"HANK" is OUT

[Strummer]

Hi guys,

I have, today, received "Hank" the cd (a Fathers Day present). I have listened intently to it and I will say this, it is NOT one of his best, I have, as many of you will no doubt testify, heard a lot better. However, the arrangements are 'old style' and he has given them a more modern 'lift' if you will. I love him to bits (and I am a mans man!) but this is definitely not his best work.

The way I would describe this latest catalogue of Hank work is simply saying it is 'easy listening'. There is no oomph to it like Apache, or Theme From Young Lovers, Song For Duke, Wonderful Land et al. Just simple easy listening stuff and that is it IMVHO.

So, nothing to write home about and it has left me disappointed if I am truthful. I was expecting something more 'interesting' shall we say. Having said what I have I dearly hope he goes on and makes some really good stuff, it would be nice to see him get back on the train and make some really good stuff again. He should do, he is a great guitarist and deserves to showcase that talent of his.

Strummer

[dave robinson]

I see it's slipped from 8th to 12th place today. It'll be £3.99 at your leading supermarket soon enough.

[stephen]

I think that you'll eventually (sooner rather than later perhaps?) be proved right on that one Dave. A neighbour and fellow Shadows fan, has already told me that he's going to wait until 'Hank' turns up in Tesco's CD bargain bin. However, that may be a touch of sour grapes on his part, in that his offspring haven't intended to gift him a copy for Father's Day!

[dave robinson]

Well my missus bought it for me as an early birthday present, but hates the sound of it - it really irritates her and I know why and have said as much. By contrast we were in the garden the other day sat with a nice drink and I had Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler's 'Neck And 'Neck' playing, she loves that album, but then again it's a cut above.

[hbmartin]

I see it's slipped from 8th to 12th place today. It'll be £3.99 at your leading supermarket soon enough.

This is the only chart that matters. The Official Albums Chart UK Top 100 - 21st June 2014:

http://www.officialcharts.com/albums-chart/

HANK at No. 9 this week. Still in the top-ten and selling well. Brilliant!

[John M]

Slightly off topic...
Thats a nice pic of a red strat on the Dire Straights album further down the page.

[dave robinson]

Nah . . . . this is THE one - he's at No 12 it says so, live with it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/updatealbums

[hbmartin]

Nah . . . . this is THE one - he's at No 12 it says so, live with it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/updatealbums

You've been so busy playing at moddy that you got your dates wrong. Your chart is dated June 11th, that was TEN days ago. You're out of date mate !
The OFFICIAL ALBUMS CHART published June 14th has HANK at No.9 and it will stay at No.9 for the remainder of the week.

http://www.officialcharts.com/albums-chart/

[Richard Rudd]

Well I don't like it!

I find the playing is brilliant (as you would expect with Hank) but the arrangements are way too elaborate.

EG California Girls takes just under a minute to get to the over twisted tune. Keep it simple for me.

[dave robinson]

Nah . . . . this is THE one - he's at No 12 it says so, live with it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/updatealbums

You've been so busy playing at moddy that you got your dates wrong. Your chart is dated June 11th, that was TEN days ago. You're out of date mate !
The OFFICIAL ALBUMS CHART published June 14th has HANK at No.9 and it will stay at No.9 for the remainder of the week.

http://www.officialcharts.com/albums-chart/

Brilliant ! You bite every time - and still get it wrong. When I went to school 11 from 14 was 3
I haven't quite finished playing yet, watch this space. Bye bye.