Turn On Tunes (label)
05 November 2007 (released)
17 November 2007
Paul Ryder, founder of the Happy Mondays, steps into the limelight with his new band Big Arm and has everyone's attention. Ian Brown wants him on tour, an X-FM DJ has apparently described one of their singles as the best he's ever heard; so is this the return of northern soul? It may well be, as Ryder has enough attitude and pull with respectable artists and media to get the exposure, but whether the sound will be popular with the public is another matter.
The album begins with a funky and infectious song, 'Flashback', Ryder's laid back vocals accompany a clap chorus, which leads into the second song 'In To You Now' which does feel like Ian Brown's solo efforts, but less unique, no sitar to be heard.
A ska highlight, 'Ska 3000', has a great hook, although the lyrics are like a low-rent rapper's output, speaking of "young G"'s, and guns. Ryder feels more comfortable and alive in this track, but with the introduction of some strings in the next track things get much better. 'Love Is' is many things to Ryder, his big bed, sports car and green guitar. Ok, there's an actual person in there too, but it continues the worrying mainstream rappifying of lyrics in this album. Nice music in this track though.
The album has a funky sound, Ryder's vocals are laid back which can be an acquired taste but when accompanied by music that ultimately feels restrained and by the numbers; it feels like wasted potential. It could have gone in many directions. Ian Brown's fusion route, The Verve's dour rock, perhaps Happy Mondays version 4.0 would have given this album that extra spark. Even aping over the top American soul would have been something, but it goes the middle route, which is the route that leads to nowhere remarkable.
