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)

Face Value, Gig Review. Netherton Hotel, Litherland.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 8th 2010.

In the last few years, the music of Genesis and Phil Collins has undergone resurgence in popularity. Thanks in part to the welcome return of the band touring once more in 2007 and the seemingly bizarre sight of a gorilla drumming along to In the Air Tonight whilst advertising a certain popular chocolate bar.

Thanks to this recognition, the groups that have kept the music alive for many years are now reaping the rewards of keeping the faith. Some Genesis cover bands are happy to play the songs that the older fan will love but they don’t do too much from the later years when the band become the behemoth hit machine.

Face Value, Gig Review. Netherton Hotel, Litherland. full post

(461 words, 1 image, estimated 1:51 mins reading time)

Morecambe, Theatre Review. Liverpool Playhouse Theatre.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 8th 2010.

Cast: Bob Goulding.

It takes a brave actor to take on the mantle of one of Britain’s best loved comedians on stage. It takes a man with nerves of steel to do the whole show on his own for a mind boggling 80 odd minutes and who won’t be sure of how the audience will react to the telling of his life until the final curtain.

Morecambe, Theatre Review. Liverpool Playhouse Theatre. full post

(442 words, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)