Petra: More Power To Ya

Bought this album years ago on the  recommendation of a friend and, although I am totally irreligious, I did find their songs really interesting. The album is a nice combination of ROCK and Blues ROCK that is quite accessible and catchy, as long as you try and ignore the ludicrous religiosity of the lyrics. 

Various Artists: Yorkshire Pilgrimage - A Souvenir In Sounds

A curious album of anthropological insights into the Yorkshire psyche, interspersed with songs, tunes and curio. I nearly didn't buy this as I thought it may be a salmagundi of dire music. It actually is an interesting digest on certain Yorkshire traditions. 

This record welcomes you in typical sounds, from the bells of the Minster to theatre mill driven hammers of an ancient Sheffield forge, from the story told by a Humber trawler skipper to the songs of Scarborough (guess which one?), the Dales and even a hymn composed by Anne Bronte.

The Big Ben Banjo Band: Strummin'

Swinging favourites from TBBBB. Up tempo banjo madness that makes you smile from the start to the finish. Plenty of slightly out-to-tune piano (à la Mrs Mills) corny drums and arrangements. A particular favourite is the song 'Strumming' On The Old Banjo' which was made for Sunday morning tidying up.  Pure class.

Hot Butter: Original Hits Series Volume 1 Hot Butter POPCORN

De De De De Dedar De. De De De Dedar De. The Moog, the highly versatile machine that is often used on recording sessions seldom comes into its own as the real star pf the show. But it does on this album and the result goes to prove that the success "Hot Butter" enjoyed with "Popcorn" was not a passing fluke. The song that became an international hit was written some years ago by Gershon Kingsley and like many a catchy song it sat around in the publishing catalogues until Stan Free, Moog Player Extraordinary, came along and with Richard Talmadge, Danny Jordan and arranger John Abbott transformed it into an incredible hit. 

John Barry: John Barry Conducts His Greatest Movie Hits

There's nothing that John Barry touched (musically) that didn't reek of class. One of my all-time favourite composers who was born just up the road from Lenin For Beginners central. His skill as a composer was remarkable considering he quit formal education at 15, "I just quit. I hated it." He actually trained by correspondence course in composition, orchestration and harmony ("I've never taken an exam, and I'd probably flunk if I did." 

The Country Rockers: Free Range Chicken

One of my all time favourite bands. I sent away for this album in the late 80s after hearing these guys. It's pure country played by three of the coolest old dudes there are. This is the way music should be played; no frills and straight from the heart. Some of the songs are pure heartbreakin', 'Finally' being a particularly fine track. Also, their version of 'Wipe Out' is one of the BEST EVER. This one is going to take a comment or mail request for a PW

Sam Baird: Sangs & Plays Guitar

Durand: Plays Bass & Sangs

Gaius "Ringo" Farnham: Plays Drums & Sangs

George Baker Selection: Paloma Blanca

This is one album I'm presuming I'll be asked to take down, which is a surprise because I've not heard (hide nor hair) of it for years. The George Baker Selection had one big hit with Paloma Blanca, and I remember NOT dancing to it as a young bloke in the late 70s. It was pop music of the lamest kind but, time has softened my opinion and now I kind of like the catchy, corniness; the faux rock look that is actually based in disco puerility. George now reminds me of Rory McGrath which is a shame because McGrath is a twat and I bet George is a bit of a dude. Put this one on when you're getting ready for a Friday night party with close friends.