404) Oysterband - The Shouting End of Life

So, @AdrianTudorDr asked me to review two records and first was The Housemartins, magic love them and listened many a time the other request was Oysterband, you know what’s coming, yep not got a clue.

Usual read of the internet and they formed in 1976, so they have been around for the bare fifty years and I had no idea and they have released twenty four albums (they were previously known Oyster Ceilidh Band and Oyster Band) and their website is telling me that they have retired from touring so whether there will be a twenty fifth album your guess is as good as me.

On first listen I am going Pogues and The Levellers, I have always been a big fan of The Pogues and odd song from The Levellers has seeped into my brain so it wasn’t a record I struggled with, its probably a lazy comparison as well but you can only go with what you know.

The Shouting End of Life was their fifteenth record (or fourth as Oysterband) released in 1995 and made the lower edges of the UK charts.

Seemingly this record was a move away from their folk sound to a more political angry sound, I can see that in the lyrics, but I would imagine there was plenty left for fans of the group.

Go to track eleven a duet between singer John Jones and the late Linda Duggan as they trade barbs over an stirring tune and the chorus is immensely pleasurable, yep even with the words “Don’t Slit Your Wrists for Me,” if that floats your boat then this record is for you, if not, try again.

There is not really a bad song on this record, opener We’ll Be There does not let up and is punchy from the off, Jam Outside they have a go at Thatcher (never a bad thing) and throw in a few bastards and shits in for good measure.

By Northern Light and Long Dark Street are both beautifully played  the band certainly not angry here and the title track is a raucous tribute to going out at the end of your life with a bang not a whimper.

Everywhere I Go rattles along, thunderous music and they end with their cover of The World Turned Upside Down which they perform with passion and intensity.

A very enjoyable listen and I’d recommend to all.

6.75/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: Available only on Spotify and YouTube not Apple but Don’t Slit Your Wrists for Me for Me