Red Rattler - RATCD006 53m 29s
Since his return from the Antipodes Alistair Hulett has gathered a
reputation for delivering hard-edged political material mixed with a fine
understanding of traditional song. This new album maintains that mixture of
traditional and contemporary. Sub-titled "Modern Music for Wireless and
Gramophone", this is essentially an acoustic album. Hulett is joined on
most of the tracks by Nancy Kerr, James Fagan and Gavin Livingstone and the
overall feel of the album is of friends having a good time in each other's
company. Consequently, the music is allowed to speak for itself and there
are no over-elaborate arrangements to get in the way of the tunes and
lyrics. British ballads and nineteenth century folksongs ("Dark Eyed
Sailor" & "The Recruited Collier") sit alongside some of the singer's own
compositions ("Militant Red" & "Criminal Justice"). There are also works by
Robin Williamson ("The First Girl I Loved") and John Kirkpatrick ("King
Coal"). The country-tinged title track is nicely complemented by a couple
of blues numbers ("Stealin' Back" & "Trouble In Mind") that Hulett cut his
early folk teeth on. There's another nod to the past with a re-recording of
the poignant "Shot Down In Flames" that his former band, Roaring Jack, used
to perform and a swaggering rendition of "The Fair Flower of Northumberland".
Less politically charged than "Red Clydeside", the album accurately
reflects Hulett's fine musicianship and real grasp of the emotional power
of song.
Available from Red Rattler, Flat 2/1, 66 Kenmure Street Glasgow G41 2NR,
direct at gigs or via the usual mail order outlets.
