Madness, Gig Review. Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Madness in Wolverhampton. Photgraph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. December 18th 2009.

To a certain generation the evening felt like a school disco from their childhood in the early eighties. Not only did the audience have the pleasure of seeing the band on a short film but then there was the musical interlude before the main act. A superb D.J playing all the tracks the late thirty and early forty something’s would remember with fondness such as Tenpole Tudor’s Swords of a Thousand Men and The Undertones’ My Perfect Cousin.

Madness, Gig Review. Wolverhampton Civic Hall. full post

(392 words, 1 image, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

Ian McNabb, Great Things. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. January 26th 2010.

Great Things is the new and aptly named studio album by the likeable and genial Liverpudlian, Ian Mcnabb. In the four years since his last album, much has changed for his beloved city during that time and it seems that the change has rubbed off on Ian’s music and lyric writing.

The new album is an enjoyable treat of eclectic songs that cross over several different styles in a very easy and effortless way. Opening with the title track Great Things, Ian takes the listener on a detailed tour of his thoughts and musings. It certainly is simple to see why Ian’s music has continued to be popular as his use of comfortable guitar playing belies the emotions that are always just below the surface.

Ian McNabb, Great Things. Album Review. full post

(301 words, 1 image, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Jimmy Rae, Deliverance. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 1st 2010.

After an absence of more than two decades away from the music scene, Jimmy Rae has returned with a debut solo album and has hit gold. Wonderfully titled Deliverance, Jimmy seems to play on his time away and has recorded an album that is strong, sincere and a joy to listen to.

For those who have not heard of Jimmy Rae, the last time he graced our ears was when he was part of the Reverb Brothers, a band who were highly rated by radio’s Janice Long at the time.

Jimmy Rae, Deliverance. Album Review. full post

(255 words, 1 image, estimated 1:01 mins reading time)

The Stranglers. Decades Apart. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 3rd 2010.

When good things come round, they tend to come round in pairs, cup final tickets, bacon and eggs for example but in the case of music it can only be a new album and a tour at the same time. This mouth watering prospect is on offer from the stalwarts of the business and all round good guys The Stranglers.

The Stranglers. Decades Apart. Album Review. full post

(344 words, 1 image, estimated 1:23 mins reading time)

Transatlantic, The Whirlwind. Album Review.

With the exception of Chicken Foot they don’t tend to make super groups of note anymore, but in Transatlantic and their new studio album The Whirlwind, the rock world can breathe a sigh of relief.

Drawing on the strengths of Neil Morse (ex Spocks Beard), Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings on guitars and Marillion’s bass player, Pete Trewavas, the band’s first album in eight years is an recording that screams excellence.

From the opening track of Overture/Whirlwind, music lovers are treated to 77 minutes of interesting musical arrangements, genuinely thoughtful lyrics and desire to please fans, old and new.

Transatlantic, The Whirlwind. Album Review. full post

(214 words, 1 image, estimated 51 secs reading time)

Nazareth, Gig Review. Robin 2, Bilston.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 5th 2010.

One of the finest bands to come out of Scotland have dusted down their back catalogue and have hit the road in earnest, with what seems a mission to remind the British public, that there is more to the current bands who dominate people’s thoughts and also, once in a while look back to the bands of the past and listen to their music, which should always be heard.

Nazareth, Gig Review. Robin 2, Bilston. full post

(265 words, 1 image, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)

Peter Gabriel, Scratch My Back. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 16th 2010.

Peter Gabriel has never really been known for his prodigious output but he has rarely put a foot wrong when he has given his loyal fans a new album to digest and pick apart.

Scratch My Back is certainly no exception to that rule. It combines all the qualities you would expect from the former Genesis front man, beautiful arrangements, a haunting voice and stunning production with the added bonus of hearing songs made famous by other artists.

Peter Gabriel, Scratch My Back. Album Review. full post

(298 words, 1 image, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Medea, Theatre Review. Everyman Theatre, Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 24th 2010.

Cast: Cleo Sylvestre, Fine Time Fontayne, Michelle Hardwick, Barbara Hockaday, heather Pheonix, Nina Kristofferson, Barrie Rutter, Andrew Pollard,

One of the most popular touring companies to come to Liverpool in recent years has to be the fantastic ensemble that makes up Northern Broadsides. Led by the indomitable Barrie Rutter, the troupe has thrilled local audiences with their versions of The Man with Two Gaffers and Romeo and Juliet to name but two.

Medea, Theatre Review. Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(378 words, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

The Stranglers, Gig Review. Liverpool Academy.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 7th 2010.

One of the early tracks released by The Stranglers sums up completely the lack of good post punk bands with any sort of longevity. A band who have been at the business end of rock music and who have let trends pass them by without kowtowing to anybody else’s rules. That song finished a set filled with classic hits, firm fan favourites and nods to every decade that the band has been active. After over thirty five years, The Men in Black prove time and time again, that they alone are the exception to the rule that there are “No More Heroes“.

The Stranglers, Gig Review. Liverpool Academy. full post

(392 words, 1 image, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

Andy Steele, Night Fishing. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media March 7th 2010.

The name Andy Steele may not mean a lot to the collective conscious of the music going public but within the thriving Liverpool folk scene, the man has already carved a huge niche out for himself. From playing in bands supporting Roxy Music to having his music picked up by radio’s Janice Long, it seems Andy’s talent is being taken seriously.

Now on the eve of his third album release, Night Fishing, Andy has hit a high point in his career. The album has a whimsical light feel but the energy and commitment that has gone into the production and the music itself is far from light weight.

Andy Steele, Night Fishing. Album Review. full post

(278 words, estimated 1:07 mins reading time)