Alan Hull - Pipedream (CD 2005)

Took time to arrive but product is brilliant to get this cd been searching for it since the mid 1990's Many Thanks again and service great Postal Strike created a delay

One of the best albums ever made, have owned on vinyl for 30+ years. I wanted a CD and this one was reasonably priced and included bonus tracks by Alan hull that I hadn't heard before. 10/10 for this.

I bought this in album format when first released in '73 and the music still sounds as fresh today. With the addition of some excellent Bob Harris session tracks onto this CD, I found it one of my most rewarding purchases. I can honestly say there are no weak tracks presented with only one - a 'B' side bonus - Drinking Song usually skipped by me. Alan Hull was a greatly underrated artist and in my opinion the best songwriter Tyneside has produced in modern times - surpassing more high profile internationaly famous representatives. His laid back, unpretentious and down to earth style only adds to the charm of his music and Pipedream was undoubtedly his pinnacle combining sharp and neat lyrics with catchy but not wearing melodies and tight instrumentation. There is a Beatle-ish feel to Breakfast & For the Bairns while Justanothersadsong is a rolling bluesy number. Money Game, United States of Mind, Drug Song and Song for a Windmill are engaging songs with typically bighting or poignant lyrics. Numbers evokes vivid images of band life on the road. Country Gentleman's Wife will raise a smile and ivites vocal accompaniment. The instrumental STD 0632 (old telephone code for Newcastle) somehow has the effect on me of summing up everyday Newcastle without ever a word spoken. Blue Murder is one of my favourite pieces of music simply for the feel and structure, while the final track of the old album - I Hate to See You Cry is really from the heart - sung with such conviction. Of the Bonus Session Tracks, Gin and Tonics All Round & One More Bottle of Wine are beautiful songs wonderfully performed - and may just raise a tear.