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Showing posts with label Kekker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kekker. Show all posts

Monday, 25 January 2021

I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 91-100




It's been difficult to get these choices down to 100. I'm also not a believer in saying one album is better than another. Most of the time you are comparing Apples To Oranges. I'm not a List person, I just think what's the point.

However, for the last few years I have compiled annual Best Of 's  because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. There is no meaning or judgement on an album that is Number 1, Number 100 or not on the list. Anything that I review on here, mention on Social Media or play on the Radio Show is as highly recommended.

I would also add that the Top 100 includes albums available as Download Only. To suggest that they are anything less than equal to a Physical release is grossly unfair, even more so in 2020 with all that has happened during the year. To qualify, an album has to be available for sale in any format.

For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to where you can find further details on how to listen or buy the album. 


No 91 : J.P. Cregan - Twenty       IDHAS Review










No 92 : It's Karma It's Cool - Woke Up In Hollywood           IDHAS Review









No 93 : Love Sport - And Justice For All        IDHAS Review









No 94 : The Galileo 7 - Decayed           Review








No 95 : The Szuters - Sugar       IDHAS Review









No 96 : Dennis Davison - The Book Of Strongman      IDHAS Review









No 97 : Giant Eagles - Second Landing      IDHAS Review









No 98 :  Kekker - Greatest Hits Volumes 1 And 2     IDHAS Review









No 99 : Psychotic Youth - Forever And Never     IDHAS Review









No 100 : The Transpersonals - This Is the Sound Of A Ship On The River Avon    IDHAS Review









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Friday, 31 July 2020

Kekker - Greatest Hits Volumes 1 And 2



It takes a fair amount of tongue in cheek to call your debut album, Greatest Hits Volumes 1 + 2, but Keith Matheson gathers together a host of Scottish Pop Rock royalty to make the case that this offering could be just as the title says.

From his time in Swiss Family Orbison, he grabs ex bandmates Gregor Philp and Dougie Vipond, both now with Deacon Blue. Also along for the ride are ex Danny Wilson cohort Ged Grimes, who is now with Simple Minds and Andrew Mitchell, whose excellent Andrew Wasylyk recordings are a joy. Andrew was also a member of The Hazy Janes, a real IDHAS favourite.








So if you are going to name your album so boldly, it better be great and this is. With the history, I expected something more twee and thankfully we have a full scale rock out. The album sounds much more American than Scottish. Plus it is recorded in the studio, a rare event these days.

The sound is big, the hooks are plentiful and the solos riveting. Indeed, this feels more AOR than Pop Rock and I keep thinking of Boston as I listen more. These 10 songs are definitely in that ballpark, but without the histrionics of Tom Scholz.







When Kekker move away from the melodic rock, they get even more interesting. Parachute borders on Radiohead and Mercy is almost 60's Toytown Psych Pop. Family Bird is close to Power Pop and the closer, Suppertime is a lullaby.

But the dominating sound is great singalong rock. Doveroverland is most notable, but both Uncommon Angel and Real World People are similarly anthemic. Greatest Hits Volumes 1 + 2 is a great feel good listen and highly recommended.








You can listen to and buy the album as a download or on Vinyl here. The CD is available from the home of Pop Rock, Kool Kat, here.


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