And sat alone again
She never called, or came outside
Or so it seemed to him
I've almost been
I've almost seen
Everything
I think you'll find
Most of the time
You're almost mine
(R. Martin / S. Martin)
