Reviews roundup – Alvin Stardust vs. Carl Carlton vs. Battleaxe vs. Sean O’Brien vs. Low Society

Reviews roundup – Alvin Stardust vs. Carl Carlton vs. Battleaxe vs. Sean O’Brien vs. Low Society

ALVIN STARDUST
Alvin
Nova Sales & Distribution

This popped through the letterbox two days after his death, so I filed it away for a wee while.  I last saw Mr Stardust about 25 years ago on a seventies revival night in a dreich Lanarkshire club, but he still put on a smile and a show.  This record was to be his first in 30 years, and now serves as a posthumous tribute.

And it’s really rather good.  I’m not sure what I was expecting, but rootsy country was probably not top of the list.  For a man in his seventies he’s in good voice, although he was never the best singer.  But without a top range to lose, his warm mid range is enjoyable.  And there are some excellent tunes that should have guranteed him a Later spot and a few Bob Harris spins.

It’s all quite dark and melancholy, with a touch of spaghetti western and some ruminations on life (and death).  There are some songs that would have been radio plays with ‘Tongue Tied’ probably the most commercial.  The best though are the sad songs.  Especially, ‘Still Haven’t Seen You Cry’ and the closing ‘Lovin’ You Till I Die’, which actually brought a tear to my eye as the sun rose over Longniddry.

Hopefully, it won’t vanish without trace, because as epitaphs go, this is a worthy one.

CARL CARLTON
Lights Out In Wonderland
Caroline

I’ve never heard of Carl Carlton but turns out he has worked with countless big names in the world of music.  His two closest collaborators were Levon Helm (drummer with the Band) and Robert Palmer, but he can also add Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Keb Mo’, Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal, Jimmy Barnes, Rosanne Cash and The Blind Boys Of Alabama to his CV amongst many, many others.

So you won’t be surprised to learn that this isn’t a jazz fusion concept album about cheese, but a set of rootsy Americana styled songs performed with panache.  In fact, it’s another one of Herr Carltons former employers, the late Willy DeVille, that seems closest in style.

I haven’t heard the albums he’s made with his own band, the Songdogs, but there are enough good tunes here to make me think it might be worthwhile.  The mixture of covers (Roger Tillison’s ‘Rock’n’Roll Gypsies’, Little Feats’ ‘Sailin’ Shoes’ and Warren Zevons’ ‘Mutineer’ amongst them) and his own songs like ‘Lucky Bet’ make this mix of the Delta, country, blues and roots definitely worth hearing.

BATTLEAXE
Power from the Universe
Steamhammer / SPV

I’m so old that I bought a copy of the “Roxcalibur” compilation when it came out, largely on the basis of ‘Burn This Town’ by Battleaxe being so awesomely awesome.  But then I was barely out of nappies and the NWOBHM was my thing.  Fast forward 30 years, and Steamhammer / SPV Records are re-releasing Battleaxe’s second album, “Power From The Universe” as a 30th Anniversary CD.  Yes, really.

I even saw them a couple of times supporting Twisted Sister and (probably) Madam X.  God I’m old. I certainly never expected this record to come out on a major minor, all digitally remastered, with four bonus tracks, recorded at Neat Studios in the mid-eighties.

But then again, I never expected their 2014 reunion(ish) album “Heavy Metal Sanctuary” to be so good.  And I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back to my childhood.  To be honest, I’d preferred their debut (which was rereleased last year), as this was a bit polished for my youthful tastes, but time has been kind.  The opening salvo of ‘Chopper Attack’, ‘Metal Rock’ and ‘Licence To Rock’ (yes, reallyx2) brought a smile to my face as time fell aside.  I’m not bothered about the bonus tracks, but it’s was good to have this, shit cover n’ all, back in my metalhead.

SEAN O’BRIEN & His Dirty Hands
Risk Profile
First Cold Press

Mr O’Brien has been at this music malarkey a long time, going back quarter of a century to a time when fey young men in garish shirts thought they could take over the world.  Which may explain why he associates with people who’ve done time in the likes of Camper Van Beethoven and Four Non Blondes.

And his music could have emerged at any time during that quarter of a century as he veers between paisley pop, rootsy rock and even jazz tinged ballads.  Which makes it all a bit schizophrenic, but there are enough moments when you find yourself locking into his mood, to keep you going for more.

Of course, there is a lot of post punk meets art rock getting in the way of the better tunes, so some judicious programming of the CD player is called for.  You may even want to download the best tracks  – ‘Final Say’, ‘I Can’t Say No’ and ‘The Addict Demands’ – before making a final decision.

Indie fans of a certain age, however, will find this a very enjoyable release.

LOW SOCIETY
You Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down
Icehouse

Finally, for today, it’s time for some blues.  And it’s blues with a howl, as vocalist Mandy Lemons lets rip time and again.

Of course, people will say that she’s simply following in the footsteps of others (J*n*s), but it’s perfectly acceptable for male blues musicians to channel what when before. And when you have a voice this good, it would be shameful to waste it on a less powerful style of music.

Blasting out from Memphis, Tennessee, she is largely aided by slide guitarist Sturgis Nikides, who certainly knows how to wail with the best of them.  And when the B3 Hammond kicks in, then it’s a more than righteous noise, especially when the song matches the performance, as it does on the likes of ‘Voodoo Woman’, ‘Need Your Love’ and ‘This Heart Of Mine’.

This is blues the way I like it.  Hot, blue and righteous.