Robin Runge ~ USA ~ Texas

Don't Give Up the Ship (1977)

Here's Runge's second, and better album. Though his name is Robin Runge, the male / female duo on this album is known as Robin. The album was recorded and released in 1977 on the DIY Century. The album overall is primarily an acoustic, but sophisticated folk rock work, with plenty of synthesizer to add color. The guitar playing is clearly inspired by Steve Howe and the vocals have a pleasant lilt like Jon Anderson. Could have been a song based Yes album from the same time period (1977-78), with overt Christian, rather than Eastern religious / mystic based lyrics. A good progressive folk album from an unlikely source.

Former ownership: 1977 Century (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2012.

1/19/12 (review); 11/16/18

Don't Give Up the Ship (1974)

Apparently Mr. Runge decided to skip his Creative Writing class or he really, really doesn't want you to give up on the ship (though perhaps a recent Italian captain would have benefited from such sound advice). Regardless of the motivation, these two distinct albums caused quite a bit of confusion for this author anyway.

The 1974 album is considerably more raw and amateurish than the follow-up as might be expected from a one man band - though there still is plenty of keyboards, including a cool mellotron blast to open the album, which continues on through most of the track. Of interest to DFW readers - one track is recorded live at Six Flags over Texas in Arlington.

Former ownership: 1974 QCA (LP). Acquired in 2012.

1/19/12 (review)

No reissues exist as I update this post (3/7/25)

11/16/18 (new entry)