Written by John Edwinson, Folk on Tap, February 2006
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.