The music and legacy of Alan Hull is celebrated in a superb new collection of early recordings.

Release date: Available now

Label: Grapefruit Records/Cherry Red Records

Format: 4 CD Box Set

Alan Hull is one of the most gifted songwriters and performers, that emerged in the 1970s, leaving behind a legacy of great music, with both the band Lindisfarne and on his solo recordings. Both Lindisfarne and Alan Hull’s solo work represent some of the finest examples of a roots-based combination of folk and rock.  Alan Hull’s songs authentically captured the spirit of the times, informed by his commitment to socialist politics, and an understanding of community and connection. His song writing also has a timeless personal and storytelling quality, which is why it lives on and continues to influence his contemporaries and new generations of musicians. For this reviewer, the music on the early Lindisfarne and Alan Hull solo albums, is in many respects comparable to the musical achievements of The Band.

The 2021 BBC 4 documentary, Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story, where Sam Fender narrates the story of Alan Hull and Lindisfarne, is a thoughtful and well put together celebration of their music. It is well worth looking out and offers an in-depth and compelling reflection on Alan Hull’s music and life. Sadly, the music world lost Alan Hull in 1995, and this new collection of early demos of many of his most influential songs, and others that have never seen the light of day, is a timely reminder of his talents and legacy. 

The demos were recorded between 1967 and 1970, at Impulse Sound recording studio, set up by David Wood, who provided invaluable support to the fledgling songwriter and musician. In all, the set over four CDs contains 90 tracks, with seventy-seven of these unreleased until now. A number of these songs were later drawn on and developed for inclusion on albums by Lindisfarne and on Alan Hull’s solo albums. In this review, we can only hope to give a flavour of the songs across the four discs, and for ease of reference the review is structured around two themes:  early versions of songs appearing on Lindisfarne and Alan Hull solo albums; and undiscovered gems.

Early versions of songs appearing on Lindisfarne and Alan Hull solo albums

In respect to early versions of songs that subsequently appeared on albums by Lindisfarne, there are some magnificent examples to be found in this collection. Lady Eleanor (Disc 1, Track 21) appeared on Lindisfarne’s debut album, Nicely Out of Tune, with its lyrical inspiration drawn from some of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, including ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’.  Here, we experience this classic song in an early version with Brethren, who would join with Alan Hull to form Lindisfarne. In contrast to the Nicely Out of Tune version, the atmospheric organ is missing, and Ray Jackson’s mandolin seems to be further back in the mix. There is also a rawer emotional quality to Alan Hull’s voice and a more urgent rhythmic feel, embodied in Rod Clements lyrical bass playing which seems a little higher in the mix. Both versions of this marvelous song are great of course, but I have to say that this earlier version really draws you into the nightmarish and poignant story telling at the heart of the song.

Winter Song (Disc 2, Track 1) also appeared on the Nicely Out Of Tune album, and in this solo setting of just guitar and voice, we really get to appreciate Alan Hull’s impassioned plea for understanding about the plight of people who society has often marginalised, both economically and socially. Alright On The Night (Disc 3, track 5) first appeared on the Fog On The Tyne album, and on this demo, some very melodic guitar and piano blend wonderfully with Alan Hull’s voice, to create a joyful anthem to optimism about connection, in the face of adversity.

We Can Swing Together (Disc 2, track 23), from the Nicely Out Of Tune album, here recorded with Brethren, is a very quirky version. It interestingly mixes psychedelia, Beach Boys harmonies, and a very punk like raucous finish.  The early version of Dingly Dell (Disc 3, track 6), from the Lindisfarne album of the same name, in contrast has a striking fragility and yearning in this solo setting. The beautiful shimmering guitar work sets the stage for a truly moving vocal, that almost breathes the words.

Scarecrow Song in two versions (Disc 2, Track 20 and Disc 4, Track 21) and Clear White Light – Part 2 (Disc 4, Track 25), which all appeared later on the Nicely Out of Tune album, offer lovely acoustic based troubadour versions, that highlight Alan Hull’s keen ability to create engaging songs with a strong narrative. The second (Alternative Version) of Scarecrow Song, moves the song from something ballad like to a more up-tempo delivery, with a repeating chorus added, demonstrating a wonderful ability to develop and refine a song over time.

Alan Hull also made some excellent solo albums, including the very impressive Pipedream and Squire albums. Justanothersadsong (Disc 2, Track 10) which later appeared on the Pipedream solo album, here has a bright and breezy presentation with choppy guitar chords and a captivating rhythmic vocal. A musical counterpoint to the words, which describe the impact of the loss of a close relationship. Just to note also that the song’s title is as written and not a typo.

Somewhere Out There (Disc 2, Track 8) later appeared on the Phantoms solo album. The demo version has some intricate wah-wah guitar embellishments with a vocal full of empathy, as the story of people unfairly treated in life is gently told. At the same time the song conveys a subtle underpinning questioning of why this should be. 

Undiscovered gems 

Alan Hull never came back to many of the songs demoed here. Yet many songwriters one suspects would have rightly had no hesitation in releasing some of these demos on an album, had they written them. Here are just a few of such highlights to be found across this set.

Better Town (Disc 1, Track 4) embodies Alan Hull’s socialist ethos, with its critical commentary on town planning that doesn’t put people and their communities at its heart, and the impact on working people. The musical setting and vocal delivery remind quite wonderfully of the great Phil Ochs.

Windy Miller (Disc 2, Track 2) is a love song with a very poetical timbre, that could easily have found a place on a Lindisfarne or solo album. The short piece, the beautiful Wild Flower (Disc 4, Track 4), continues in a similar poetical vein, with a lovely, wistful, piano accompaniment. The following, I Am And So Are You, takes the song writing into a jazzier and blues-based setting. With its metaphorical lyrics, it is one of the most striking of the songs that didn’t find their way onto a later release.

Clear White Light (Disc 4, Track 24) the sister song to Clear White Light – Part 2, seems to offer an explanatory context for Part 2, with Part 2 seeming to call for love and understanding, and offering a core sense of optimism, in response to the first song. Both songs give a sense of being informed by Alan Hull’s experiences working in a mental health hospital. 

In conclusion, this release deserves to be celebrated, reminding us of the incredible song writing and musical talents of Alan Hull, and the musical legacy he has left us. A bright star amongst song writers. One hopes this might also lead to a full reissue of his solo catalogue, particularly given that some of these now seem quite hard to get hold of.  The box set also includes an accompanying booklet with some great photos and memorabilia, and a comprehensive essay by David Wells, that sets the songs in context. A highly recommended release.

You can find out more about Alan Hull and Lindisfarne here: Lindisfarne website / Lindisfarne Facebook

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