MARKET HARBOUR REViEWS

[Col]

I haven't got it yet, not a fan of the poppier stuff.

[jayvee]

I have held back commenting on the new CD, because, I wanted to digest it for a while.

At first I hated it (seriously!! I really, really disliked it). But, out of loyalty and love for the Gingermeister I perservered and gave it a 2nd chance and a 3rd etc. And, Lo and behold, I took my rose/ginger tinted glasses off at exactly the same time as the penny dropped and I GOT IT!!! Jesus, had it really started to grow on me. Now, after several dozen listens, I think it is, IMO, the best record Ginger has ever put his name to. It is a stunning and at times, truly gorgeous album.

The only problem being, that as a big fan, I didn't find it instantly accesible - I really had to work at it - so, what chance, the casual listener. Notalot, methinks? Bloody shame.........it should sell a million (or two). If Ginger was a yank...........you could bet your Grannys pension on it selling well..........maybe that's why his Facebook page has him down as New York, NY?!?!

I know this may put the cat amongst the pigeons, but, I actually think I prefer Gingers non Wildhearts work......(including the collaborations, singles club and SG5 etc).......I've been a fan since the early 90's and that is not something I say lightly. But, then I loved TWMBD too (with the exception of the CJ track) and I guess that was the start of the new direction......???

Just my two penneths worth............but, he never disappoints does he??

The futures bright - the futures Ginger.

[JimNasty]

I got it the day after it came out and I have to agree with others that it did not have an immediate impact. But also like others I played it and played it repeatedly and now it makes sense.

I was not a fan of the Wildhearts self-titled album last year and I think Ginger sounds far more natural playing this sort of stuff. I love seeing the Wildhearts live but I would much sooner have three more Ginger albums in the next few years and three Wildhearts albums. Ginger is, let's not forget, a middle aged man now. He just sounds completely comfortable on the new album and it works. It's really honest.

I can see why people who appreciate ginger's heavier work but have no interest in this album, but for me ginger has always written 'pop' songs and nothing has changed in that respect. The only difference is he now rights more guitar accompliments to his tunes rather than just thrashing out bar chords and riffs (and that he now plays a Fender strat instead of gibson).

Regarding the songs, I don't think this batch are as good as those on Yoni. But it works as a 'complete body of work' and all that kind of shit reviewers usually harp on about; the album creates a 'mood'. It reminds me of 'The Wall' for some reason - a total mess unless you sit down and listen to it from start to finish. I love regret.com, Overeasy is a brilliant song with a great keyboard solo (guessing Tim Smith had a say in that), but I can honestly say I like every song and it's good to hear ginger experimenting further in styles (Soap hammer) and production (Attentionette).

Although this album is supposed to be a grower, it is ironically the album that has got my girlfriend into ginger's work....

Roll on January 2009, can't wait.

[nig1012]

I have held back commenting on the new CD, because, I wanted to digest it for a while.

At first I hated it (seriously!! I really, really disliked it). But, out of loyalty and love for the Gingermeister I perservered and gave it a 2nd chance and a 3rd etc. And, Lo and behold, I took my rose/ginger tinted glasses off at exactly the same time as the penny dropped and I GOT IT!!! Jesus, had it really started to grow on me. Now, after several dozen listens, I think it is, IMO, the best record Ginger has ever put his name to. It is a stunning and at times, truly gorgeous album.

ya know wot that's pretty much wot i thought, the 1st listen i woz like no no no, but now after about 5 or 6 listen i'm starting to like it a lot more. this is prob the 1st ginger release i've ever questioned (that even includes endless nameless) i just hope after a few more listens it reaches that awesome status that his other material reached.

[Ross]

I much prefer Ginger's solo stuff. In fact most of the new WH stuff since the reformation has been kinda disappointing... But the solo stuff I love.

I don't know why, but I was chatting to my brother the other night, and he agrees, and we came to the conclusion that Ginger must now write songs and go, well, that one's poppy or weird, that'll be solo stuff, that one's heavy and punky, that'll be Wildhearts... And the result of this is that everything the Wildhearts do is "pre-approved", and ends up being predictable as in you can kinda tell how it will sound before you hear it...

Whereas the solo stuff, that's more experimental or esoteric, once upon a time that would have been filtered through the Wildhearts songwriting process and end up giving their stuff an experimental, or more out-there edge (like how LTD got onto a b-side. I loved that track and wanted more Random contributions), but now it ends up as solo stuff. Not that I'm complaining, but I do prefer the solo work, Valor, Yoni and MH are superb, and considering the amount of time they've been produced in, the work-rate is phenomenal...

[jayvee]

Wow - it does seem I may have opened a can of worms and many people (myself included) prefer Gingers solo stuff to The Wildhearts.

Could we have a poll?

What do you prefer: Ginger or The Wildhearts?

I'd start one myself, but, I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to setting that kinda thing up!?!?

[blackdeathcrew]

I much prefer Ginger's solo stuff. In fact most of the new WH stuff since the reformation has been kinda disappointing... But the solo stuff I love.

I don't know why, but I was chatting to my brother the other night, and he agrees, and we came to the conclusion that Ginger must now write songs and go, well, that one's poppy or weird, that'll be solo stuff, that one's heavy and punky, that'll be Wildhearts... And the result of this is that everything the Wildhearts do is "pre-approved", and ends up being predictable as in you can kinda tell how it will sound before you hear it...

Whereas the solo stuff, that's more experimental or esoteric, once upon a time that would have been filtered through the Wildhearts songwriting process and end up giving their stuff an experimental, or more out-there edge (like how LTD got onto a b-side. I loved that track and wanted more Random contributions), but now it ends up as solo stuff. Not that I'm complaining, but I do prefer the solo work, Valor, Yoni and MH are superb, and considering the amount of time they've been produced in, the work-rate is phenomenal...

I totally agree with everything there Ross. His solo stuff excites me much more than the post-reformation Wildhearts stuff does

[macc lad]

The more I listen to this album I think it's becoming my favourite ginger related album of all . Seriously.

i couldnt agree more

[shadow]

i get the feeling that a lot of people are starting to realise that ginger has much more scope with his solo projects, and with MH he has reached new musical standards.
Naturally not everyone will agree ,but in my opinion, and this is something i said some time ago, ginger is reaping the rewards of creating and performing with a bunch of top class musicians in his solo career.Having seen both (Wildies and Ginger solo band) perform live his solo band impress me far more---I know the WH always whip up a frenzy ,but musically it tends to be a safe formula,the solo band push back the barriers a bit more------heres my chin---have a go

[thegweywabbit]

Haven't had a chance to post in awhile, but I've enjoyed reading everyone's reviews and comments of “Market Harbour” while waiting for my copy to arrive to the US. It took a little over a week after the release date but I've finally played it through about 4 times now and just posted a review on amazon.co.uk.

As great as this album, Yoni & Valor are, I must admit that nothing compares to the Wildhearts for me. These cds really do allow a different side of Ginger to come through and I'm really knocked out by the new album, but to say I like it more than last years Wildhearts (white album) would be a lie. That cd really blew me away! Rooting For The Bad Guy, Bi Polar Baby, Slaughtered Authors, Oh Bonita, Destroy All Monsters all on one cd was just too much!!! I also prefer the pure sing-a-long pop/rock of the under appreciated WMBD album to any of the solo material, but it's really great to have both Ginger's solo stuff and the Wildhearts up and running at the same time. An embarrassment of riches to put it mildly.

Anyway, here's my review of Market Harbour that I posted on amazon:

Yet another masterpiece from this generation's greatest songwriter. All 3 of Ginger's recent solo releases ("Valor Del Corazon" 2006, "Yoni" 2007 & this cd "Market Harbour" 2008) are amazing and very different (in a good way) from each other. If forced to pick one (which I thankfully don't have to do), I'd say that "Yoni" is the overall best of the 3, featuring a full album of hook laden melodic pop / rock trax.

While I have to admit that "Market Harbour" wouldn't be my first choice for someone who's never heard Ginger's music before, I must also say that it's refreshing to have an artist not rehash previous releases. "Market Harbour" is more of a concept album in that all the trax run together using instrumental interludes as segues from song to song. It plays like a single continuous hour long track. This is NOT an album to be played on shuffle. It really demands to be played as a whole and requires your full attention. A very eclectic collection of songs to be sure. If you want to blast something loud in your car you're better served with the most recent (self titled) Wildhearts album (which was hands down my favorite release of 2007), but if something a little different is more to your liking then this album is a must own. A lyrical and introspective work of art.

jd

[Wrenaldo]

we came to the conclusion that Ginger must now write songs and go, well, that one's poppy or weird, that'll be solo stuff, that one's heavy and punky, that'll be Wildhearts

I was just thinking that today, but came to the conclusion that he may not even be that methodical about it rather the songs find their own way into different projects.

I think in Valor and SG5 Ginger did employ rock traits of the Wildhearts, and could have easily become 'Hearts albums, but Yoni and MH have been real departures.

Yet the Wildhearts has to be Ginger's bread and butter as the touring and albums provide him with the backing to make other music. And the band seem to be enjoying it too - there's been some brilliant shows. And we as fans lap it up. And the last album was great. Even if there were no really inventive elements, there was still enough good songwriting and rocking to tick all the right boxes.

It's very difficult to therefore pass comment on what Ginger should be doing cos he seems to have found a creative balance that works for him for now. Then again, he could just turn around and put everything back together in the next Wildhearts album. And that unpredictability is all part of the fun really isnt it?!

[Lord Iffy Boatrace]

I think market harbour is a fabulous album, but one that took me about 2 or 3 times to get into properly.
I love the way that each track segues into each other as well, you can definitely hear the influence of chris catalyst here, especially if you have heard the robochrist stuff i would say.
could "the perilous burden of prodigal obligation" be the best song Ginger has ever done???
its up there for me anyhow!! i cant get it out of my head.

also couple trouble is musically the same as sky chaser high, with new lyrics

[EMMO]

Me and my mate have been Wildhearts fans since the release of the Earth Vs album and go to everything they or ginger does.
IMO the last Wildhearts album was a massive disappointment.
The songs were too long and seemed to be “long for longs sake”
It got 10/10 in rocksound and 5/5 in the sun – I give it a 6.

Gingers solo stuff is far easier on the ear – great lyrics and great music.
My wife can’t stand the Wildhearts but loves Yoni and Market Harbour – I can see why.

I think that the next Wildhearts albums needs to sound like PHUQ (which If released tomorrow wouldn’t sound dated) or the poppier Wildhearts must be destroyed.

Ill settle for 1 wildhearts album and 1 ginger album each year !!

[marky-boy]

hated it at first, can't stop playing the damn thing now!!

love it

[Andwah]

I've pretty much had to hide Market Harbour from myself to stop me playing it.