Big Jim

In response to a negative review, 28 April 2014

I've just read a rather stinging review from a certain Colin Charteris and felt the need to respond. I'm not a member of any fanclub either so hopefully I can give a balanced, honest review as the album sounds to me. Firstly I much prefer the tracks such as "Quarters" and "At once" where they veer from the quiet start leading to the anthemic crescendo finish sort of track, exemplified by "I run". Not that this is a bad track at all, it's just a bit formulaic in a Coldplay/Snow Patrol sort of way. Embrace have been off the radar for a while but this album should certainly help re-establish them.

Absobloodylutely Brilliant, 14 April 2014

For many folk of a certain age (ie me), Northern Soul bridged the gap between glam rock and punk and this album has a bumper bundle of classic tracks, not so much of the mid 70s era but of the 50s and 60s which were resurrected at that time. There's many a toe-tapping dance floor filler here and for the money you won't get much better value. Yes there are loads of other such compilations out there but this is up there with the best. Recommended.

A life well lived, 14 April 2014

After the excellent album Russell made with Elton John not so long ago he's been encouraged to bring out this album of old standards and a couple of self-penned tracks with the aid of Pinner's finest and a fine album it is as well. Unfortunately most of today's record buying public will miss out on this release as it won't get a chance to cross their radar given the limited range of modern radio stations. This is a shame as this album provides ample evidence of a master at work with his swampy New Orleans take on these familiar tunes. Which raises the only caveat I have, namely the fact that most of these tracks are very familiar indeed and for me, whilst I love his version of one of my… Read more