Doue Lann - Henri Texier

Advantages: A sublime album of high points and even higher points
Disadvantages: The cassette version needs to be turned over in some players

...John Henry - those two words send a rush of pleasure down my spinal chord (sic) just by existing. This was their first album with a full band supporting them, hence the name John Henry, its an American fable about a railroad worker that fought to stop machines taking over the man-powered work (they used to use a drum machine, you see?) Aaaaanyway, the album is a delight from end to end (and back again). I bought the album, saw the live tour, got the t-shirt and still I crave more. To try and catagorise TMBG would be wrong, but this is primarally a rock/folk/indie/ragga/funk/metal/hip-hop/ska/synth album with a few other influences thrown in. The new bass player is the mighty Tony Menomi (apologies for the spelling Tony) who used to play with Pere Ubu and was very nice to us after the show. His influence also shows, but the John... Read review

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Advantages: no real need to finish it in one go
Disadvantages: only for fanatics really

...NOTE - this is a review of the book (although i believe it has been done as spoken word also.) henry rollins was the vocalist in black flag, possibly the most influential LA hardcore band, from 1981 until their dissolution in 1986. totally at odds with his warped stage persona, he was a fairly insular character, and so chose to keep a journal rather than interact with those around him, and what we have here are his collected entries from about 1983 onwards, along with whatever he can recall about the time prior to that. much like kurt cobain's journals, he didn't originally think this would be published, so nothing is held back (which does mean that there are a few passages which can pretty much just be ignored). he pisses and moans about his bandmates, fans, pretty much everyone he meets apart from ian mackaye (of fugazi, who... Read review

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Advantages: spine-tingling arias
Disadvantages: none

...A few years ago I was in a local pub and this handsome barman caught my eye!During a short break from bartending he took to the floor and I couldn't believe the sound which was coming from him-the place was brought to a standstill and the hairs on the back of my kneck stood to attention.We all knew we would see this guy again. I have recently bought his album and am pleased to say those hairs were once again up on the back of my kneck.Playing this in the car,I was almost spellbound by the amazing voice of Tony Henry-beautiful modern and familiar songs accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra;She being a particular favourite of mine and the haunting First Time Ever I saw Your Face. Tony Henry deserves to be a star-I hope we hear a whole lot more of this beautiful voice.... Read review

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