Joe, Pierce, Stephen and A.J.

Today's post has two parts. There is no relation between them.

We will start with the most exciting news. I am sure that the more enlightened among you will be familiar with the mighty Pierce Turner. Pierce is currently raising funds on PledgeMusic to enable him to make a new album, and as part of his efforts to drum up support he put this clip on YouTube explaining the inspiration behind one of the songs intended for that album - Joe Dolan fans.



Now, as some of you may know I am a huge fan of the late, great Joe. So when I discovered that Pierce was as well I tweeted him and light-heartedly said that I would pledge if in return he would play Joe's first big solo hit, "The Answer To Everything". Imagine my surprise and delight when he tweeted back to say he would. Watch this space - and while you are doing so, keep yourself occupied by pledging to Pierce and listening to Joe.

"The Answer To Everything" - Joe Dolan

Part 2. You may remember that a few weeks ago I was burbling on about Mexican cover versions of Morrissey songs. Well, I have now been sent a version of "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" by one A.J. Holmes and his band The Hackney Empire, which is performed in Sierre Leone krio dialect.

I don't know quite why A.J. chose to tackle the song in this way when he apparently stems from Dagenham (or "the heart of darkness" as Joseph Conrad calls it). But it works for me. I would also recommend checking out their new album "Soft Power", which is due out next month. It sort of blends 1980s pop with West African high-life and palm wine sounds. Just don't mention Jimmy The Hoover.  

"De Borboh Weh Get Chook Chook Na Inside" - A.J. Holmes & The Hackney Empire