Play 90 second soundbite of 'Angel Of The North' @ 'CD quality'
Robbo's currently axe man with hard rockin' covers band Guilty - this new venture marks his initiation into the world of total self indulgence, all for the right reasons. All round nice guy Robbo has been and still is a sort of musical legend in his locality for helping several local artists and bands by allowing almost unlimited access to his many facilities thereby furthering their many causes in the minefield that is the semi-pro music business. So, Robbo fully deserves the input from this plethora of musical talent on display here.
Interestingly, the overall feel is less heavy than I'd expected knowing Robbo's musical background; there's all sorts here, many with a heavy American sounding influence, some beautifully subtle and homage-like. I think it gives a great insight into the man that is Robbo. (Smokey) Robbo's guitar and vocals are given a great work out with the help of The Choirboys resulting in eleven tracks well worth a listen. Sure it's been a dream for the main man but there's nothing preventing any rock 'n' roller from sharing and enjoying his dream!
Starting out with 'Dark Sun Risin'', a short piece full of samples, heavy riffs and American Indian chants, written by and featuring Dave 'The Alien' Draper it gently eases the listener into track two, 'Rock 'n' Roll Rage'. Here we get a feel of what Robbo is about; some great guitar breaks wrap around the crunching chord work of Dave Draper and precision, punchy rhythm section of bassman Ven Pedro and drummer Luke Bostock. The finely worked backing vocals of Lynn Davies and Jenni Cox add to Robbo's heartfelt lead vocal - it's an upbeat rocker that works well. Robbo then takes it down a little with a more mellow piece, 'Angel Of The North'. Great lyrics on this road song, Bon Jovi would've been proud to pen this one. Some clever flute samples and backing vox from Stu Lister and Lynn add depth and feel with the lead guitar work bolstering the overall sound - nice one Robbo, probably my favourite!
'I Get 'Em All' raises the stakes with a gutsy little rocker if a little staid and predictable in it's approach. Again the American feel here - there's some fine piano and organ work from Jules Benjamin and well proportioned sax from Jacki Peters. With a lot going on in the background this could so easily have ended in tears but the mix is superb and everything comes thro' loud and clear. 'Brave' takes the mood down again; opening quietly, it soon builds with guitars and the backing vox of Jenni, Stu, Bel Scarrott and Liz Hickson. Some of Robbo's vocals feel a bit loose on occasions but are carried well by the supporting voices. Featuring an excellent acoustic guitar solo this shows the more subtle side of Robbo's playing. The short and sweet 'Jimi' features Smokey Robbo on his own with this homage to the late and great Jimi Hendrix. A couple of Hendrix riffs are neatly layered in without being too pretentious. Maybe a bit too short though?
'All Lies And Video Tape' opens with some pretty well known audio clips from the politicians and orators from the USA and the UK. Steadily the Choirboys come in and build to a wall-of sound behind Robbo's almost talk-over vocal before fading with more lies and video tape clips. 'No Fires In Downtown Buffalo Tonite (Everything's Big Down In Texas)' and enter the big live audience screams and whistles from 'Robstock 2003', from a field near you Worcester people! As the title suggests this is another American feel jobby. 'They Fucked Rock 'n' Roll' features Robbo's impassioned voice and some more nice lead guitar work. There's plenty of light and shade here as the tempo takes the listener through several changes.
'Goin' Down Swingin' (Everything's On Fire In Buffalo Tonite)' brings Carl Lewis into the line up with backing vocals and again features audience participation for this pacey piece that packs an almighty punch. Although leaning heavily on Dylan's 'All Along The Watchtower' this works very well and you'd honestly believe there was a crowd of thousands at Robstock 2003; it's well mixed and produced and has that hook to it that you find yourself repeating for hours after. Finishing cleverly with the sound of big bikes speeding off into the night and fading with wind whistling thro' mic's this is very neat. Noted as Bonus Track, 'I Got This Toy Guitar For Chistmas!' is a short, frantic, lunatic piece aptly described in the title - nothing else to say really apart from, interesting and freaky!
I feel that Robbo thoroughly deserves this exercise in musical self indulgence. After all, he's helped many people over the years and now they've repaid some of that generosity in the best way possible - by helping someone to fulfil a dream. Good luck Robbo and well done to everyone else who helped out - and I'm sorry if I've missed out anyone's name from the credits.
The album was recorded at Furry Dice Studios and Robstock 2003 by Dave 'The Alien' Draper, mixed at Furry Dice by 'The Alien' and Robbo and mastered by Dave Pick at FFg Studios and 'Don't Stroke It On A Sunday' is a strictly limited edition work.
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