DARRELL BATH - COMPILATION CD
  www.darellbath.com

This latest limited edition compilation CD from Darrell Bath for the time being at least, is only available to buy at gigs. Although reasonably priced, I admit to feeling a little dubious upon taking a first quick glance at the sleeve. It seems that accuracy doesn't seem to be the strong point of the talent who designed it. Riddled with typing errors, spelling mistakes (Darrell's name is even spelt wrong throughout) and a totally blank inlay card, it certainly seems like no expense was spared in the packaging. All in all, it's a stark contrast to the artwork accompanying the discs of Darrell's previous Dogs D'Amour band-mate Tyla with the only saving grace here being an uncanny carracture of the guitarist which manages to catch the eye immediately.

  Darrell Bath CD Cover
Darrell Bath`
Darrell Bath 2002 - Pic by Karen
So, first impressions aside, what do you get for yer money then? Well, on the face of it, 16 tracks forming a good representation of what Mr Bath has been up to in recent times. Undoubtedly one of the best, but yet still relatively underrated, guitarists around, this CD acts as a showcase not only to his playing ability but also to his songwriting talent. Not all of Darrell's previous bands are featured - it would have been good to hear a blast of the UK Subs or the Dogs D'Amour but there's still more than enough here to keep you happy. Comparatively new material from his latest solo album ('Tumbleweed', 'Stop Talkin' 'Bout Money' and 'Love & Hurt') go hand in hand with a fair selection of the Sabre Jet album ('Gettin' By', 'Ramona' and, 'Just Be True'). There's a few classic Crybabys'offerings ('Too Hot To Last,' 'Good Good Times') and unforgettable Ian Hunter tracks ('Never Trust A Blonde', 'Artful Dodger' and 'Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady') which all blend nicely alongside the more harder to find Strolling Ones (a clever anagram of Rolling Stones perhaps?) and Tenpole Tudor material.

I doubt that even the more hardcore Darrell Bath fans will have got all the treats in their collection which this CD dishes up, especially as some are demo versions whilst others are from EPs that were previously only available at gigs. That fact alone justifies this CD being snapped up. Despite the dodgy aspects of the cover, the overall production quality is pretty good - there's a slight blip during Tenpole's 'St Louis Blues' but this is barely noticeable. Otherwise, the inclusion of four excellent Strolling Ones tracks is a wise one. Personally, I'd love to hear far more of their glorious swaggering tunes. 'Did You Think You'd Get To Heaven', 'Sugar Mama' and 'Since You've Gone' especially struck a chord. Great stuff.

This whole 73 minute CD has a timeless quality. It oozes charm and an infectious feel good factor. Darrell's style may not be the latest "in-thing" but there's nothing wrong with pure, good old fashioned rock n' roll and as the cover states, boy, can he play guitar! None of these songs will lose their appeal, indeed this whole album can be listened to time and time again and still sound as fresh as it did the first time around. How many "in-bands" can you say the same about? All in all, there's far worse ways to spend a fiver - beg, steal or borrow this CD 'cos life just ain't complete without it!


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