It's happened! The new Rockingbirds album is out - a mere 17 year wait for fans of the band. Truth be told, most fans probably never thought there would be another Rockingbirds album.  It is impossible for me to overstate what an influence this band has had on me. Since first hearing them in 1992, when they were on the cusp of releasing their seminal debut, I’ve probably played their music more than any other artist. Aside from the acknowledged greats, they were the first ‘real’ country band I got into. Namechecking Gram Parsons and covering John Hartford, they were a signpost to so much great music. Their first (self-titled) album remains an essential purchase for any self-respecting country/rock fan - from the UK or anywhere else. 

For a moment they were the darlings of the music press and made it onto 'Top Of The Pops' and 'Later...' (they even made a charity single!). Then after a second (almost as wonderful) album, they split. Alan Tyler continued writing an performing under his own name (and with The Lost Sons Of Littlefield, also a great band, whose two albums are also recommended) and other members went on to perform with the likes of Edwyn Collins and Manic Street Preachers.

And then, after almost 20 years, they were back! Reunion gigs had me travelling the country to get my fix while I could – I daren’t imagine they would be together for long, let alone record an album.

They did, though, and it’s out today (25th February) on Loose. It almost picks up where 'Whatever Happened To..." left off in 1996. Alan Tyler has lost none of his laconic lyrical wit: "Til Something Better Comes Along" and "Brand New Plan" both being perfect examples of how to shrug at the world seemingly passing you by. They - and many of the other songs - also happen to be as good as anything he's written. 

The Return Of The Rockingbirds is the name of the album: understated as ever. Guess it’s up to the rest of us to give them the fanfare. Buy this record - it's only SEVEN quid from the label! For a limited time, Loose have also been kind enough to make a Soundcloud stream of the entire album available. Find it here:
The Rockingbirds - 'The Return Of The Rockingbirds' by Loose Music


Gilded Palace Radio Show: Feb 25th - March 11th 2013

1. Charlie Parr - Jimmy Bell - Tin Angel/charlieparr.com
2. Justin Rutledge - Kapuskasing Coffee - Outside Music
3. JP Harris & The Tough Choices - Gear Jammin' Daddy - Cow Island>
4. Vic Chesnutt - When I Ran Off And Left Her - New West
5. Lisa Richards - First Sin - lisarichardsmusic.com
6. Wandering Woods - Depths Of Hell - wanderingwoodsband.com
7. Southern Tenant Folk Union - A Relic Of A Reasonable Mind - Johnny Rocks
8. Jarrod Dickenson - Aint Waiting Any Longer - Jarrod Dickenson Music
9. Anders & Kendall - Let’s Get Lost - Nine Mile Records
10. Knife In The Water - Party - Glitterhouse
11. Jim Roll - You - Telegraph
12. Mary Gauthier - Last Of The Hobo Kings - Proper
13. Rob Lutes - Its Not Over - Lucky Bear
14. Mark Eitzel - It's Alright - Décor
15. Annie Keating - Leap Of Faith - anniekeating.com
16. Phil Lee - Chloe - Palookaville
17. Matt Woosey Band - Elsie May - mattwoosey.co.uk
18. Grand Champeen - That’s Never Why - Glurp
19. Glossary - Save Your Money For The Weekend - Liberty & Lament
20. TMGS - Evening Blues - I Have A Tiger
21. Rose's Pawn Shop - The Well - Roses Pawn Shop
22. Annabelle Chvostek - Some Have All - Borealis Records
23. Bean Pickers Union - Sometimes I Just Sits - Inseam Records
24. The Rockingbirds - The Lonely And The Drunk - Loose