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The Proclaimers - Let's Hear It For The Dogs

  • Written by  Ben MacNair

10 albums into their career, The Proclaimers have returned with an album as upbeat as their earliest material, but with a lot more depth. Their successful career has seen songs in the top 40, albums in the top of the charts, singalong songs featured at weddings, and in ‘500 Miles’ a song that even the worst buskers will have a hard time spoiling, a chart-topping song that will provide them with a hefty pension.

The success of the juke box musical, and later film Sunshine On Leith has seen a critical re-evaluation of the work of twins Charlie and Craig Reid, and it maybe that this has given them the confidence to tackle some hard hitting themes on their latest release. The shortest song, ‘Then Again’ is an unjustifiably upbeat song about recent sex abuse scandals, whilst in other tracks, a certain Motown spirit creeps in. As well as the celtic tinge, and traces of Americana elements of the group’s sound, there are also some classic rock sounds. Supporting musicians include Stevie Christie on keyboards, bassist Garry John Kane, electric guitarist Zachary Ware and drummer Clive Jenner but it is always the vocal prowess and songwriting skill of Craig and Charlie that is given the lion’s share of the spotlight.

Alongside The Everly Brothers, the Reid’s probably have one of the most well-known sibling harmony sounds in pop music, for although having taken in a lot of influences, musically, throughout their long and storied career, they have always sounded like themselves.

The lyrics are as always also bitingly sharp, both politically and satirically. 'What School' asks if Robert Plant likes marching pipe bands, whilst the ghost of Henry Kissinger is later evoked. However, the most affecting song is also the most personal: ‘Ten Little Fingers’ is about new parenthood, and it strikes a universal chord.

Let’s Hear It For The Dogs is available from amazon and iTunes.

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