About this item

All formats come with a free Piccadilly Records EOY Sampler CD whilst stocks last.

One of THE most iconic albums to hail from Merseyside. ‘H.M.S. Fable’ was the third LP released from Shack following 1988’s ‘Zilch’ and 1995’s ‘Waterpistol’. A collection of majestic storytelling in guitar form, written by two extraordinarily talented brothers, Michael & John Head.

Originally released on Laurel Records/London Records in 1999, the band at that time comprised of MICHAEL HEAD - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar JOHN HEAD - Electric Guitar, Vocals REN PARRY- Bass Guitar IAIN TEMPLETON - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals.

The album was voted #2 in both NME and Uncut’s critics album of the year polls, only missing out to The Flaming Lips’ ‘The Soft Bulletin’ in both.

Now released on the band’s newly-formed label Shack Songs, ‘H.M.S. Fable’ encompasses many musical styles, from orchestral guitar pop to psychedelic-tinged folk and even elements of Britpop, nicely summed up by the editor of NME Steve Sutherland in a 9/10 review, in June 1999:

‘’Not since Liam Gallagher howled his early indolent disdain has this music sounded so alive. 'Pull Together' is an anthem easily the equal of Oasis at their most loved-up and huge. ‘Comedy' tender and uplifting, like the missing track from 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Daniella' a haunted and exhausted homage to Head's hero Arthur Lee, and 'Lend Some Dough' a rollicking Scouse Play For Today with a chorus that goes, "I've got a sore back and I'm itching’’ ”

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Mick Head's major label breakthrough album is an impeccably produced pop record that even caught the tail end of Brit-Pop (though it's nothing of the sort) and garnered across the board praise (for once). It's a brilliant record and this is its first ever time on vinyl. "Is Right!"

TRACK LISTING

1. Natalie's Party
2. Comedy
3. Pull Together
4. Beautiful
5. Lend's Some Dough
6. Captain's Table
7. Streets Of Kenny
8. Reinstated
9. I Want You
10. Cornish Town" John Head
11. Since I Met You
12. Daniella