VARIOUS: Edward Not Edward (Wooden LP1)

Edward Not Edward celebrates coy Manchester songwriter Edward Barton - the terrors of the everyday realised in a diversity of pop styles.

[Reviewer: Simon Frith]

VARIOUS ARTISTS 'Edward Not Edward' (Wooden WOOD SEVEN)

***1/2

THE SONGS of Edward Barton, collected and lovingly reinterpreted by some fellow eccentrics, is a singular proposition. Fortunately, it's one that works.

Inspiral Carpets' Two Cows' makes a stupidly hypnotic opening. But Rob McKahey and Kevin Hopper (aka half of Stump) proffer a brilliant folk epic out of 'King Of A Flat Country', while their other half (Mick Lynch and Chris Salmon) positively revel in their version of 'Knob Gob'. If this is to be their legacy then it's fittingly obscure.

But Cathal Coughlan And The Fatima Mansions' 'Dear Dad' makes Inspiral Carpets look decidedly wet behind the lugs, while Dub Sex ring skeletal bones and disembodied voices over a fear inducing version of 'Barber Barber'.

Louis Phillipe sings 'Telephone Box' like Disney's kaleidoscope-eyed snake song 'Trust In Me' in Jungle Book. In contrast, Ted Chippington narrates 'Z Bend' in his own inimitable style.
After this, side two is disappointing. Only Jane's innocently amusing 'Slap My Belly' and 808's delirious 'Sorry Dog' have the same strength of personality. However, if you want a good record to paint your carrot-to on a boring Sunday afternoon, then this is it.

[Reviewer: CATHI UNSWORTH]

VARIOUS
Edward Not Edward (Wooden LP only)

'Edward Not Edward' is a completely different kettle of children's shoes. Manchester's Edward Barton - folk hero, standup poet-warrior-eccentric recluse, and subject of this collective hats-off - hasn't even made an LP himself yet! Such is his provincially recognised genius, luminaries like Stump, A Guy Called Gerald and Ted Chippington have gathered together to pay their respects.

Barton's words (for that is his arena) are provocatively odd and as deep as you wish. "This is a Z-bend / But this is not a Z-car" deadpans the mighty Ted C, followed by a pavement RAP version of the same 'song' by The Ruthless Rap Assassins - as if to neatly illustrate this LP's diversity of interpretative style.

One can only scratch in anticipation of Mr Barton's imminent riseto national prominence, whether as Chart guru or presenter of That's Life. Who knows?

(7)

[Reviewer: Andrew Collins]