Richard Digance Compilation

Digance's reputation as one of Britain's hardest-working folk comedians is more than born out by his debut album. All nine tracks share the same bittersweet nostalgic mood, whether Digance is eulogizing boxer Joe Louis ("The Joe Louis Story," of course) or rhapsodizing London's River Thames ("Dear River Thames"); the gently sad "Edward Sayers' Brass Band" will strike a chord with anyone who fell in love with the movie Brass Tacks and "I Hear the Press Gang" follows in the footsteps of several centuries worth of seaboard laments. Some of the arrangements — strictly mid-'70s as they naturally are — sound dated, as the band moves toward cod reggae, light funk, and sub-Eagles sensitivities. Digance's unaccompanied "Drag Queen Blues" and "Dear River Thames" are closer to the magic he conjures on his better, later albums. But there are some marvelous moments here regardless; the presence of guest Michael Chapman guarantees the guitars are never less than edgy, Martin Jenkins (of Hedgehog Pie fame) throws some excellent fiddle and mandolin into the brew, and Steeleye Span drummer Nigel Pegrum keeps everything thundering along. Plus Digance himself is so naturally captivating that one could set his lyrics to a telephone ringing and he'd still have listeners on his side.