It’s a neat idea for an album/show. On this live recording, the artist formerly known as Jack L has gathered together no less than 19 songs of disparate styles, genres and eras, with just one thing in common. The ‘27 Club’ is of course that distinguished group of artists who have shuffled off this mortal coil at the tender age of just 27, including the Stones’ Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse, among others. Lesser known members include Echo & The Bunnymen’s Pete de Freitas, Big Star’s Chris Bell and the Manics’ Richey Edwards (who is presumed dead).
Lukeman has already staged this show to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and this version, recorded at Dublin’s NCH is also due out on DVD (and vinyl!). His interpretations range from fairly straightforward versions (the Stones’ ‘Paint It Black’ and ‘Jumping Jack Flash’, the Bunnymen’s ‘Killing Moon’) to fairly radical reworkings such as Hendrix’s ‘Purple Haze’ – which sounds the way it might have been done by French duo Air — and Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, which is re-imagined as a drawing-room ballad. Other highlights include a poignant take on Amy Winehouse’s tender ballad, ‘Love Is A Losing Game’, a nice tribute to the Manics with ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ and Big Star’s gorgeous ballad of teenage love 'Thirteen’ (recorded in the past by Wilco and Elliot Smith). The Doors’ doomed frontman is represented by no less than three songs, including Brecht’s ‘Alabama Song’ (no stranger to Lukeman’s set over the years), ‘The Crystal Ship’ and an epic take on ‘Touch Me’.
It goes without saying that Lukeman’s powerful voice and dramatic showmanship brings out the very best in these songs, while the musical backing (including brass and strings) makes for a thrilling ride. Now: to see it live!