by howarddobson » 07 Feb 2017, 22:09
I sometimes wonder why Hank chooses to do more albums alone instead of with the Shads. He's done a lot of solo albums now and whilst he's said he prefers having his own band, there is a rare magic between Marvin, Welch and Bennett that the public love even in an album of covers. (I know some fans prefer some albums more than others.) It would sell more, delight the public with three featured stars not one, and would be a change from his usual solo releases.
Obviously he lives in Australia - but I think the real reason is that although his albums are still mostly covers (which I tend to like), they tend to be completely different treatments to the originals. The Shads in the 80s tended to recreate the originals and then add in their own touches. I liked Hank and Guitar Man by the way probably because some of these songs are so old now, it's good to hear a good melody with a different arrangement. For me it's down to musical differences after all this time not personality differences.
I'm sure Hank's timing of a solo album in 2017 will keep the rumours running about a reunion in 18 or 19.