Huey and the New Yorkers - Say It to My Face

  by Peter Allison

published: 30 / 10 / 2012

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Review

Following an extended hiatus (their former manager tried to sue them), the Fun Lovin' Criminals exploded back onto the music scene last year with their 'Classic Fantastic' album. Their subsequent tours proved to everyone that the Criminals were back on form and here to stay. When interviewing Huey, Fast and Frank during their 'Live and Criminal' tour in 2011, I was impressed at the genuine camaraderie within the band. So imagine my surprise when Pennyblackmusic's editor offered me Huey Morgan's debut album 'Say It to My Face', from his solo project Huey and the New Yorkers. It is no secret that Huey, Fast and Frank, have been pursuing their own careers outside of the band. Since the Fun Lovin' Criminals sauntered onto the music scene in 1996, Huey has become something of a TV celebrity, regularly appearing on 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and hosting his own show 'Slips', as well as hosting award-winning radio shows. Yet, Huey had never appeared to show any interest in pursuing his own music ventures independent of the Fun Lovin' Criminals. Until now, that is. Huey and New Yorkers is a far more blues and jazz-focused effort than the rock and hip-hop fusion that typifies the Fun Lovin' Criminals. It will come as no surprise to those who are familiar with the Fun Lovin' Criminals' music that Huey's music is distinctly chilled out: whilst the pace may be slower, the music is just as good. Listening to 'Say It to My Face' I found myself missing the heavier riffs of the Fun Lovin' Criminals. To be fair though, I felt the same when Rob Zombie chose to disband White Zombie and pursue a solo career. Huey has always commented how he is a fan of soul music, so perhaps this is his opportunity to pursue a career in soul music. 'Say It to My Face' discusses the same themes as much of the Fun Lovin' Criminals' music. What is different is that underpinning defiance in Huey's vocals for the Fun Lovin' Criminals has been replaced by the calm authority of Huey and the New Yorkers. I freely admit that I am not the world's greatest fan of soul music, and thus cannot attest as to how 'Say It to My Face' compares to similar albums. What I can say is that this is a well-crafted album that has been carefully put together with some excellent music. For those looking for more Fun Lovin' Criminals, then 'Say It to My Face' may not be for you. This is Huey's testament to soul music, which works surprisingly well. If you are willing to explore new music, you may well be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Track Listing:-

1 Stick It To The Man
2 Dirty Bird
3 Let My People Go
4 Shaniqua
5 The Ripple
6 The Way It Was Before
7 It's Alright
8 Fall Into Me
9 New York Bluez
10 She Gone
11 Christmas By The Side Of The Road
12 The White Guard

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/HueyAndTheNew

Label Links:-

https://www.naimaudio.com/naim-label
https://twitter.com/naimlabel
https://naimlabel.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/naimlabel