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Hallelujah, I Love Her So - Hugh Laurie Single Review

Posted: 7th December 2011
Review Info
Rating:
4 out of 5
Artist:
Release Date:
13th Nov 2011
Label:
Warner
Reviewer:
Matt Fancy

Single Review

Hugh Laurie has proved that he is far more than a talented comedian and actor with the release of his first album Let Them Talk earlier this year. The swampy mix of blues, boogie-woogie and New Orleans rock n roll has been a huge hit and is being reissued for the festive season with extra tracks and a bonus live DVD. Despite reservations about this most English of chaps honking along in an American accent, (I still think he sounds crap in House but what do I know the yanks think hes hot mustard. Colmans of course.) the three tracks on this single are further evidence of his love of the music and devotion to the blues.

Hallelujah I love Her So is a Ray Charles number from 1956 and Lauries version is a faithful and fine interpretation of a classic tune, slightly reminiscent of Nina Simones I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free. Great sax solo by Vincent Henry too. Crazy Arms is a low temperature country twang with some subtle pedal steel and great slide (played, I think by Hugh Laurie himself) while Waiting On A Train is a Jimmie Rodgers classic boxcar song neatly encapsulating everything about the American myth of the railroad. Altogether, some worthy additions to the album making the package a bit of a steal really.

None of these songs are a patch on Mystery from A Bit of Fry and Laurie of course. Google it and tickle yourself immensely. Estuary/I live in a houseboat on an estuary/ Which is handy for my work with the Thames Port Authority/But I know you would have found it insanitary Priceless.

Matt Fancy