www.ianmcnabb.com [Release date 05.03.21]
Utopian is the final part of a trilogy Ian McNabb began with ‘Star Smile Strong’ (2017), and continued with ‘Our Future In Space’ (2018).
Recording took on a very different approach during 2020’s global pandemic, with many of the tracks initially being laid down in Ian’s home studio ‘Nabby Road’. When restrictions permitted (briefly) during last summer, the album was properly recorded at Parr Street studios, Liverpool; with mixing and mastering then being affected again by further lockdowns.
Despite all of these potential obstacles we now have this double album to enjoy. As it is a double album it takes a few plays for the full effect of the music and songs to sink in, which in itself is no bad thing. There are no fillers on here either, as you can hear each song has been lovingly crafted and recording.
Highlights come thick and fast, with the opener ‘Boy’ quite possibly one of the best songs Ian McNabb has recorded to date. The song sees him in the present day giving advice to his younger self and/or a musician starting out. It has it all, from the sumptuous musical backing through to the lyrics and vocal performance. Songs like this are why me and countless others love listening to music, a truly emotional experience on this one.
‘Harry Dean Stanton’ is almost a spoken word tribute to an actor and performer who you may not know the name, but you will recognise his face from the many films and TV shows he has appeared in. He worked right up until his death aged 91 in 2017.
It is the musical variety on ‘Utopian’ that makes it another ‘must have’. Be it the 70’s West Coast feel on ‘Mesmerised’, the hard edged rocking on ‘Deserter’ (recalling his excellent ‘Head Like A Rock’ album), the reflective ‘Great Spirit’, or the gentle, piano led ‘The Old Grey Lady’.
‘We’re Never Gonna To Grow Up’ is an excellent refrain to live by! A proper floor filler, with a funky beat and sax break solo from Bobby Bilsborough. On this, and indeed throughout the album, Ian McNabb shows he is no slouch as a guitarist either. Plenty of seemingly effortless solos only help to enrich the listening experience of the album.
‘Jivin’ Miss Daisy’ is another one to get the old dancing shows out for. Rock ‘n’ rolling and jiving its way into your consciousness, what a tune!
Double albums often see artists come unstuck with either a lack of decent songs to fill four sides/two discs, or indulging too much at melody’s expense. No need to worry on ‘Utopian’ as Ian McNabb shows no sign of dropping his high quality control on his songs. Fans will love this and if you have yet to enjoy the musical world of Mr McNabb here is a perfect opportunity to do so.
An album of the year with ease. ****1/2
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.
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 17 November 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 19 November 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 25 November 2024
KING KRAKEN Chainsaw Saviour (indie)
BEBORN BETON American Girls (Dependent Records)
SMASH INTO PIECES Maze Of Feels (indie)
WELSH WOLF When You Cry (indie)
DREAMING OF CITRA Bitter (indie)
OFF LIGHTS Love You Sober (indie)
THUNDERMOTHER Dead Or Alive (AFM Records)
SKAM Selfish Friend (indie)
SORRY X Bring Me To Life (SBG Records)
Featured Albums w/c 25 November 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)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
