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PLAYING OUT LOUD!
REVIEWS
Gig Reviews -
CD Reviews
Gordon Haskell. The Road To Harry’s Bar
DVD.
 MMP DVD 0045.
With a total running time of around 150 minutes plus two audio CDs this is
value indeed.
But we are concentrating on the DVD here, and once you have got over the
shock of seeing Gordon standing up, hatless, to play it’s very rewarding indeed.
Filmed in Poland with a collection of very talented musicians from that
country plus Gordon’s old friend Hamish Stuart, it’s very well made and gets off
to
a great start with one of Gordon’s favourites songs, “Nature Boy.” The
following 17 songs are a mixture of GH compositions and covers, including four
Michael Franks compositions. GH is joined on
“All In The Scheme of Things” by glamorous Polish singer Kasia Skrzynecka
who does not add to the song, but provides a touch of glamour. The mood of the
DVD is very spontaneous instrumentally and Gordon has picked some great
players, but personally I’d be just as happy to see him sat down performing solo
as
in the old Platform Tavern and Bent Brief days. But anyone who hasn’t seen
Gordon before won’t have those fond memories to confuse them - what they will
see is a thoroughly professional performance from an inspired songwriter and
expert interpreter of other people’s songs.
They will also enjoy a half-hour interview with GH, full of personal
observations and quirky philosophy, a bonus live video of “You Can’t Hold a Good
Man
Down” and some extra video clips. A very good package indeed - I don’t know
how easy it will be to find in the shops, but if you have any trouble go to
Gordon’s website or tap in www.play.com to order.
The Kaiser Chiefs. Enjoyment DVD.
 BUN 101 DVD.
A great DVD which highlights the talents of the Kaisers and their biggest
hits “I Predict a Riot” and “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” but has the
added attraction of a very “Little Britain”-type commentary by actor Bill
Nighy.
Over 90 engrossing minutes we not only see the Kaisers at work and play,
but get a potted history of a number of British towns and cities, illustrated by vintage 50s and 60s film, see film of the Kaisers as youngsters they never
were and washed-up old has beens that they will never be.
There are also pop
promos, film of the Kaisers when they had a different lead singer (totally
unnecessary, but presumably included for posterity!), live appearances at Leeds,
Glastonbury and San Francisco and much more.
Live tracks include “Na Na Na Na
Naa” and “Oh My God,” and it bounces along at a frenetic rate. I’m not a
particular Kaiser Chiefs fan, but I found this irresistible. So if you’re a
fan you’ll love it - the ideal Christmas present for yourself or somebody else.
Just buy it!
Gig Reviews
(top)
Human League, Southampton Guildhall -
11/12/05
 A
step back in time to the New Romantic era of the 80s - although not a sell-out
gig, the crowd has heavy with diehard fans.
Human League kicked off with “Tell Me When,” which lifted the
crowd into action. Phil Oakley prowled the stage with trademark black sunglasses
and trenchcoat, discarding this look for a more serene “Louise” and “Marianne.”
Impressive electro beats and a multitude of classics, as we have
come to expect from Human League, who were playing the venue almost exactly a
year after their last visit.
They rocked just as much as ever. Closing the evening with the
smash hit “Don’t You Want Me Baby,” and a superb light show, and encoring with
“Electric Dreams,” they left the audience having to lift the surreal 90s cloud
and return to the 21st century.
Guest review by Anna Kenworthy - photo
copyright Claire Edwards
The Tubes, The Brook, Southampton -
2/12/05.
 Another
contender for Gig of The Year! From the moment outrageous frontman Fee Waybill
stepped on stage dressed only in his underpants, this was a rollercoaster of
great songs, costume changes, glamour and humour.
There was a costume change for Fee on virtually every song, from
spaceman to disco queen to pirate to cowboy and much more.
The glamour came in the shape of dancer Kat who lent her
scantily clad form to many
set pieces during the evening, joining Fee on vocals for one of the highlights
of this two-hour set - the raunchy “Don’t Touch Me There.” She also writhed
impressively to Fee’s kinky “Mondo
 Bondage.” The band, dressed in dress suits
and top hats or bowlers, were superb throughout, the three guitarists getting
together at one stage for what sounded like a guitar version of “Yakety Sax.”
The aim of The Tubes is to entertain, and that’s just what they
did on “Mad Cow Auctioneer” with Fee dressed in chaps as a cowpoke. But there is
a serious side to the band which came to the fore with a beautiful ballad, “I
Don’t Want To Wait Anymore,” dedicated to all people who have beaten cancer.
Then, Fee and co lightened up with the old “South Pacific” song
“Bali Hai,” and then became Tom Jones for a cabaret-style “It’s Not Unusual.” A
tremendous gig which climaxed with the reintroduction of 70s star Quay Lewd for
the classic “White Punks on Dope.” An unforgettable evening.
Photo copyright Keith Curtis.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, The Brook, Southampton -
1/12/05.
 No Alex Harvey of course - he died over 20 years ago - but I’m pleased
to
report that SAHB are still sensational. Thanks to the fact that the band lined
up with the original members plus frontman Max Maxwell who led the line with
bags of personality. With a giant video screen behind them the band launched
loud and proud into “The Faith Healer” and it was all systems go from the
start. Mad Max had more than a bit of Tom Waits and Ian Dury in him visually,
and
he did not attempt to imitate Alex exactly, but like Alex he was highly
charismatic, as the gig continued with “Midnight Moses” and “Swampsnake.” Two of
the highlights for me were Jacques Brel’s dramatic “Next,” on which the
audience appeared to be word-perfect, and a crazy version of Alex’s tour de
force,
“Framed,” involving gaffer tape and gargling. But this gig was full of
delights, apart from an unnecessary drum solo. Instrumentally SAHB are as tight
as ever and were certainly up for it on the night. “Tomahawk Kid,” “Give My
Compliments To The Chef,” “Gang Bang,” any many more classic Harvey tracks all
delivered with passion
and humour. And of course one of the biggest cheers came for “Delilah.” A
terrific gig and a contender for Gig of The Year in my book. Bring ‘em back
soon!
Sherman Robertson & BluesMove, The
Brook, Southampton - 23/11/05.
 “How
ya feelin’ - did you get your groove on?” asked Sherman towards the end of this
rewarding gig. We certainly did, and the singer and guitarist from Texas and his
4-piece band deserve credit for gradually building a superb atmosphere, despite
the fact that the venue was less than half full. In fact “burnin’ Sherman” and
friends deserved a full house - it just seems that blues does not seem to
attract big audiences at the moment. Not that Sherman just played blues - there
was a big helping of soul and rock in his set, and his guitar playing was sweet,
mellow and subtle.
A number of the songs in Sherman’s set were from his latest album “Guitar Man -
Live” - songs like “Make It Rain,” a slow lament about a woman who could invoke
precipitation when there was not a cloud in the sky. In fact, many of the songs
were on familiar blues territory - travelling on the road, troublesome women and
so on, but Sherman’s stage presence, intense vocals and varied guitar work added
a new dimension to the genre. A highlight of the set was when he left the stage
to reappear amongst the audience still playing his guitar as he roamed around
the venue a la Otis Grand. Another highlight was a charming song “Everybody
Loves Somebody” which Sherman dedicated to his mother - “She’s only about 4’5”
tall, she’s mean as hell, but she loves me!” quipped Sherman. Definitely the
best blues performer I’ve seen this year, and a phenomenal band.
Natalie Imbruglia. Southampton
Guildhall - 22/11/05.
 This
was always going to be an interesting evening as Natalie had not toured for a
while. So it was fascinating to see how the concert would unfold as Natalie
sauntered on stage to kick off with her opening number “Wishing I.” A “mixed
ages” crowd soon settled to enjoy the start of an informal evening.
The first thing that struck me was that Natalie is not very tall, and to hear
her singing with that powerful voice that never misses a note, it was hard to
believe that this talented lady had to power to carry it off.
This was not a concert to impress with fantastic costumes and lavish stage sets,
but was all about pure entertainmentt delivered in an intimate setting with
Natalie and her fans. The crowd were soon encouraged to sing along to their
favourite songs. We were introduced to a new song from Natalie’s current album
“Counting Down The Days,” which was received with thunderous applause.
With songs like “Sanctuary” composed by Natalie’s husband, and “Come On Home,”
the mood was soon slowed down as Natalie was joined on stage by two talented
guitarists Reg and Perry, singing “Starting Today.” As the evening neared its’
end, the opening chords of “Shiver,” one of Natalie’s biggest hits got a
tremendous reaction, but the song that got the biggest response of the evening
was “Tom.” It finished off an emotional occasion of pure nectar from this
talented Australian artist.
Review by Claire Edwards - photo copyright Claire Edwards
Motorhead / In Flames / Girlschool,
Southampton Guildhall - 23/11/05.
 “Everything
Louder Than Everything Else” adorned the classic Motorhead T-shirts around this
packed venue. Motorhead came to the end of their 30th Anniversary Tour of the UK
with a return to the venue they triumphantly deafened a mere eleven months
previously.
Girlschool opened the night with their raucous heavy rocking fare that left most
of the assembled crowd (especially the blokes) with an appreciative smile.
Sweden’s In Flames then brought their melodic Death Metal sound to the fore with
a highly charged set that went some way to reinforce the view that they could
soon be one of the biggest metal bands on the planet. They got the younger
members of the audience moving with their energetic thrash and twin guitar
harmonies, and the older attendees in the crowd also seemed suitably impressed.
So we came to the headliners! There is not much left to be written about
Motorhead that hasn’t been read many times before. There cannot be a more iconic
frontman in heavy rock than Lemmy. The gruff-voiced bassist stated that his
voice was experiencing difficulties (you’ll have to use your imaginations for
his actual phrase!) before simply announcing “We are Motorhead and we play Rock
& Roll!” From that point on it was the usual fast-paced set, with the obligatory
requests from the crowd to turn the sound up after each song.
Motorhead proceeded to reel off more metal anthems than most bands could dream
of. “Stay Clean,” “No Class,” “Overkill” and the ultimate standard “Ace of
Spades” were all included, as well as many others from their extensive back
catalogue. The only notable exclusion was “Bomber,” but then this is not a
greatest hits tour. Motorhead are still an uncompromising and productive band,
and there is the promise of a new album in the near future. Motorhead have been
called the band that will never die - after seeing this show, it’s a prophecy
that may still hold some truth! Guest review by Carl Webb
- photo copyright Claire Edwards
Rick Astley, Southampton Guildhall -
24/11/05.
 We
were cordially invited to an exquisite evening of swing, jazz and up-temp
beat with 80s pop legend Rick Astley.
The concert was an evocative trip back in time to a 1950s style
lounge bar, complete with an old-fashioned wireless set, atmospheric red lamps,
a mini bar and a period television set. The stage lighting created a relaxed and
ambient mood, providing the perfect setting for a rollercoaster ride of classic
songs to Rick’s personal hits from the 80s.
The effect was a serenee atmosphere in the mixed crowd as they
swayed and responded to Rick by clapping and singing along. By the time the
evening came to an end there was no doubt that everyone in the audience was
satisfied with what they had come to hear.
Reliving memories of “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together
Forever,” the refrains were in everyone’s heads as they left the Guildhall at
the end of the concert.
Guest review by Anna Kenworthy - photo
copyright Claire Edwards
CD Reviews
(top)
Tamrah Aeryn. Typical Gurl.
 Massacre Records. MASCD0433. Running
time: 53:25
It’s hard to argue with Massacre Records’ claim that Tamrah Aeryn is
"the
Kate Bush/Tori Amos of the new generation"; the influences are obvious. But
whether she has the talent of the former or the gutsy staying power of the
latter
remain to be seen. There is a touch of the Chinese meal syndrome about this
album as too often complex melodies meander their way through kitchen sink
productions only to leave the listener strangely dissatisfied afterwards. The
single, Sateen In Mind, will no doubt attract the attention of critics and
record
buyers alike but, ironically, it is on the more sparse tracks such as the
title track and the clever Mrs Doublepersonality that Aeryn’s gift for a melody
at
last starts to show through. As a classically trained pianist and gifted
guitarist this young lady’s musical credentials are not in question; it is her
ability to craft songs capable of lingering long in the memory of the listener
that has yet to be proved. I am guessing that her second album will be the
offering that transforms Aeryn from a pretty face into a serious musical
contender,
but until then the jury remain firmly out. CD review by
Martin Sirl
Criteria. When We Break.
 Running time: 36:00
Promising, if uninspiring second album by Omaha-based foursome, led by former
Cursive frontman and ‘lawyer turned rock star’ Stephen Pedersen. There are
enough good ideas here to suggest that Criteria can tread the same well-worn
path to success as bands like Ash, yet too often good songs are lost somewhere
under pounding guitar which is a little too high in the mix for my ears.
The
opening track and current single, Prevent The World, provides us with a jolly singalong and is a highlight of Criteria’s live act, but thereafter the formula
begins to wear and by the end When We Break leaves one begging for a change
of pace. CD review by Martin Sirl
Sequoia. Ebb & Flow.
 High Desert Music.
Running time: 45:43
This Farnham-based band have been gigging around the Berkshire area and
building up a loyal fan base for quite some time, and few people will be
disappointed with this airy debut. It’s no coincidence that three of the tracks
on Ebb
And Flow feature the word ‘sun’ in the title as Sequoia’s songs warm the
cockles of your heart in much the same way as bands like Squeeze once did. Not
that
this album is any mere throwback. Songs such as the Dylan-influenced She
Turns The Key and the title track, complete with haunting violin, reveal a song
writing talent that could easily blossom into something unique and special. The
album’s only flaw, and it’s a small one, is a slight first album lyrical
naivety typical of many young bands. Lines such as "Beneath your bones dear,
Will
you always be alone, dear?" (September Sun) are a little cringe worthy, but no
doubt Sequoia will get that part right next time around. In the meantime keep
an eye out for the breezy Laura Valentine, which has already attracted the
attention of the national music stations and which looks a sure-fire selection
for single release. CD review by Martin Sirl
Michael Weston King. The Tender Place -
A Collection 1999-2005
 Running
time: 73:40
A generous running time, and MWK does not outstay his welcome one
minute. In
fact I listened to this ‘best of’ collection in one sitting and marvelled
again at the breadth and diversity of the work of this British singer-songwriter
and the fact that he is not better known. It kicks off with one of Michael’s
more commercial tracks, the wry, tongue-in-cheek “A Decent Man” and is
followed by 18 more tracks. Michael has been labelled ‘Americana’ and certainly
some of his songs have that feel, but they also have a very English feel too on
tracks like “From Lovers Lane To Liverpool” and “The Wooden Hill.” Basically,
Michael is a fine songwriter, a sincere and unpretentious singer,
and a very perceptive lyric writer, and this album is an excellent selection
of the best songs from his last three solo albums. There is not a track here
that I did not like - I particularly liked one of two covers on the album - Bob
Dylan’s “A Simple Twist of Fate,” one of my favourite Dylan songs. But
Michael’s compositions are just as masterful, and full of variety too. There’s a
touch of soul on “When You Leave The Spotlight,” a folky feel on some tracks
and a country feel on others. But every track is listenable, and I cannot
recommend this album strongly enough.
Sherman Robertson & BluesMove. Guitar
Man - Live.
 Movinmusic
Records. Running time: 56:55
Listening to this album shortly after seeing Sherman and his band appear live at
The Brook in Southampton begged the question - does the album capture the
essence of Sherman Robertson live? Well, the essence maybe, but not the pure
excitement and passion that Sherman & co provided at The Brook. Sherman’s vocals
are strong and soulful, his guitar playing is superb and his band are tight. But
this album never reaches the heights that were reached at The Brook. But the
eight tracks here will appeal to anyone who likes rocking, soulful blues, and if
the guitar solos are a bit lengthy here and there, well, that’s what happens
during live performances, and sometimes doesn’t come over so well on record.
Best tracks for me are “Guitar Man” and “Dust My Broom (Voodoo Dust)” and the
downbeat “Make It Rain.”
Maddy + Girls. Under The Covers. Double
CD.
 Records
PRKCD84. Disc 1 Running time: 42:53 Disc 2 Running time: 23:47
Maddy Prior’s long
career with Steeleye Span has rightly gained her
recognition as one of folk’s finest voices, and the voice is as good as ever on
this
engrossing double album. Maddy is jointed by Abbie Lathe and Claudia Gibson and
the emphasis is firmly on vocal harmony on both albums. Disc 1 features 14
covers of songs by contemporary artists with some a capella singing and sensitive contributions from a variety of musicians. Best tracks for me were Godley
and Creme’s “Under Your Thumb” and Sam Brown’s “Fear of Life” with songs by
Shania Twain, The Pretenders and PJ Harvey also impressing. Disc 2, entitled
“Pensive” is what you might expect - a quieter more mellow set of songs,
with the track “Meeting Point” a standout for me. What we have got here is
over an hour of beautiful voices and arrangements in a variety of styles - an
intriguing album that has a traditional approach with a contemporary twist.
Hugely enjoyable.
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