Rockingbirds - The Return of the Rockingbirds

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 26 / 3 / 2013

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Review

This is the third album on a third label from the Rockingbirds, who formed in 1990 in Camden and were originally signed to Heavenly. They are now in a new line-up since reforming after a thirteen year absence in 2008. They are still fronted by Alan Tyler, and drummer Dave Morgan, who played in a lot of Creation Records bands, also continues to be involved. The album opens up with 'Till Something Better Comes Along', which instantly puts a smile on your face, and is a swaggering, old-fashioned country number that will have you dancing in an instant and also bonding with the old guy next to you in the sweaty toilet venue that is also your local. 'Fanny' adds some swing to the party, and country rock on it has never sounded so fresh. 'Now I Do' is much slower and sadder, and spoken in a narrative tone by Alan, is a tale that wins you over. 'Brand New Plan' is a rip-roaring knees-up of a number, a song to put the joy back into your life. 'Stop the War' is even more exuberant and forceful, while 'You Can't Win the Heart That You Broke' is delivered in such a way that it will break your heart into two, Gram Parsons would have been proud if he had written this number. 'Lady of the Llamas' is a mid 70's-influenced Americana number that will make you forget how punk shook everything up. 'Fixing the Roof in Your Dream' takes its influence from T. Rex, while 'Juliet' features both a mouth organ and also has a twang in its tale. 'Country Humming' does exacly as its title says, and is a slow mid 1970's-influenced number which recollects Kris Kristofferson. 'The Lonely and the Drunk' is a traditional country track which features some lush slide guitar, and has a strong narrative that plays out like a really great movie. A truly great return!

Track Listing:-

1 Till Something Better Comes Along
2 Fanny
3 Now I Do
4 Brand New Plan
5 Stop The War
6 You Can't Win The Heart That You Broke
7 Lady Of The LLamas
8 Fixing The Roof In Your Dream
9 Juliet
10 Country Humming
11 The Lonely And The Drunk

Band Links:-

http://therockingbirds.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/therockingbirds
https://www.facebook.com/TheRockingbir

Label Links:-

http://loosemusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loosemusic
https://twitter.com/looseMusic
http://www.last.fm/user/Loose_Music
https://www.youtube.com/loosemusic
https://instagram.com/loose_music/