When I first heard a couple of tracks of this album on-line I admit I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to pick up a copy! I guess that happens sometimes! Then label co-owner Clare Dowse sent me a copy to review and into the player it went!
My thoughts?
This ten track album made up of covers and one original track is superb!
I’m not kidding either!
Simon Wells of Snuff / Southport fame has put his own take on the songs that he covers! Imagine Woody Guthrie and an early Billy Bragg having a love child and you get Simon Wells!
Opening up this album is an excellent cover of Beeswing by Richard Thompson to which Simon delivers in a very cool way and original way! Then this man really ups the game track by track!
My favourite number on this album is Tom Baine’s Bones by Graham Moore which is about Thomas Paine (1736-1809) who was one of the most significant figures of the 18th century.
Other great tracks include Walking In The Sunshine by Bad Manners, Do Nothing by The Specials and Angel Of North London by Louis Dunford. Oh and lets not miss out Simon’s own track Should’ve Done which really grabbed me too!
While some may argue there’s too many covered songs on here I argue that Simon Wells adds something to them with his style of play and vocal delivery. There’s also other musicians making this album unique. The Saxophone, Flute and Fiddle sound amazing in the roles they play!
Aside from ten brilliantly played songs the production is bang on! And if that wasn’t enough the artwork alone is worth the price of this album!
if you’re looking for a cool album this is it kids! 9/10
Crime Pays Recordings
Street Voice UK 
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