Hamell on Trial - The Happiest Man in the World
by Tony Gaughan
published: 1 / 7 / 2014

Label:
New West Records
Format: CD
intro
Witty and abrasively satirical ninth album from New York-based singer-songwriter and stand-up comedian, Hamell on Trial
This is Ed Hamell's ninth studio album. Hamell on Trial may be a one-man show, but he is much more than a singer-songwriter. Tou get way more bang for your buck with Hamell, as he is a one-man punk tornado,stand-up comedian and a fantastic wordsmith who even does his own cover art! 'Artist in America' is a spoken word masterpiece set against a one string intro froim Hamell on his battered 1937 Gibson. Hamell name checks a few classic songs and then takes the listener on a frantic road trip, as he explains through irony and wicked satire the rock and roll business in the good ol' USA. 'The Happiest Man in the World' is next up, and, penned after the break up of his long term marriage, is full of his barbed wit. Ed continues with another of his extraordinary tales with 'Bobby and the Russians' (drugs and automatic weapons a plenty). This time he backed with a beat box and some violin. 'Global Tattoo' is a bluesy rap, backed in part by a few thumps on the trusty old Gibson scratch plate and busked in style. 'Together' sees him team up with Moldy Peaches member and long-term friend Kimya Dawson in a pleasant little ditty, while 'Ain't That Love' is another impressive ballad which shows off his incredible guitar picking and ear for a good melody . The record also features collaborations, not only from fellow musicians but from his son on the hilarious 'Mom's Hot'. Other stand-out tracks include 'Jennifer's Stripping Again' and closer 'Blessed', featuring his old Righteous Babe label boss and anti-folk partner Ani DiFranco.
Track Listing:-
1 Artist In America2 Happiest Man In the World
3 Bobby and the Russians
4 Global Tattoo
5 Together
6 Ain't That Love?
7 Lappa Oo Mau Mau
8 Richard's Got a Job
9 Whores
10 Gods At Odds
11 Jennifer's Strippin' Again
12 Mom's Hot
13 Blessed
Band Links:-
https://twitter.com/hamellontrialhttps://philippepetitamusicaltravel-agent.bandcamp.com/album/philippe-
https://www.facebook.com/hamellontrial
https://hamellontrial.bandcamp.com/
Label Links:-
http://newwestrecords.com/https://www.facebook.com/newwestrecords
https://plus.google.com/+NewWestRecords/posts
https://twitter.com/newwestrecords
http://newwestrecords.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/NewWestRecords
bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
The Terrorism Of Everyday Life: Live From Edinburgh (2008) |
![]() |
Lo-fi, but abrasive live album recorded at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival from New York-based singer-songwriter and social satirist, Hamell on Trial, which twisting common interpretations of reality into new and exciting shapes reveals to its listener the modern world in a new light |
most viewed articles
current edition
Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCartyPeter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Vapors - Interview
Waeve - Club Academy, Manchester, 18/3/2025
Loft - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Leon Bridges - Leon
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Various - Ambientale
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart