Clive Gregson & Christine Collister - The Best Of

Solid collection from a muchloved duo

Still packing the folk clubs today as solo acts, Gregson and Collister formed a crowd-pleasing partnership in the late 80s and early 90s, having first met while playing in Richard Thompson’s band. Their five original albums have also been reissued by BGO, but this compilation (itself released in 2006) is the logical entry point for newcomers.

Gregson had earlier specialised in angst and romantic uncertainty with Any Trouble, and many of that band’s songs benefit from a less complicated acoustic approach, Collister’s mournfully deep tones causing chills on Home Is Where The Heart Is. Clive’s own voice brings an earthy wisdom to smalltown boyhood reminiscences (Northern Soul, All The Time In The World) that recall the duo’s more celebrated erstwhile employer.

Amped-up renditions of Bobby Bland’s I Wouldn’t Treat A Dog and Boo Hewerdine’s Love Is A Strange Hotel sit uncomfortably alongside the more understated selections. It’s All Just Talk and We’re Not Over Yet pack the most emotive punches, writer Gregson’s lyrical and musical economy providing the ideal platform for Collister’s powerfully confessional vocals.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

BGO | BGOCD 882

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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