Charity albums arrive thick and fast at this time of the year, most of them eminently forgettable. But this double offering from FM104’s popular breakfast show The Strawberry Alarm Clock in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital is one of the better ones. Subtitled Uncovered Unplugged, disc one features mainly live-in-the-studio acoustic performances from a host of homegrown heavy hitters, all of them covering well known hits by other artists.
There truly is something for everyone in the audience and then some; veterans Aslan kick things off nicely with a poignant version of U2’s ‘All I Want Is You’, The Blizzards make Sam Sparro’s ‘Black And Gold’ all their own while Republic Of Loose work up a funky groove as only they can on MGMT’s ’Electric Feel’ with Mick Pyro’s falsetto reaching impossible heights. Ham Sandwich er, ham it up on Britney’s ‘Piece Of Me’ while The Coronas are almost unrecognisable on Lionel Richie’s ballad ‘Hello’. Cathy Davey joins Director for a version of Kylie and Nick’s ‘Where The Wild Roses Go’, Ruth Anne shines on Prince’s ‘Kiss’ and Colm Lynch gives it welly on The Killers’ ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’.
Tom Baxter’s take on Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’ is pretty stunning with some impressive fretwork to boot, as is Declan O’Rourke’s commendable version of Duffy’s huge hit ‘Mercy’. Former Picturehouse man Dave Browne breezes through The Feeling’s ‘I Love It When You Call’ while Owen Brady’s version (of Jose Feliciano’s version) of The Doors’ ‘Light My Fire’ showcases his often over-looked blued eyed soul vocals. Two studio bonus tracks include Boyzone’s early hit, ‘Father & Son’ and Shayne Ward’s mega smash ‘What About Me’.
Disc two, Just Havin’ A Laugh, includes some of the most popular comedy bits from the show including Tomo the Taximan, Stan and Eddie at the Olympia, Tommy Tabloid and the hilarious highlight – Sex And The Dublin City.
All in all an excellent package and a worthy cause. Dig Deep.