Album review: GARY MARX – Green Ginger Jive

Wrecking Ball Sounds [Release date 05.10.24]

Guitarist Gary Marx was a founding member of the Sisters of Mercy and on this album he travels back to the 70′s, specifically the glam rock heyday of the likes of Suzi Quatro, Slade Alvin Stardust, T.Rex et al.

As Gary explains, “Green Ginger Jive is one long love letter to my youth growing up in Hull and East Yorkshire. It’s me dressing up and playing at being Mick Ronson. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had making a record, and I think it shows.”

The songs are all Gary Marx originals, and he has an impressive bunch of musical friends helping him including Wayne Hussey (marking the first time they have recorded together since the Sisters’ ‘First And Last And Always’), the Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt, and John Robb (the Membranes).

The opening duo of ‘Second Hand Boogie’ (a single smash if ever there was one) and ‘Stone Cold Solid Gone’ (one of two songs featuring Wayne Hussey), are good enough reason to own this album. Like T. Rex jamming with Alvin Stardust with a touch of Bowie stardust, these are great fun to listen to.

‘Slingshot’ is a rock a billy delight, whilst ‘Dressed Up Messed Up Kid’ has Miles Hunt and Jane Murphy doing their 70s thing. Murphy also adds her vocal magic to ‘Sugarcane’, another guitar riff led belter. T.Rex come a calling on ‘Tristar’ with John Robb giving it a bit of clout on ‘Louder’.

Touch of the Ian Hunter’s on the ballad ’4G (All The Way From Munster)’, and loving the vocals and stomp-a-long rhythm on ‘Boyes’.

This reviewer was too young to witness and enjoy the 70s glam era, however, being a fan of all things glam Gary Marx has produced an album that is a real delight. Crack out the Babycham, on with the eyeliner and glitter, as you enjoy this soundtrack to a happy hour… ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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