Spike's solo album "It's a
Treat to be Alive" finally sees the light of day after a long hard birth. Most of the songs were recorded back in 2002 and since then Quireboys´ singer has been selling copies of this album at his shows.
"It's a treat to be alive" has been scheduled for more than 2 years by his UK label Demolition Records, so yours truly was quite excited when the album finally hit the streets.
Unfortunately this promo holds no information about the musicians, but it sounds like
Spike has used his musical comrades in Quireboys on several tracks. Compared to Quireboys, this album is a collection of laid back songs with bluesy feel.
Spike's soulful voice suits this kind of music perfect.
While main emphasis is the mellow side of Rock,
Spike treats us with a varied bunch of songs
. Lady and her Daughter and the great cover of
When I'm away from you rocks, while the ballad
So Far So Good sees
Spike singing duet with a female artist. Album opener
Have a Drink with Me is typical
Spike - who would let down this likeable bloke wearing a bandana, armed with a Vodka cranberry drink and inviting you to have a drink with him?
Album highlights are
She's a Rolling Stone, which has a great moody feel and
Without You. The arrangements are stripped down and just underlines that this is superb song writing.
As the title "It's a treat to be alive" indicates it's a very positive album. Most importantly the album is honest and comes straight from the heart.
Spike is a charismatic person and he puts heart and soul to his vocals.
In 2004 just when this album was completed a very reliable source, Guitarist Paul Guerin, told yours truly that
Spike has another solo album in the can. Let us hope that we don't have to wait long for that album to see the light of day, because this album proves that
Spike is one of the finest English troubadours ever.
Written by
Michael Thursday, October 4, 2007
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 6.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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