Originally published by L.S. Media. November 6th 2009.

I don’t often claim to be fairly ignorant about a band or music, unless it is something I have gone completely out of my way to avoid such genres as opera or ballet or even most of the 90’s pop scene, but to my shame one band that escaped and passed me by was the Saw Doctors.  It is with regret that this happened as I find myself really enjoying the brand new album To Win Just Once-The best of The Saw Doctors.

The album opens up with a beefed up version of  the Sugar Babes 2007 hit About You Now. This version certainly benefits from the almost jaunty feel that the band gives it, even if you suspect there might be slight cynicism in the message they are getting across.

As you expect from a band from the west coast of Ireland there are moments where melancholy and a desire to right the wrongs of the past makes it’s presence known in their music, this though doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the tunes or harmonies on offer. This is clear on the tracks Green and Red of Mayo and Why Do I Always Want You.

The bands first number one hit from the album If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back, the excellent I Useta Lover makes a welcome appearance and because it is popped in half way through the album it will fill you with anticipation of what’s to come before it in the play list order.

There isn’t a bad recording on the album and it is well worth a listen.

Ian D. Hall