This fantastic double A sided single (or CD) is the latest offering from Dalston's The Urban Voodoo Machine. Whilst, in my book, that would spell excellent news and reasons for a celebration, this latest single is quite special, as the band have worked in conjunction with guitar legend Wilko Johnson, to achieve spectacular results.
'Help Me Jesus' (the A side) is a lovely slice of New Orleans infused gospel blues, which really hits the spot, using excellent horns to give a slight jazzy feel, and with Wilko testifying on guitar, this is a really satisfying listen. The lyrics, as always, are though provoking: - “So help me Jesus, Got nowhere else to turn/ Yeah help me Jesus, I don't wanna burn/ I'm laying in the gutter, you're my only port of call.” This sort of stuff is so infectious that it would have even the most hardened of atheists singing and clapping along in seconds.
'Heroin (Put My Brothers In The Ground)' (the AA side) is yet another great track. It has previously been released by the band before, first as a demo download from the band's website a few years ago, with a stark backing, then as a full band number on the last album 'In Black & Red'. Whilst both earlier versions were excellent (but very different in their own ways), this version takes the song to new heights. The version here has elements of both rockabilly and gospel blues, and in addition features Wilko's signature choppy guitar lines that characterized all that was best about Dr. Feelgood's early albums. Both tracks were recorded virtually live in the studio with the absolute minimum of overdubs.
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The band's next album is due in March, and early reports suggest that it will have an extended version of 'Help Me Jesus' (as this one is subtitled single edit), but while we 're waiting for that, this single is an absolute must have. It is currently available as a download, or if you are a discerning customer of quality and taste, then it is available as a limited edition red vinyl 7” or as a CD single – both being available from: The Urban Voodoo Machine online shop so, go on, indulge yourself, this is the sort of thing that will instantly turn every sinner into a saint (and vice versa!).
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