|
 |
PLAYING OUT LOUD!
REVIEWS
Gig Reviews -
CD Reviews
ALAB ( AIN’T LIFE A BASTARD) BY EDDIE HARDIN. SARSEN
PRESS.
 The
biography of the man who replaced Stevie Winwood in the Spencer Davis Group.
224 pages illustrated with photos with a foreword by Spencer Davis, it lifts the
lid on the music business in the 60s & 70s and chronicles Eddie’s battle with
alcohol, his problems with his ex-wife and how he made and lost a million.
The book starts with Eddie’s childhood and his early interest in music before he
joined the SDG aged 17. Life on the road in the UK, Europe and the USA are
covered with plenty of stories of mad roadies, drinking and general excess. It
goes on to cover the Hardin and York era and the many varied solo and ensemble
projects Eddie got involved in later.
From a music point of view I found the processes of writing and recording
interesting and there’s plenty of detail about the pitfalls of the music
business. As I’ve interviewed, and in some cases met, some of the singers and
musicians Eddie mentions in the book, much of the book was fascinating and
enlightening to me. But on the downside the many tales of wild behaviour and
alcoholic excess gradually became...well, a bit excessive. Eddie is a person
with a particular musical gift who seems to have been too shallow to make the
most of it, and does not really come out of it at all well. He is also very
reticent to name names and come clean, presumably for legal reasons, at
different stages in his career.
I don’t know what particular involvement my friend Oliver Gray had in the
preparation of this book, but it could have done with some ruthless editing in
places. So should you buy it? (it’s £9.99 via the Sarsen Press in Winchester,
Hampshire, by the way). Well, if you are a fan of the Spencer Davis Group and
Hardin and York certainly. And if you are of a certain age it works on the
nostalgia level. There’s also a complete discography and a “Where Are They Now?”
section at the end of the book. File under flawed but fascinating.
Gig Reviews
(top)
Hipstar, Talking Heads, Southampton -
28/8/04.
 A few years back a
band called Hipstar were lighting up the Southampton scene, but sadly faded away
and broke up for a while. Now they are back with a new lead singer Tim Wallace
and keyboard player Brendon Griffiths to augment original members Dan Partridge
on bass and Martin Griffiths on drums. And very good they are too, if a little
louder and heavier than the original lineup.
Playing a mix of covers and songs from their back catalogue they impressed from
the moment they kicked off with “In The Shadows “ by Rasmus. Tim has a more
heavy metal style and his vocals are really powerful. Hipstar’s own songs like
“Smile” sat well alongside covers by Red Hot Chilli Peppers and James, and I’d
like to hear more songs like that and “Star Shaped Eyes.” There was good
variation in their forceful act though, and I was glad to hear a bit of blues on
“Crossroads.”
As the guys are all around the thirty mark now and have been playing for years
Hipstar’s standard of musicianship is high. Thanks to sound man Shaggy who I
could see was enjoying the gig as much as the crowd, the balance was just right
if maybe just a little loud. Tim’s a good frontman, comfortable and relaxed on
stage, but very focussed as soon as he starts singing and playing.
Finishing with the old Van Halen number “Jump” Hipstar are very much back on the
scene and I’d advise you to catch them at the earliest opportunity - they’re a
bloody good band.
CD Reviews
(top)
ROD PICOTT. GIRL FROM ARKANSAS. WELDING ROD RECORDS
RP4372.
 Running
time: 34:39
A superb collection of songs written by Rod Picott and recorded without overdubs
or tricks by a bunch of excellent musicians. Rod’s natural, slightly husky
vocals and guitar work impress from start to end. This is real organic Americana
from the opening Girl From Arkansas to the closing The Last Goodbye.
Every song is beautifully crafted, both lyrically and instrumentally, and the
arrangements are simple but effective. I really can’t recommend this one highly
enough. Every song tells a story and it just flows along.
Songs like Wrecking Ball and No Love In This Town vary between wistful and
upbeat, with Gun Shy Dog, a loping country treat. Musicians David Henry, Paul
Griffith, Dave Jacques, Matt Mauch, Ned Henry, Park Ellis, Alicia Bequette and
Eric Fritch provide a rich but subtle backing throughout on varied instruments
including cello, electric bass, organ, drums, dobro, lap steel, violin and
acoustic and electric guitars. A great follow-up to Rod’s last album Stray Dogs
which I also enjoyed - I’d say this is even better. If you have trouble getting
hold of it go to Rod’s website
www.rodpicott.com
CANNED HEAT 1969-1999. THE BOOGIE HOUSE TAPES VOLUME 2. RUF RECORDS. RUF 1103.
 Double
album. Disc 1 Running Time: 78:33, Disc 2: 73:28
I’ve always been a big fan of Canned Heat right from the “On The Road Again”
days so this collection of live and studio recordings was essential listening
for me. Helpful sleeve notes show when and where the material was recorded and
there’s also a section of stuff from various commercials including Seven Up,
Schlitz Beer, Levi’s etc.
Over two and a half hours of playing time, slight variations in recording
quality obviously but a great double album. Original songs, covers of Sleepy
John Estes, Willie Dixon and other blues greats plus rockers like Larry
Williams’ “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” there’s plenty to please blues and rock fans alike
here.
The whole thing has been put together by drummer Fito de la Parra who describes
himself as “survivor in charge.” As confirmed Canned Heat fans will know the
band may have been born to boogie but many members went to an early grave. This
album is a fitting memorial to the talents of the late Bob Hite, Henry Vestine
et al and captures the energy, humour and instrumental skills of a great band
whose music has stood the test of time. Excellent.
THE stiX. GATHERING DUST EP. CENTRIC RECORDS. Running
time: 15:09
 The
running order on the sleeve might not be correct, but who cares?! This is a
cracker, exceptionally well-produced as you would expect from main man Mark
Hill. The charming Corinne Bailey Rae kicks off with “Young and Foolish” which
sounds like a hit single to me. Michelle Escoffery sounds extremely classy on
“You Should Know” and Lifford David’s “The Only One” is a smooth, rhythmic
delight. Topped off by Katie Holmes belting out “Leave Her Alone” which Tina
Turner might like to record The stiX ensemble is bursting with talent.
Mark’s project is designed to showcase the talents of four vocalists with whom
he is collaborating on solo projects and every one of them oozes with star
quality. Backed by some excellent musicians including Mark himself, The stiX is
the cream of contemporary soul and it won’t be long before the names of Corinne,
Lifford, Michelle and Katie are more widely known.
Available through Centric Records on
www.thestix.co.uk
SUE FOLEY. CHANGE . RUF RECORDS. LC 101956. Running time: 50:04
 As
Sue says on the sleeve this CD took one night to make with no overdubs and
re-dos. Recorded at Hugh’s Room in Toronto without rehearsal it’s a mixture of
classic blues songs and self-written tracks with Sue on guitar and vocals, Mike
Turenne on bass, Tom Bona on drums and Graham Guest on keyboards. The result is
a satisfyingly rough and ready mix with plenty of variety. Sue’s voice can be a
bit strident at times - she seems to have two modes, an unforced personal style
on some tracks and a “Moaning Minnie” type style on others.
But overall it’s worth a listen, down-home unpretentious and good fun. The
opening track “Goin’ Down The Road Again” and the following “Hardworking Woman”
get the album off to a good start. The self-penned “Doggie Treats” is a bit
overlong but covers of “Careless Love” and “Here Comes The Sun” work well.
You can’t really go wrong with the latter song, can you? I liked Sue on the
raunchier numbers, particularly “Me and My Chauffeur” and the closing “Shake
That Thing” which really rumbles. If you like good-time blues, this may just be
up your street.
We welcome you to submit your own cd, gig or venue reviews here at P.O.L. Simply
click on the link below and type away! Please include relevant details such as
your name, date of gig etc.
Click here to send in your own review
Looking for a different Review?
Click here for our archive
|
Featured artists:
see POL Articles
Bowling For Soup. Southampton Guildhall, Southampton. Tuesday 28.
Last Night’s Fun. Swanage Folk Festival, Swanage. Saturday 11.
Richmond Fontaine. The Railway Inn, Winchester. Thursday 16.
The RedEyeBand.
Mr Kyps, Poole Saturday 18
& The Albert Bar, South
Parade Pier, Southsea
Thursday 23.
Steve Knightley, Seth Lakeman & Jenna Witts
Various Gigs throughout September.
The Bees
Bestival, Robin Hill Country Park, Newport IOW
Friday 10. |
|
