Seven Days Too Long

The crackling stations being switched on the radio and the gang shout followed by the spoken injunction to "burn it down" sound like they should be starting off a Sham 69 record. Then "Burn It Down" actually starts, with its horn section, Hammond organ and Kevin Rowland's utterly unconventional soul vocals. The cult of Dexy's, and this album in particular, were worshipped as the return of "soul" to English rock music at the dawn of Thatcherism. Exploring the myth that this album holds, especially in Brit music terms, can be a strange prospect: 20 years on it doesn't sound revolutionary, it just sounds good. And good it is, quite good, compared to where Paul Weller ended up, i.e., too reverential by half. This is vibrant, alive, and unconcerned with perfection…

In 2000, BGO released Notice to Appear/A Banquet in Blues, which contained two complete albums – Notice to Appear (1976, originally released on ABC) and A Banquet in Blues (1975, also originally on ABC) – by John Mayall on one compact disc.

Consistency is often the foundation of a healthy career when it comes to Britrock. THE BREW have been around for over 10 years with zero line-up changes and have churned out six, fine and varied studio albums as a result. The trio hailing from Grimsby, Northern England also have a reputation as an excellent live act that is capable of turning every European club into a sweat-drenched rock hellhole. Art Of Persuasion proudly displays the band’s influences – everything from Led Zeppelin to Wolfmother. Yet, the record easily avoids schlocky retro clichés. That said, while fuzzy, killer tunes such as “Gin Soaked Loving Queen” and “Excess” may have been raised on that sweet ‘70s spirit, THE BREW rightfully consider themselves modern rockers with classic roots. High-energy, timeless, and brimming with unforgettable hooks!

In 2000, BGO released Notice to Appear/A Banquet in Blues, which contained two complete albums – Notice to Appear (1976, originally released on ABC) and A Banquet in Blues (1975, also originally on ABC) – by John Mayall on one compact disc.