(DMC)

This is certainly shaping up to be one of the more interestingly themed series of compilations available at the moment. Take a key figure from a pivotal band of the past ten to twenty years and get them to select the songs which make them tick. Morrissey was the first put under the microscope, this time around it’s former Stone Roses front man Ian Brown. As well as being lead singer of arguably one of the most influential bands of the late 80’s/early 90’s Brown has forged a strong solo career and may be better known to some for his solo albums or collaborations with James Lavelle’s UNKLE project.

Brown’s soul is one deeply rooted in hip hop, soul and reggae. His roots in working class Manchester shine through with such choices as Junior Byles Fade Away. This is by no means the only track to offer social commentary, something which is very much a theme of the album whether it be through the aforementioned reggae track, the punk rock sounds of The Clash’s (Whiteman) in Hammersmith Palais or personal fave, the ten minute epic War on Bullshit by Osiris.

Personal taste sees me enjoying the album more as it ventures away from the more reggae oriented tracks and heading more in the direction of soul, funk and punk, something that really kicks in with Cyamande’s Fug. From this track on the last half of the album is gold as Brown takes in the likes of Edwin Starr, Larry Williams, The Isley Brothers and the magnificent Bobby Womack soul classic Across 110th St.

If music for you is a guide into a persons mind and soul then this album should be of interest to any self respecting Ian Brown fan. With the sleave notes (sadly lacking on review copy – sob sob) giving explanations by Brown the reasons for his selections it allows you the opportunity to see the inspirations behind one who has been such an inspiration. From the tracks he’s selected he comes across as very soulful, committed and socially aware. Something a bit different and definitely worth a go.