TOM HINGLEY (Inspiral Carpets), with LIAM BURKE and SEAN MORRIS.
Bedford Esquires Holy Molys Lev 1 Saturday 1st September 2012.
An enjoyable Saturday evening was spent in the delightful company of Mr Tom Hingley. From 1989 to 2011 Tom was the vocalist of the groundbreaking northern band Inspiral Carpets. His subsequent departure from them was slightly sour. He has just written a book about all of his experiences with the band, a real warts and all account called "Carpet burns". His solo career goes on however and on Thursday he joins up with old mates The Lovers. They kick off their eight date nationwide tour in Newcastle. They will be performing "The beast inside" which was Inspiral Carpets' second album.
I suppose tonight's Bedford performance could be described as a bit of a warm up show for his forthcoming hectic schedule. Anyone that has ever seen Tom Hingley before knows that as well as his excellent musicianship, he also has a steady stream of anecdotes and stories. They come thick and fast! He possesses such a wry way of delivery. The monologues are both surreal and at times self-deprecating, as when he bemoans the fact that his beard is "50 shades of grey"! There are so many 'Hingleyisms'. I particularly enjoyed his gentle and affectionate tribute to the doyen of sports broadcasting and former presenter of the BBC cult television programme It's A Knockout. Why, it's the one and only "Mr Stuart Hall". His impersonation is naturally completed by the appropriate chuckles and guffaws. Courtesy of Tom, timewarp television fans also get a chance to remember, or perhaps cringe at, the Krankies! It is indeed, according to this jovial fellow, all about "the politics of jelly".
The odd Inspiral hits are lovely to hear with their rightful and true owner. As well as creating a scene, this was a band who changed music for a generation, along with The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. A true musical holy trinity. The Inspiral Carpets were always my chosen one, not overtly druggy nor did they have trouble with that difficult second album. Tom recalls those days and pays his respects as "Dragging me down" and "This is how it feels" reduce this reviewer to a few nostalgic tears. In fact crying is a theme for me tonight as the laughter rules the way as we hear of Tom's exploits with his Vauxhall Astra, his annoyance "with the Devon tourist board" and also learn of his "allergy to cheese"! The much underrated "Saturn 5", stripped down and played acoustically is so beautiful. He also pays a true compliment to James by covering "Sit down". As someone who has, through varying ways, met a few musicians in my time, I can honestly say that Tom Hingley is one of the most honest and sincere people in this fickle and shallow business.
Supporting our prestigious guest is firstly Liam Burke. It's nice to report that Burkey is playing sober (an in joke). He is fully focused tonight. After giggin' extensively, this punk poet is in the recording studio shortly. Hard work at perfecting his compositions is paying off, judging by these efforts. Oozing natural confidence, thankfully he doesn't overstep the mark. Interestingly he quotes the late Bill Hicks for "The ride". Life is certainly like that! He is joined on stage by a couple of guests for this one. Old favourite "Down to Danny's" is now rivalled in the singalong department by "Too many babies". The latter is a cutting social observation of a worrying situation. A fine song. This is Britain today.
Sean Morris performs a short set of acoustic Americana covers interspersed by a couple of his own. His song "Never look back" always makes me feel good and happy.
Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk