‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke - Anthology

Not just for ’headbangers

As the title suggests, this excellently sequenced set showcases the various activities of ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, best known as Mot�rhead’s guitarist during their classic period from 1977-82. This seminal work is covered here, both with the expected Overkill, Ace Of Spades, et al, and some lesserknown but equally worthy tracks.

His activities outside of the band provide the most interesting listening here. The chief selling point is the inclusion of previously unreleased tracks by the original Fastway, with UFO’s Pete Way on bass. It’s tough, bluesy hard rock, less polished than the band’s later work but no less enjoyable. Even more illuminating, though, are the two tracks from Clarke’s tenure with Curtis Knight, the soul singer most associated with Jimi Hendrix’s early career. These are excellent examples of mid-70s funk, helping to highlight the bluesy R&B roots of Clarke’s style, audible even within the heavier Mot�rhead sound.

Songs from various projects from the 90s and beyond bring things up to date, and attractive packaging and informative sleevenotes make this a superb introduction to one of the UK’s more underrated rock guitarists.

Castle | CMDD 1507 (2-CD)

Reviewed by William Pinfold
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