Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
A picture can inspire a thousand emotions to be felt in the soul and stimulate the mind to embrace a creative urge in which to highlight evil deeds committed and celebrate the moments of beauty that come up unexpectedly; a picture may be worth a thousand words, but it’s wealth is also deemed priceless when the photograph is viewed from every perspective by a group of people with the power to add significantly to its meaning.
Curated by Squeeze’s Chris Difford and inspired by the photographs of Nurse Hannah Grace Deller as she documented life in her hospital during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the various artists that took part in The Song Club Album project, have more than just loaned their name to a good cause. They have placed the emotions, the fears, the heartbreak and the silence they have endured down on paper and transferred them to a place where hope and understanding can be gleaned, registered and offered, a place where empathy and compassion go hand in hand with the respect due to those that look after us, the frontline workers in hospital who are treated revoltingly poorly by Government.
Featuring tracks by incredible artists such as Liverpool’s Robert Vincent, the thoughtful idealism of Graham Gouldman, Judie Tzuke, Julia Fordham, Kathryn Williams, Nick Hayward and a track that magnifies the situation completely by Jessie & The Leonards, which also features the photographer Hannah Grace Deller, the heart breaking Working On The Frontline, The Song Club Album is one of celebration and concern for all the hospital staff, the nurses, the doctors and everyone else who gives their life to the health of others, that such a situation in the country cannot continue, that we, the public, are lying to ourselves, if we think applause is enough, if we consider that empty gestures keep the service running.
Tracks such as For Us, Kimmie Rhodes’ Code Sunshine, Bill Lloyd’s (featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman) Sick Of The Sight Of You, Kathryn Williams’ awesome Hannah Takes Pictures and Robert Vincent’s These Times…Again explain without condescension the truth of the situation the N.H.S. and other health bodies around the world are facing, the issues that need addressing, and the love, support and money that is required to keep us alive.
An album of hard work and insight, one that exemplifies the seriousness of our plight as we face a scenario which could completely change the fabric of society.
The Song Club Album by Various Artists is released on October 23rd.
Ian D. Hall