Album review: IAN McCULLOCH – Holy Ghosts

Edsel Records (Released 22nd April)

Ian McCulloch releases a sumptious new double album. The first CD is a live album recorded at the Union Chapel in London last year and the second disc is a new album, ‘Pro Patria Mori’, both of which are produced by Youth (Primal Scream/The Verve).

The first disc is a real treat for fans as the set list includes his solo songs (including some of the new album) and a few Echo & the Bunnymen classics. ‘Bring On The Dancing Horses’ and ‘The Killing Moon’ sound so different with the orchestral backing and Ian McCulloch’s voice is on fine form. His new solo songs fit effortlessly into set and mix with the older songs like ‘Candleland’. This live recording will delight his fans I am sure as the songs get a different musical spin on them.

Turning to the new album, Ian McCulloch continues his orchestral theme. Again his vocals mix well into the grandiose production, even the title track manages to avert itself from being twee as it features a children’s choir on the chorus. ‘Me And David Bowie’ and ‘Raindrop In The Sun’ are the nearest to an Echo & the Bunnyman sound.

A real treat for fans and an interesting take on his classic songs in a live setting, plus there is a new album to enjoy and a real return to form for him.

****

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

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 1 December 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 3 December 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 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)