When a CD lands on the desk accompanied by a PR sheet describing the band as “acoustic”, it normally sends shivers down my spine. However, Les Valentine apparently play “upbeat acoustic”, music so my cynicism was tempered by a degree of curiosity.
“Curiosity” of course killed the cat, so my two were understandably “nervous”, as the promo copy was placed in the CD drive. You should have seen the look of relief on their wee faces when after a few plays they realised there were still of this world!
They needn’t have worried, really. This single whilst obviously lacking the real depth and ‘balls’ of a Jagger / Richards composition, seems to draw inspiration from the Glimmer Twins. The prominent piano is there. The horns are there. The hook is similar to that of The Stones’ ‘Saint Of Me.’
Now nobody, least of all a huge Rolling Stones fan like myself is actually comparing Les Valentine to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world. No, no, no, no, no. But this is a catchy, bluesy, foot-tapping, upbeat acoustic track that will be appreciated by a broad spectrum of music lovers if given the chance.
Go on…. give it a chance!