The Shortest Night

This collection of soul classics in aid of the Simon Community attempts no emotional blackmail. Released on the longest day of the year and put together by the Advanced Sound Engineering students at the Sound Training Centre, it offers some stunning performances.

Kicking things off nicely is Pugwash and Neil Hannon’s jaunty version of the Jimmy Ruffin classic ‘What Becomes of The Broken Hearted’ (though knowing Mr. Walsh’s Anglophile tendencies, he is likely to have been more inspired here by Zombie, Colin Blunstone’s hit version of the song!). The Pale tackle Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, Propeller Palms weigh in with a meaty version of Sly & The Family Stone’s, ‘Everyday People’, while SircleS opt for a grungy take on ‘Stop, In The Name of Love’.
Elsewhere, Bipolar Empire might surprise some with a very soulful ‘Higher & Higher’, Ollie Cole’s acoustic reading of Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ is a revelation, while, with the vocals mangled through some class of electronic gizmo, Jape’s version of the Staples Singers’ ‘Why (Am I Treated So Bad)’ is barely recogniseable. Other highlights include Solar Taxi’s angular version of Aretha’s ‘Respect’, Villagers lovely acoustic rendition of Marvin Gaye’s’ ‘Mercy Mercy Me’, Mick Pyro’s impassioned version of The Dramatics’ ‘In The Rain’ and Gavin James take on Etta James’ ‘At Last’
All participants come together for a grande finale version of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ rounding off what is a highly enjoyable experience. Simon says – buy this album!