Good
cause albums can be a bit predictable. Whilst the underlying
principles are usually admirable, the content is usually
second-hand and often second-rate with tracks either too
familiar or too awful.
‘The Wildlife Album’ is however a
refreshing departure from stereotype. Carefully and lovingly
compiled by muso/writer Colin Harper, it brings together a range
of folk-to-rock artists with whom Harper has had some passing
acquaintance. And, moreover, the tracks are either unique to
this album or never before released.
It is true that there are only a certain
number of core must-have tracks (from artists such as Cara
Dillon, Ian Anderson, Bert Jansch, Martyn Joseph, and Jan
Akkerman) the rest of the album is filled up with contributions
from Harper himself either as writer, performer or producer.
However these are all of a high quality and feature new and
established, and predominately Irish based performers.
Harper also gets to play with some of his
heroes including Dutch guitarist Jan Akkerman. Back in 1997
Colin came over from Ireland for Akkerman’s
return to these shores. I will always remember the genial
Irishman picking over my guitar with note-perfect Akkerman
flourishes as we prepared for that gig.
There are a couple of ways you can save
wildlife. Throw a party or, preferably, buy this album.
****
Review from www.getreadytorock.com
Good
cause albums can be a bit predictable. Whilst the underlying
principles are usually admirable, the content is usually
second-hand and often second-rate with tracks either too
familiar or too awful.
