Record reviews with Kevin Bryan

Joe Walsh, “Analog Man” (Fantasy/Concord/Decca)- This guitar wielding eccentric is probably best known for his musical exploits with the hugely successful Eagles, but Joe’s much quirkier solo work also repays closer investigation, and “Analog Man” represents a compelling throwback to his early seventies output with Barnstorm and the James Gang. Production duties on Joe’s first solo album in more than two decades were handled by ELO’s Jeff Lynne, and the redoubtable Ringo Starr pounds the drums on the autobiographical “Lucky That Way.” The proudly reactionary title tune is another highlight of this fine package, with veteran axeman Walsh nailing his colours to the analog mast in typically witty fashion.

Goldstone and Clemmow, “The Planets and other British Piano Duos” (Divine Art / Diversions ddv 24154)- The centrepiece of this absorbing 1996 recital from the husband and wife team of Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow is Gustav Holst’s original version of “The Planets” for two pianos.The more familiar orchestral form of this multi-faceted suite has since gone on to become one of the most popular works in the entire classical canon, and the keyboard duo do full justice to this mighty creation here. as well as tackling works by Edward Elgar and some of Holst’s lesser known British contemporaries such as Bury and Bainton.

10cc, “In Concert” (Wienerworld WNRD 2542)- This new live DVD might be more accurately billed as “Graham Gouldman and friends in concert,” since the former 10cc bass player is the only original member of the band on stage for the bulk of the set. Reclusive drummer Kevin Godley does make a brief cameo appearance but Gouldman is very much the star of the show,regaling his highly receptive London audience with some choice extracts from the 10cc back catalogue and nostalgic re-vamps of the hits that he penned for The Hollies. Herman’s Hermits and the Yardbirds during the mid-sixties such as “For Your Love” and “Bus Stop.”

Gerry and the Pacemakers, “20 Year Anniversary Album” (Angel Air SJPCD 382)- This unassuming 1982 package was conceived during a chance meeting between Gerry Marsden and record producer David Martin, when the duo hit upon the bright idea of celebrating Marsden’s twenty years in the music business by re-recording some of his golden oldies from the heyday of Merseybeat in the early sixties. Tuneful gems such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “How Do You Do It” and “Ferry ‘Cross The Mersey” are all given an airing alongside Gerry’s covers of a string of UK chart-toppers which presumably formed part of his later cabaret act,including “House of The Rising Sun” and Peter Sarstedt’s “Where Do You Go To My Lovely.”