Martin Stephenson & The Daintees

Album cover artwork by Phoebe Stephenson

Just in time for Christmas the ever-prolific Martin Stephenson accompanied by The Daintees have come along with an album that will have any party up on it's collective feet and dancing; whether it's having a knees-up or waltzing the night away.

It kicks off with a rockabilly-esque The Whisky and I'm not sure if it's an advert for the benefits of Uisge-Beatha (The Water Of Life) or a dire warning. But one thing is for sure, it's a rollicking start to a quality collection of tuneage.

Title track Bayswater Road is a tune that will wriggle its way inside your head and you'll be singing it all day before Secret Crush has you bop shoo bopping along to some classic Daintees stylee old school musical perfection.

High Sierra Snow mixes Americana with Latina as it pleasantly meanders along, which leads you nicely into Lord Lead Us and sees Martin competing with Cliff Richard for a potential Christmas hit as he explores his gospel side.

The folksier Every Kind Of Heaven is more resonant of the earliest incarnation of The Daintees and that's followed by Shoot with it's similarly familiar Daintees vibe from 'back in the day'; like a cosy old favorite jumper saving you from a cold winters day.

Thorn From A Rose is a moodier, reflective joy with smatterings of Johnny Cash; possibly my favorite track on the album, but then again I'm an old softy. The album rounds of with the countrified Elaine and finishes off in fine style with She Rides Horses, which is a delight.

Ralph's playing a track from Bayswater Road on the Radio KC Indie Show, but you'll have to tune in on November 26th to find out which one. For now I suggest you go out and acquire a copy of the album (on repeat here in 'the kennel' all last week) as its a must have for any serious music lovers collection.

You can download a copy of the album Bayswater Road by clicking HERE