8. Val DoonicanThe Lucky 13 Shades Of Val Doonican
This classic concept album should be in the collection of every serious music fan, and if it’s not – then you can’t be serious! In this ground breaking LP, Val jettisons the comfy armchair for a kitchen stool. Gone too is the thick woolly cardigan, and in its place a figure hugging polo shirt. But why is Val holding an electric guitar? I hope he’s not got a fuzz box too! This clear shift in musical direction is surely as radical as when that Bob Dylan plugged in and all the folkies felt betrayed. But Bob did the right thing, in my view, because – between you and me – I don’t like folk music. It encourages slovenly dress, don’t you think? Val is anything but slovenly here. He’s smart but casual and he’s dressed top to toe in my favourite colour – fawn – fantastic! Musically this collection is highly progressive: ‘Quit Kickin’ My Dog Around’ nails Val’s animal rights credentials to the mast, and ‘Whistle Daughter Whistle’ cannily anticipates the #MeToo movement!
