|
|
|
Hammell on Trial/Leeds New Roscoe / 29.10.01 Christ. Where do ya start with upstart Hammell on Trial. He certainly should be on trial - for keeping audience's begging for more. In a world of cliche's this man don't take no prisoners - he's a badass, whatever that it. Ed Hamell - just what or who is he? Is he part Lou Reed? is he part Bill Hicks- who gets a mention, alongside John Lennon? Described in certain quarters as punk acoustic, as well as anti-folk, expect one thing - machine gun delivery of both songs and stories cum jokes. If it's acoustic Kick Out the Jams you want, you've come to the right place - but don't expect a finger in the ear version, Hammell's battered acoustic guitar must surely plead for mercy. This man is cynical, but not negative - just switched on and not content to sit back and watch the world go by. His songs are moulded after a life of doing the shitty jobs, doing the drink, doing the drugs, hanging out - then finding performance as a vocation. Offering songs mainly from his live album Ed's Not Dead - presumably a reference to the car crash that kept him away from the music scene for a while - and his most recent CD Choochtown, he constantly apologises for dragging people out on a Monday night. God, he even takes time out after his lengthy set to sign CDs. Yes, try this man, find him guilty of enteratinment and give him community service. Richard Hamer |
