There can be only one...

Five live eh? Having had nothing to say for a while I'll take the opportunity for an easy post.

1. Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band - Hipsters, Flipsters, Finger-poppin' Daddies!

If you've never heard this album go out and buy it immediately. It begins with a demented compere announcing the Ram Jam Band who immediately launch into a frenzied instrumental medley which peaks with The Beatles 'Day Tripper' as the audience go beserk. Then Geno comes on and you get the audio equivalent of a riot - you're in the court of Geno now and he loves you like you love to scream.

For many, Geno is a poor mans Otis or Percy but Geno and the Ram Jam Band piss all over these so called soul greats with an energy and dynamism that puts them to shame.

Its the sound of being down the front, of jostling shoulder to shoulder with your peers, of being a bit pissed up and rowdy but everyone is on your wavelength. Its the sound of grabbing a girl you don't know but you just had to dance with. Its the sound of stamping your feet and chanting 'GE-NO! GE-NO! GE-NO!'.

Fuck Dexys homage bullshit - get the real thing.

This album is my top five all in one. Its the first album on before I go out and its the first one on when I get back. Its the band I wish I was in and a scene which I'd have loved to have been part of.