Album Review: Ginger Wildheart – G*A*S*S Mark II

Caer Urfa – Home

Ginger Wildheart – now there’s an artist who is genuinely prolific, (not unlike a serial killer), tenacious and accomplished in his work ethic. Admittedly I’ve not followed everything he has done but I have known of him and his music since The Quireboys days. He is an agent of Rock n’ Roll, a revolutionary, an anathema to some in the industry but always true to what he believes. To this end, creating his own record label to work on his own terms and promote his work without suffocating under what is popular.
After the recent concern about his health I’m happy to see this album ready for release and hopefully a revitalised and rejuvenated Ginger back on top his game. In an industry ready to jettison excess baggage, our friend here takes the bull by the horns.
G*A*S*S (Ginger Associated Secret Society) is the group set up which entitles subscribers to new music, podcasts, songs from his vast, belt-busting body of work and exclusive merchandise. Hence the cunningly titled LP.

A rip-roaring start to the proceedings with “Friends Of Bill” fast and furious only to be gently laid down to rest with “King Rat” a floaty little number, almost fairground like. An unusual arrangement inasmuch that the slow song normally appears fourth or fifth track in.
“That’s A Nasty Habit You’ve Got There” says Ginger. He doesn’t mince his words, does he? A lovely bagpipe sound helps it along, tuneful, hypnotising, you could dance an incredibly satisfying ceilidh to this.

Caer Urfa – modern day South Shields – Ginger sings about his hometown. A sense of pride, emanates and touches the listener and they in turn feel uplifted by this song. This reminds me of when The Alarm made “Change” and they too sang about their hometown. There is a sadness but also something very comforting here, very safe, warm and secure. I think it’s called home.
Didn’t realise how much I’d missed Ginger.
We have the slow-heavy-slow mix of “Alvarado On The 2” and the gloriously titled “Right In The Feels” about aiming below the belt in many respects. I say, steady on old chap. Still hurts, big deal.
“Die a little tonight” from “Petite Mort” draws you in, toys with you, much like a cat with its paw holding down a mouse’s tail. Some would argue its very Quireboys, but it will always be Ginger.
“Waves Of Sadness” is very Ramones sounding, refreshing and energetic before relaxing into the hippy vibe chorus, only to resurrect again and stomp around madly. The guitar is brilliant on this. The next one is peculiar with the title “Adrenalina” I can see some celebrity using it as a name for a girl, (unless it’s already been done.) it’s a racket to keep the neighbours awake, raucous and rowdy, all for a good cause though. Music to smash a few plates to, rather lovely.

Radio rock everyone with “Bloody Knees” easy on the ears, proficient musicianship, beautifully arranged, almost operatic in parts. If it was any longer it may be accused of being indulgent.
“It isn’t funny at all” – no it bloody well isn’t.
“Being yourself is the prettiest thing a person can be” are the wise words from our friend here in the 9-minute spectacular that is “Don’t Lose Your Tail, Girl”. The video and song tell of the trials and tribulations of womanhood told through varying scenarios of pleasure and pain. Accurate, disturbing yet essential in todays world. The treatment of women has always been a divisive issue, an ideal setting for robust debate and discussion.

The penultimate song is “Don’t Stop Loving the Music” where we learn that “things have a come a long way since the days of Tommy Vance”. I know that, but I miss his show terribly, God bless Tommy. Evincing from his vast knowledge and experience, both good and bad, Ginger explains how the love for music transcends everything, and if you still have that as the pivotal idea, all else will fall into place nicely.

Rounding off (see what I did there? Round Records) we have “I’ll Have Another” the ultimate drinking song with the inimitable line “Whatever you’re having yourself, I’ll have another” stupidly simple but just brilliantly served up. Charismatic and quirky is our Ginger and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There is so much more that Ginger has to give, his talent is unwavering, this record proves it.
Please stay safe, stay well my friend.

Azra Pathan
Ginger Wildheart – G*A*S*S Mark II out 16th November via Round Records