Week 73

M J Hibbett & The Validators   

Artists Against Sucess

I was feeling a bit dopey when I opened up my emails.

"Dear Rachel

Did you receive the Warriors of Nanpantan CD…"

I scratched my head (cartoon gestures please me) and thought hard. That sounded a bit black metal and I couldn't remember anything of that nature dropping through my door recently. Then I read on and saw the words "M J Hibbett & Validators" and the penny dropped.

The Warriors of Nanpantan, is far probably as far removed from black metal as is possible. It is in fact it is full to bursting point of songs sang in a typical "M J Hibbett and the Validators" whole hearted manner. Recorded between 1997 and 2004 and taken from b-sides, compilation CDs as well as other previously unreleased material the CD is an instantly likeable collection of quirky stories sung with enthusiasm and spirit.

With a total of 23 songs as well as a video clips and extra sound files there are far too many highlights to mention. From the is a tale of the perfect love song that never was ("All of a sudden…nothing happened, out of the blue they didn't meet" ) to Hibbet's Golden Rules of Beer ("If the name sounds like it was thought of three fat smelly old blokes in the brewery then only drink it if that is who you are") the CD had me smiling.

There is a modern country ballad in the guise of "Ring your mother", a reminder not to take the women who fed and clothed you in the formative years of your life for granted. And then there was the heart warming clip clopity "leave my brother alone" which had me feeling quite choked up and phoning my sister within minutes. Not to mention "Another true story" a gentle wistful melody of Glastonbury, longing and missed oppotunity.

I could go on (and on and on) and quote a million more lyrics, but I think I shall stop here and sum up by saying that this CD was GRATE.

An Interview with M J Hibbett himself can be found here and here.

Rachel Queen

The 55s   

height of nashville   

S L Records

I often get a bit nervous when writing reviews. It is hard to translate music into words and I worry that what I say might misrepresent a band. However, when I received the 55's single I knew there would be no such problem because as well being available in a limited 7" format but also you get your free download from S L records (from 28th February).

Before you disappear off to increase the size of your mp3 collection let me tell you a little bit the 55s. The 55s are a 4 piece rock and roll combo based in Edinburgh. Their debut Ep "Before The Judge Turned Us To Shadow" was released last year.

The new single races helter-skelter from start of the first song to finish of the last. Bass line explodes and you can almost feel the sweat dripping from the band as they pour all their energy into "rocking out".

Well that is what I think anyway. Now go and download the single from the S L Records website!

Rachel Queen