[6] Despite some important creative input (he contributed to the writing of "Kiss This Thing Goodbye" and "Hatful Of Rain") Slaven left the band before the album had even been released and was replaced by David Cummings.

and the Feelies, they now started listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mellencamp as well as country-influenced artists like Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett.

In 1988, unsuccessful attempts in London and Los Angeles with producer David Kershenbaum at recording what would become Waking Hours,[9][10] left the band frustrated and disillusioned.

[1] Later, due to Jones' commitment to other projects,[11] engineer Mark Freegard took over production and recorded the remaining tracks for the album at Great Linford Manor in Milton Keynes.

[10] Drummer Paul Tyagi, who left the band during the recording of Waking Hours,[9] was replaced in the studio by Stephen Irvine of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, who contributed drums to five tracks,[12] including "Stone Cold Sober".

[14][13] Bassists James O'Malley (of Fire Next Time) and Currie's occasional session stand-in Nick Clark were drafted in for certain tracks on the album,[15] while Mick Slaven played bass on "When I Want You".