Which album would convince someone Ginger is a genius?

[Jason_scorching_past]

I often chat to this bloke at work who is a massive Beatles fan and doesn't think there is anything worth listening to these days, and i showed him the recent Kerrang! review where they praised Ginger as the best songwriter since John Lennon. Anyway, he wants to borrow an album now and I don't know whether to lend Market Harbour or Yoni?

Valor, i think probably rocks a bit too much, I'm heading towards Yoni as I think it has some real instant gems where as Market Harbour is more of a grower.

i guess this is a roundabout way of asking what your favourite solo album is and why...(that old chestnut)

[shadow]

you say youre leaning towards Yoni but in my humble opinion Market Harbour is far superior though paradoxically Yoni has the more memorable standalone tracks.
for me, Black Windows apart(its a great track) the other tracks on Yoni owe their appeal to some great musicianship wheras with MH Ginger has really excelled in writing what is for me a classic although as you rightly point out it is a grower and i think its better listened to in its entireity

[shadow]

......and by the way judging from the solo tour the new tracks sound like we're in for another epic album with the next one

[spoon_of_grimbo]

why not burn him a cd of all your favourite ginger tracks?

[Robdj]

Valor - every day of the week.

[wildsam6o]

Valor - every day of the week.

ditto

but people who are not into the "heavy music" and lets face it out of valor, yoni and MH. Valor is definatly the heavier record

But i hate it when people wont give it a chance. So its hard to pick a record really but i would end up settling with Valor personally

[markE]

i'd go with market - it showcases so many different styles and yet blends together seamlessly. yoni is the weakest so far in my opinion.

[WiredOut]

i'd go with market - it showcases so many different styles and yet blends together seamlessly. yoni is the weakest so far in my opinion.

Yeah, probably MH is best from the psychedelic dream-pop collage angle. Valor next if he fears the rock. I think Yoni's rockier overall (think of the endless solos) than Valor so if he does fear the rock Yoni's not much good to him. Plus much as I like Yoni, I think it's an almost deliberate cheese-fest at times and the wekest of the three.

[Arabiandisco]

Valor is the best one for my money. (Though if the criteria is that it has to have "Ginger" on the cover, and feature Ginger, then Black Leather Mojo is up there too...).

If you fear the rock, then I don't know that Ginger is going to do the trick. There's plenty that isn't really full-on rifftastic hard rock, but if valor is too rock for you, then a Ginger show will not be that enjoyable.

No votes for "A Break in the Weather"? I think that's a pretty top notch album, too.

[Jason_scorching_past]

Good points, thanks. I have decided to opt for Market Harbour in the end, as I think going by the other bands this guy likes it may be a bit closer to his tastes and I think it's got a really strong identity, like a vibe running through the whole album that absorbs the listener.

[Sam]

You've done the right thing, it's far and away his best solo album.

[Mick G]

I disagree!

For a newcomer, there's too much to miss elsewhere -

if you do a mix tape, of just 14 tracks, no-one for whom you could continue to have any respect for their musical taste, could deny the quality of Ginger's solo stuff.

Try these, guaranteed.

If they think the Beatles are still so far out of reach, they're not engaging with it and have anal retention issues.

Black Windows
Couple Trouble
This Bed is on Fire
This is only a problem
Overeasy
Ten Flaws Down
Yeah, yeah, yeah
When she comes
Casino Bay
Mother City
Holiday
A Malibu Chronicle
Regret.com
The Man Who Cheated Death

[Mick G]

Of course, I speak from a point of view of slavish devotion to the Beatles!

I remember arguing (politely of course!) with staff members at St Albans Horn (where Ginger played a late solo show), that Ginger is the greatest British singer-songwriter of all time.

Guy said he's never heard of him, said what about Lennon & McCartney?

Yep, better than both of them - combined!

BRITISH PEOPLE HAVE NO EXCUSE TO BE IGNORANT OF GINGER!

Still, not everyone can have impeccable taste!!!
Some people aspire to the mediocre, so their music suits them.

I no longer lament non-sold out gigs, means I can get around the venue and buy a drink when I want to! Always remembering how lucky I am!

I'm sure with Pete Doherty coming on after Ginger tomorrow that the place will be rammed - hopefully it's the perfect opportunity for Ginger to showcase his talents to a new type of audience.

[Sam]

I dunno man, I think Market Harbour has just the right level of experimentation and variety to pique the interest of a Beatles loving Ginger virgin. It's also not particularly heavy which is important because Ginger's heavier side could potentially alienate someone not so much into the riffs. Speaking for myself I always prefer hearing a complete album by a band or artist someone's recommended because an awesome album indicates artistry, vision, etc. With a comp, you don't get a taste for that so much, more that someone has written some good songs spread over a number of albums. Just my opinion though Either way It'll be interesting to hear what Jason_scorches_past's friend thinks... I'm expecting an update in a week or 2!

[Mick G]

It would be wrong to start a topic and not give feedback! - I'm sure Jason_scorches_past will fill us in as and when.

I take your point, well made!

The way an album, and that album in particular, flows, has a huge effect on your reception of it. If you don't 'get' the laidback stuff and are only buying a Ginger record for some Wildhearts-esque riffage, and only a couple of tracks sate your appetite, you'll likely see it as an album of filler.

There is a great range of styles and sentiments on offer on MH, with some of Ginger's most touching moments - sure you peeps have helped the man make the right choice!!

Enjoy your day good people!¬)