Former Wildhearts mainman Ginger recorded this set back in 1998, the Wildhearts having split the year before. Around the time of his Silver Ginger 5 project (also documented well on Sanctuary), this double CD is acoustic and pretty much warts and all. Plenty of banter between songs, including some amusing rock’n’roll stories (listen, you’ll laugh I promise) it’s a cosy, personal and honest affair. Not the sleazy metal of a couple of years earlier, but it’s still a lot of fun.

There’s a few Wildhearts covers, and appearances from Wildhearts fellows CJ and Danny McCormack. What also gets a rousing cheer is a cover is Kiss’ Hard Luck Woman.

Anywhere else the banter would be inane, but it suits the bar room mentality perfectly, but you have to cringe at their rendition of Happy Birthday. As acoustic rock’n’roll goes, it’s a lot of fun, even if it appeals to Wildhearts fans only.

Review by Joe Geesin

***

Related>> Album reissues