Chas Hodges - Chas Hodges

Norf Londoner’s varied musical autobiography

Mr Hodges has a rich and varied musical history that’s seen him work with Joe Meek, The Outlaws, act as sideman on countless sessions and, of course, become one-half of the duo behind the much-loved Chas & Dave singalongs. Here, however, is a more reflective album that looks back on various aspects of his personal and professional life, but which still manages to interlace the sort of colloquialisms Hodges is known for. He’s written all the songs, played virtually all the instruments and penned the sleevenotes. Consequently, the album has an introverted feel to it, which actually helps material such as The Ghost Is Laid and the very pretty ballad Last Kiss. Chas & Dave fans will enjoy the knockabout opener Didn’t Want To Do It In The First Place and the uptempo Nobody’s Gonna Pine, while many will welcome the piano boogie Hungarian Rhapsody Rock. The album evokes a world of the Co-op, Bass beer and milk floats, and is all the better for it.

Talking Elephant | TECD 138

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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