Spinning on the decks here at RR towers is the new Lady Winwoods Maggot album. (well, when we say decks we mean mp3 player)(and when we say spin we mean larking about on our office chairs)! Last month the LWM supplied us with their new album, one we knew was coming and had been eagerly awaiting. Opening with a more rock ‘n roll vibe “Good Time Girls” (skipping the intro sample) you immediately have the dry humour of Maggot, coupled with the gravelly vocals of frontman Mr. Baynes. The track immediately engrains itself in you as the guitar licks wrap themselves around you, and Tony’s bass works its seductive ways with you (sorry, I have to go and scrub myself clean).
“Crow Arch Lane” takes us back to the folky Appalachian feel that LWM are so, so good at capturing. An instrumental track featuring some superb picking, and solid beat that. Whilst feeling completely traditional it also has a very modern feel.
“First To Fall” takes on a more modern stance, musically, as Mark sings about trying to keep up in the modern world and making your mark in life.
“Damn His Hide” is a well-crafted track with an old school feel to the music, and featuring one of the many talents of the late Mr. Lambert. But with well-crafted lyrics about fighting “The Man”. Unlike older tracks, like “JCB”, this is not a protest song, but more a statement and lifestyle choice.
Things slow up for “Hey Girl”, with an almost Spanish feel with acoustic guitar, and maraca sounds, as the lyrics take the listener on that journey of asking someone for the last dance. The track flows beautifully and is a hidden gem on the album.
The romance and trepidation instilled from “Hey Girl” is soon blown out of the water as “Peace, Love and Cruise Control” hits you with its catchy melody and bass line, and humorous lyrics (and educational to boot!). As Mark sings that he going to save the world from his BMW with “Peace, Love and Cruise Control”, a prominent dig at faux hippies….but I am not convinced low-fat-soya-based-MDMA actually exists…but that may just be me!
“The King Of Nothing” takes a more serious stance, as the electric guitar hits home. In part, this track has a laid-back vibe in part due to the lyrics, and part to Marks vocal delivery. Whereas “Save Me” turns it down yet another notch, as Mark sings out; “Save me”.
“The Tyburn Jig” is another track that on first listen comes across as traditional instrumental piece, but is another Maggot original carefully written and realised. One to get the foot tapping along to.
Closing the album is the title track “What If Forever and Ever”, and is a well-chosen track to close with. A slower more serious track, where the acoustic and electric guitars share the stage. But it is the lyrics that really make this track stand out.
Blending together traditional melodies with more modern style for tracks such as “Good Time Girls” and “Peace, Love and Cruise Control” which will no doubt be crowd pleasers. The overall feel is a little more rock ‘n roll than Death Western, although the instrumentals come across as so traditional as to make you think they have scoured the archives, instead of penning them themselves. This is also bundled together with vitriolic observations about love and life, be it about others or the lead protagonist in the song. As ever the balance between humour and serious song writing can be a tricky line to walk. The album upon repeat listens shows more of the serious nature of LWM. This should be a firm favourite with fans, and good a place as anywhere for anyone about to dive into the Maggot catalogue! (of course, live is where they truly flourish)
Track Listing
Sound Asleep
Good Time Girls
Crow Arch Lane
First To Fall
Damn His Hide
Hey Girl
Peace, Love, and Cruise Control
The King Of Nothing
Save Me
The Tyburn Jig
What If Forever And Ever
Links
http://www.ladywinwoodsmaggot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/ladywinwoodsmaggot/
Words and photos by Jon “Department of Late Reviews”.
