The Longest Johns-Pieces Of Eight. I have become well and truly hooked on this group in recent months. They tick a lot of the right boxes for me-great singing and song selection, with a healthy dose of humour. This album contains a string of EP's last year with 24 tracks. There are some really strong versions of some nautical standards-South Australia, Ye Mariners All, Leave Her Johnny, John Kanaka, coupled with some lesser known ones-Paddy Lay Back, Roll Alabama and Doggerbank. For all the sense of humour and little ad libs in some songs, they deliver other strongs with nothing but hearty singing and wonderful harmonies-Cadgwith Anthem, Lowlands, Padstow Drinking Song. The one that really highlights their serious side is The Wreck Of The Dandenong, which is quite simply stunning. Definitely recommend.
Thanks Rob. Will look out for that. I enjoyed them when they supported Bellowhead a couple of years ago, but haven't heard any of their recorded output.
For myself, I have been listening to Big Big Train's new album, Woodcut, which is their first complete concept album. I'm finding it a solid progression of their sound, and I'm looking forward to seeing them playing some (all?) of it later this year.


