The McCluskey Brothers - Housewives Choice - Q

Third album from former members of The Bluebells. Remember Young At Heart? Comprising Ken and Dave McCluskey, the McCluskey Brothers' first two releases could only be described as work-a-day: honest enough but lacking any real spark. But their debut album for Linn Records sees a marked change. Comprising new material and remixes of the best tracks from their earlier offerings, "Housewives' Choice" is a classy folk-pop affair, filled with strong melodies and neatly honed harmonies, allied to a faultless production job. The atmospheric She's Turning and Fever Pitch's bingo-hall bop are the most instant attention-grabbers here, though a low-key campfire rendition of Hamish Henderson's Freedom Come All Ye proves especially moving. Full of potential.