The Grand Old Uke Of York, Without The Tassels *****
EVERY now and again, you hear a cover version of a hit song – whether it's one of your favourites or one you're barely familiar with – that just puts a smile on your face.
Without The Tassels, from York's best known ukulele band, is basically a collection of ten tracks guaranteed to lift your mood and even appreciate the versatility of the four-stringed instrument.
Covering everyone from Kings Of Leon (Sex On Fire) to The Kinks (Lola), Primal Scream (Rocks) and Pulp (Common People), the album is a mix-tape of feel-good favourites, performed and presented with just enough irony-free chutzpah to expertly walk the tightrope between cool and novelty.
The Ukes are known for their sense of humour during performance, and it's still evident throughout the album: listen to the snarling delivery throughout the cover of Nickelback's Rockstar – the source of the album title – and try not to smile.
Elsewhere, the range of the ukuleles is surprising: in Common People, especially, the instruments include a low bass, the expected high strums, and even some noodling under the vocals before the electric power chords kick in towards the midpoint. Some might argue the ukulele isn't for everyone, but then neither are Nickelback, Stereophonics and Kaiser Chiefs, and they're doing all right for themselves.
Maybe that's the best thing about this kind of album. It's made by fans and enthusiasts for fans and enthusiasts, with party tunes and gutsy performances: shout out especially to the vocals on Ex's & Oh's by Elle King and Who Knew by Pink, which are just superb, and for the first album by a group of friends who've been playing together for seven years, it's really enjoyable. Let's hope we don't have to wait another seven for the follow-up.
Dan Bean
Without The Tassels is available via grandoleukeofyork.com
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