The homespun nature of the project is emphasised by the art-work – paintings bought at charity shops in East London.
Hayman, Watkins, Trout & Lee – Hayman, Watkins, Trout & Lee
www.myspace.com/haymanwatkinstroutandlee http://www.konkurrent.nl/
When not overseeing the re-release of the Hefner back catalogue it seems that Darren Hayman likes nothing more than getting a few like-minded friends (including Dave Tattersall of the Wave Pictures) around in his kitchen and playing bluegrass inspired ditties.
The homespun nature of the project is emphasised by the art-work – paintings bought at charity shops in East London. Indeed their London base seeps through the album. References abound to Bethnal Green, tube trains and Shaftsbury Avenue. The instruments are those one would expect from a group calling itself ‘bluegrass’ (banjo, acoustic guitar, fiddle) but references are decidedly not. As well as copious mentions of the UK capital, they also title songs Sly and the Family Stone and Fine Young Cannibals, probably not bands that the majority of bluegrass devotees are particularly familiar with.
It all flows along very nicely with warmth and wit. Highlights are the aforementioned opener Sly and the Family Stone with a winning chorus of ‘I ain’t got no money / But she spends hers on me / I’m a kept man’ as well as their cover of the Mountain Goats’ Jam-Eater Blues.
It does feel a little over-long and occasionally a bit self-indulgent (especially on a few of the instrumental tracks). However given that the group were only originally intended as a bit of fun between friends that can be forgiven. It is clear that they enjoyed making the album and the album they have made is very enjoyable.
Words: Stuart Crosse