Chumbawamba - ABCDEFG

It can be very misleading when a band is labelled 'one-hit wonder', particularly when this band has been around for 27 years, and their new album is number 17 in their catalogue.

Throughout this period they have maintained a fluid line-up, absorbed a wide range of musical influences, tackled contemporary issues in their songs, supported many a worthy cause, and generally been a Zappa-esque irreverent thorn in the side of many, including the music industry and the political establishment. With their more recent leaning to an acoustic sound their musical and songwriting talent, creativity and inventiveness perhaps becomes more easy to see. I last heard them on Bob Davenport's 'Common Stone' album and was surprised and impressed by their excellent background singing. On this album their vocal harmonies are lush and warm, no doubt honed by their many years together, but also enhanced by excellent recording quality. Song melodies are gentle, simple but tuneful, providing a perfect platform for their incisive lyrics. The album basically is all about music (hence the title) and in particular about singing. Voices, That's All is a fond remembrance of days when 'everyone sang', and That Same So-so Tune and Singing out the Days are fine songs about the need for song in the hard times of WW1 and 2. Pickle and The Song Collector have a gentle punt at the precious attitude of some ardent traditionalists of the folk genre, and You Don't Exist and Wagner at the Opera explore the darker side of authoritarian control of music.

Folkies will recognise Jon Boden's fiddle on a couple of pieces. Lester Simpson's vocals backed by Jo Freya's saxes also appear on the final track – a jolly little ditty ridiculing the BNP's ludicrous attempts to infiltrate the world of folk traditions and music. One might think that they have journeyed far from their younger anarcho-punk days, but Chumbawamba can still rattle cages. A wonderful collection of thought provoking stuff. Maybe time for another 'hit'?
Neil Brookes
No Masters NMCD33 PO Box 209, Leeds LS12 9BJ www.nomasters.co.uk 08456 430934