Album review: DAVID ROTHERAY – Answer Ballads

September 9th, 2013 by jason

Navigator Records (released October 14^th)

Former Beautiful South guitarist David Rotheray has produced a star studded album based on a novel premise, that of a collection of songs where he writes an ‘answer ballad’ (or what happened next) to classic songs. The guest list is rather impressive featuring Eliza Carthy, Kathryn Williams and Mary Coughlan amongst others.

There are many highlights, however three real stand outs personally are ‘Mrs Jones Song’ sung by Lisa Knapp and what a lovely, soothing voice she has. This song is a sad follow on to ‘Me & Mrs Jones’ and harks back to classic Joni Mitchell in the arrangement and lyrics. Eliza Carthy never disappoints and is on fine form on ‘Maggie’s Song’, a follow on from Rod Stewart’s hit ‘Maggie May’. Final one of the three is ‘Bobby’ Song’, a jaunty little tune that takes in the earlier life of Bobby from the song ‘Me & Bobby McGee’. Naomi Bedford sings on this one and her bright, breezy vocal suits the suit perfectly.

Given the various vocalists involved the album holds together well and with songs ranging from folk through to gentle pop tunes it has that mass appeal.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)