Amsterdam ‎– The Journey CD

Band leader and singer-songwriter Ian Prowse is no wet-behind-the-ears newbie. He's been producing rousing rollicking songs with choruses the size of a house and sweet sad songs that can melt your heart without ever getting schmaltzy since he was the leader of another shamefully underrated band, Pele, in the early 90s.

Those who have followed Amsterdam for some time will be familiar with several of these songs already, and will think of them as old friends. For the newcomers, the sheer immediacy of these tracks will grab you and not let go. Bounce around like an idiot to Taking On The World and You're A Phoney; fight back the lump in your throat, whether you're a Scouser or not, when you hear Does This Train Stop On Merseyside? (the late, great John Peel is reported to have proclaimed it as his second favourite song of all time, and there's no shame in being runner-up to Teenage Kicks).

Beat your head on the wall in frustration as the injustice sinks in that bland nonsense like Coldplay sells by the truckload while these guys remain little-known. Finally, put down some cushions so your jaw has somewhere soft to land when you hear the majestic Joe's Kiss, Mr Prowse's tribute to Mr Strummer, for the first time. I'm not usually one for hyperbole, but if there's been a better song written in the last 10 years, I've somehow managed to miss it.

Label: Beat Crazy Records

Country: UK

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Plays great with only a few superficially marks.