Album review: PHIL THORNALLEY – Now That I Have Your Attention
Share the post "Album review: PHIL THORNALLEY – Now That I Have Your Attention"
Lojinx [Release date 02.09.22]
The name Phil Thornalley may not be one you are familiar with, however, he has worked with many a household name including Bryan Adams, Thompson Twins, The Cure, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Duran Duran, and Paul McCartney. Phil also co-wrote and produced Natalie Imbruglia’s 1997 hit ‘Torn’. He is also the mastermind behind Astral Drive, who our own Pete Feenstra penned a rave review of their last album.
On this album Phil Thornalley set out to explore the production stylings pioneered by the Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne. He plays almost all of the instruments bar a little musical help from Jimmy Hogarth and the string arrangements by Sally Herbert.
“Maybe we should have called it the Traveling Phil-burys,” Thornalley jokes, “but I enjoyed the earlier ELO records, and the way they married a crummy beat combo with the grandeur of a full orchestra – it was over-the-top but infectiously musical, creating a foundation of the oxymoronic ‘controlled’ rock and roll drums and a super simple bass guitar.”
The single ‘Fast Car’ is pure ELO, from the strings through to the chorus. Another hit that never was. ‘High On Your Supply’ sees Phil doing a bit of Bob Dylan on the vocals, in fact add in the Tom Petty sounding ‘Hell Bent On Compromise’ (complete with a George Harrison sounding guitar), the 60′s Roy Orbison approved pop of ‘One Night In America’ and you have the Traveling Wilburys!
‘Solid Gold Sunshine’ is a neat 70s influenced pop rocker, not unlike Astral Drive. Another possible single release? ‘To Die For’ is another pop rock banger and listen out for the ELO tribute – by way of Beethoven – near the end of the song.
Three bonus songs of which ’22nd Century’ and ‘The Road Is Home’ are another couple of pieces of pop perfection. The latter again brings to mind Tom Petty especially in the music.
Those who love the music of Jeff Lynne, ELO, Tom Petty produced Jeff Lynne and the Travelling Wilburys will LOVE this album. Yes it is not hip, unlikely to (sadly) trouble the album charts but for those who take the plunge and listen to this album, they will be very happy indeed. Now, next we need a collaboration between Phil Thornalley and Jeff Lynne… ****
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)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: PHIL THORNALLEY – Now That I Have Your Attention"