Charlie Tipper - The Astonishing Rise of Charlie Tipper

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 10 / 5 / 2018

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Review

Charlie Tipper in this instance is a band originally operating under the moniker of the Charlie Tipper Experiment and then the Charlie Tipper Conspiracy. They are currently going by the name of Arrest! Charlie Tipper, the changes being a nod to artists like Spizz and Wah! Who also changed their names throughout their careers. Subtle in-jokes are not important, though, especially when the music the band has made throughout their first five years is of such a consistently high standard. During that time, they have been pretty prolific releasing two excellent albums 'Mellow On' in 2015 and 'Ten' in 2016 – the latter being a particular treat, as well as a whole ream of singles and EPs. This compilation basically collects together the cream of the non-album tracks together with some previously unreleased session tracks to create a perfect introduction for the unenlightened or a handy catch all for existing fans. And so to the music. The band, fronted by Tim Rippington, a key figure on the underground Bristol indie scene for over three decades, is made up of Jon Kent, Geoff Gorton, Simon Harrison, Linda Gorton, Rocker Rosehip and Harry Furniss. The sound they create is intelligent modern pop music played with heart and soul by real musicians schooled in the classrooms of Forster, Reed, Rivers and Murdoch. There’s a genuine sense of a social conscience within the lyrics and a welcome political edge too. Debut single 'Ride Out' which opens the compilation is as good a track as any I’ve heard in the last five years, with its hypnotic rhythm enticing you in for five glorious minutes, while the marching beat of 'Drowning' is also a joy that’s enhanced by brass flourishes from Harry Furniss. Not content with just recording their own should be classics, the band also interpret songs by Joy Division, Elliott Smith, the Triffids and most notably a rather stunning version of The Velvet Underground’s 'Femme Fatale' with Helen McCookerybook filling the shoes of Nico with aplomb. It is hardly surprising considering she had previously released the song as a single in the early 80’s when she was in Skat. The video made to promote this new version of the song (which was released to raise money for Refugee Action) is also worth checking out with the feel of Warhol’s Factory being recreated to good effect. I don’t know who Charlie Tipper is, what the conspiracy was, if the experiment failed or indeed if an arrest is warranted, but trust me you really should buy this compilation…. and then buy the previous two albums.

Track Listing:-

1 Ride Out
2 Drowning (London Mix)
3 Let That Feeling Go
4 Cross Country
5 You Made Me Homeless
6 Last Train to Stardom
7 Super Tuesday
8 Home on the Range
9 No Going Back
10 Rock and Roll Dreaming for Girls
11 Long Way Down
12 You Won't Be Going Home Tonight (Austerity Mix)
13 There but for the Grace of God Go I
14 Halloween
15 The Way I'm Wired
16 Count Five and Tell the Truth
17 Wasting Time
18 One Summer

Band Links:-

https://en-gb.facebook.com/charlietipp
http://www.breakingdownrecordings.com/