CrackTown - There Must And Shall Be Midgets (an appraisal) (2/2) By Michelle Dee

(1/2), (2/2).

Shipping Clerk, see's guitarist King Rat taking the lead on an ode to the blue collar worker as he recalls the drudgery of the nine to five. Then it's time for Boudoir Prison Blues, first heard at a select gathering of like minded folk at my 29th Birthday soiree, then rarely made an appearance until now. It has undergone a few changes but remains one of the best sing alongs on the album. The Incredible Idi Amin illustrates the notorious despot's human rights abuses with all the barbarous wit you've come to expect from CrackTown. Track six enters the private personal world of lost loves, a poignant tale of pain and rejection.

I think I'll pass this time asks the question whether it really is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. Last Request feature's churchly keys and sombre notes, a hefty slice of harmonica and a muse on that all important tune which accompanies your coffin down the aisle.

Imagine how pissed you'd be, if some half-wit played eighties party hit The Only Way Is Up on the journey to meet your maker; actually that one has a certain hopeful truism about it. Monkey Men follows the sermonising -beware the dancing ape that emerges from the shadows at live shows and accosts the audience at every turn- making way for the ballad Leavin Las Vegas. If there's a single on the album this may well be it be it. King Rat once more takes the lead depicting fame, fortune the fickle hand of fate, how one minute your in Vegas the next no-one wants to know as Nat Roe tentatively attests to.

The album closes with Pris'ner #783 also jostling for possible single status. The popular number an irreverent two hander, bringing Big Brother, societal politics, globalisation, the state of the nation, consumerism and death to account with an even hand.

So have CrackTown successfully avoided the pitfalls and chasms associated with the dreaded second album? The recording quality is better, the vocals clearer and all in all the production is passable. There are however a number of glitches; farts, pops and whistles have crept on to the finished article. One of which has Silver Fox exclaiming what the f**k was that, mid song.

The inclusion of the adlib and noises off, fit in with the DIY nature and impromptu approach CrackTown have to their live shows. This said, at times you don't feel the same level of attack, that mischievous twinkling, witnessed at live performances. To try before you buy www.myspace.com/hullcracktown2

Upcoming gigs Dec 5th Durty Nellies the acoustic menace with Sam Jones, Shep and Nat Roe. Dec 7th Wellington Inn the acoustic menace with Sam Jones, Shep and Nat Roe. Dec 13th Tigers Lair the acoustic menace with Sam Jones, Shep and Nat Roe. Important date for your diary Friday 22nd December, CrackTown will be hosting their now infamous annual Xmas bash this year going by the catchy title CrackTown presents Acoustic Warriors no less.

Join them at the New Adelphi Club on De Grey Street in Hull. The night to feature music from The Holy Orders, The Plimptons, Sam Jones and Jordan Senior along with movies, mince-pies and mucho merriment.

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