Album review: AMY SPEACE – Me And The Ghost Of Charlemagne

September 16th, 2019 by jason

Proper Music [Release date 06.09.19]

Amy Speace is a “former Shakespearean-trained actor”, the ultimate objective of most actors is the pursuit of truth and her new album, ‘Me And The Ghost of Charlemagne’, is nothing if not truthful. From the outset Speace brings layers of candour and introspection, starting with a sparse ballad – accompanied solely by Danny Mitchell on piano; “And I’m out here on my own, trying to keep this thing on track”.

Neilson Hubbard’s production is subtle and unobtrusive; this isn’t faint praise as Speace’s vocal has a purity and yearning quality that requires the listener’s attention. ‘Grace of God’ is a plaintive story of perseverance and not suffering alone. Honky tonk guitar and backing harmonies from Kira Small, Lo Carter and Marcia Wilder mesh beautifully.

Elsewhere, Speace essays the role of perennial outsider in ‘Pretty Girls’; “Does it feel much different in their world? I wish I could have been a pretty girl”. This electric folk number is a cute fable about the folly of youth and the grass always being greener, calling to mind Barbara Dickson in its stark, haunting quality.

Speace is not afraid to pull her punches, and on ‘Standing Rock Standing Here’, in true Dylan-fashion, thinly veiled commentary on the current political climate creeps in as she swipes at “a stockholder President”.

The last track, ‘Kindness’ brings a pleasant circular quality to the album, as the simplicity of the solitary piano accompaniment returns. There’s an endearing uncertainty to Speace’s voice as she sings “may you know kindness and may kindness know you”, almost as if she’s trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

‘Me And The Ghost of Charlemagne’ always feels genuine, occasionally one wishes for a little propulsion amongst the wistfulness, but ultimately the album is an example of exquisite storytelling and expressive vocals. ***

Review by Phillip Beamon

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

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 2 March 2025.

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 on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

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

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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

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

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.