For all Chris Rea fans this is probably preaching to the converted.

If you like Chris Rea (and maybe have a few albums) then it is strongly worth considering adding this one.

If you don't know who Chris Rea is (on emerging from your cave which has been your home for the last 20 years), then this may be worth a listen too!

Following on the heels of previous albums "Road to Hell" and "Auberge" both of which reached the Number 1 UK Album slot, "Gods Great Banana skin" (released in November 1992) didn't quite capture the same enthusiasm with all CR fans, reaching only the number 4 positon.

Personally I like GGBS (for shortness) as a good listening CD, especially (as with so many CR albums) in the car.

11 tracks range from the traditional Chris Rea through to modern Blues and always the distinctive guitar sound shines through.

The tracks are as follows, with a little about the origins - for a fuller elaboration see the Interview with Chris on this album at http://www.home.zonnet.nl/chrisrea/interview3themi ll.htm

1) Nothing to fear -
Reached No. 16 in UK charts.
About a European guy welcoming Muslims
(topical). One of the best tracks...

2) Miles is a cigarette -
Moody and not one of my favourites.
About a guy driving along and hearing a Miles Davis track on the radio and restarts smoking despite giving up years ago.

3) God's Great Banana Skin -
Reached No. 31 in the UK charts.
About not laughing at others misfortune in case it brings on your own.
Also one of the best tracks.

4) 90's Blues -
Chris Rea with his own style of Blues.
References to Greens and Robert Maxwell.
Nice track.

5) Too much pride -
About screwing yourself up through having too much pride.

6) Boom Boom -
Based on an old Fe
nder guitar sound.

7) There she goes -
As Chris himself says "a bloody good song"....

8) I ain't the fool -
Based on the hypocracy of politicians who play the public for fools and don't really believe in their policies only their egos.

9) I'm Ready -
An fast track for CR which he does seem to have a knack for.

10) Black Dog -
Based on watching his dog playing trying to get off it's chain. Oddly not one of Chris's favourite tracks, but popular with his team.

11) Soft Top, Hard Shoulder -
Reached No. 53 in Uk Chart.
Written for the film of the same name (worth watching for the Chris Rea soundtrack and a good Local Hero/Clockwise type film).
My personal favourite.


Key musicians:
==============
Chris Rea - Vocals, Guitar.
Max Middleton - Keyboards.
Martin Ditcham - Drums.
Robert Ahwal - Bass Guitar/Guitar.


Recommended.