The Five Aces - Shout & Shimmy (Saagaloo Records)

Harmonica, Hammond, recorded on reel to reel, a cover of “I’m Gonna Do It By Myself”. Some of the details about this record that should spark an interest and make any fan of proper music curious. Read on!

2007 is coming to an end and so is my 10 year involvement in the Uppers website. But before I leave you all, I would like to recommend one final album. And of all the records I’ve reviewed on here, this cd is one of the best.

The Five Aces album ‘Shout & Shimmy’ has been out for a while when I’m writing this, but it’s still available, still valid, still very good. And something tells me that some of you still haven’t got a copy. Which I think you should.

Harmonica, Hammond, recorded on reel to reel, a cover of ‘I’m Gonna Do It By Myself’. Some of the details about this record that should spark an interest and make any fan of proper music curious. I’m pleased to announce that this cd does not disappoint. As one of their songs go, “you just can’t lose with the rhythm and blues”. And rhythm and blues is what the Five Aces bring to the table.

I find it great to hear a band of such skilled musicians that still have the decency to not sprinkle every tune with show-off solos and the like. Most tunes are 2.40 or less, which suits me just fine. It’s tight, groovy and cocky.

One of my personal favourites is ‘Missing Link’ which – obviously – is a tribute to the late Link Wray. Love the sinister sounding organ on that track. And I can’t help but think that ‘Fire Drill Suite’ would have been perfect on ‘Down by the Jetty’ by Dr. Feelgood. Which by the way is high praise coming from this reviewer.

So, top points goes out from Uppers to this album. Buy it.

About the author

Richard lives in Stockholm, Sweden. He likes books, bowling, Hammond organs, pinball and Portello. You can catch him dj'ing at events and clubs every now and then.

Someday he will quit his job down at the carwash and leave his mama a goodbye note.

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