Perhaps best known as lead guitarist and chief tunesmith with under-rated mod revival-era outfit The Chords, CHRIS POPE has been blazing a trail as a performer in his own right over the past decade, mostly in tandem with fellow ex-Chord Brett ‘Buddy’ Ascott.
The duo have released two critically-acclaimed Pope LPs, ‘Grace Of God’ (2005) and 2009’s sharp ‘Tall Tales & Cheap Thrills’ but now Chris returns with a new rhythm section Mic Stoner and Kenny Cooper (plus long-time keyboard alumnus and ex-Style Councillor Mick Talbot) with arguably his best waxing to date.
With the Euro zone still mired in economic stagnation, it’s about time some of our best performers started getting on the case in the need to address it more directly and the piratical, Robin Hood-themed ‘Mutiny On The Thames’ does just that. A powerhouse of an anthem pepped up by horn serenades, Pope’s impassioned vocals and a pile-driving rhythm section, it ain’t just about kicking out the Tories (again), but giving a little essential wealth back to the needy (“well, we made it to the city full of hedge fund stingin’ rats/ fenced them off on Princess Street...”it’s our money, give it back!”) and in these days of rampant consumerism and bloated corporations, such urgent sentiments have gotta be the way forward.
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There are currently mutterings of an all-new third Pope LP due to come to fruition by the spring of 2013. Whether or not Downing Street and the rest have capitulated by then, its presence will surely be very welcome indeed round W&H Towers. Gawd bless ya, Mr. Pope.
Chris Pope online
Chris Pope Facebook page
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