128) Shack - HMS Fable

Shack was the band that were always going to break through with their next record, each one got rave reviews and then did bugger all sales wise, but the band built up a loyal following and their albums are rightly praised nowadays.

Shack had released two albums, usual problems, and reformed for this after their second album, Waterpistol, was finally released.

Mick’s brother, John, was in the band as well and contributed and wrote a few of the songs, showing that two Heads are better than one (sorry that’s awful).

Uncut magazine included a track on the free CD so I had taken a chance and its one of those albums when you know you have made the right choice from the first listen.

Natalie’s Party opens and sets the tone. Guitars, check, harmonised vocals, check, great melodies, check a band finding their groove, check.

Comedy is uplifting and Pull Together if Noel had written it would have been number one for weeks (side note, I like the odd Oasis song, but Oasis never delivered an album as good as this, in my opinion.)

There are songs about drugs of course. Lend Some Dough and Streets of Kenny are chiming guitars and enthusiastic vocals from Michael, grim topics but beautifully delivered.

Re-Instated opens with a beautiful brass and a light shuffle, I Want You would not sound out of place on a classic 60’s album,

Since I Met You has a lovely chorus and a nice key change halfway through and we finish with the lovely acoustic Daniella.

An album that deserved to be huge and one you should really listen to.

9/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: Streets of Kenny