Review: Live at the Bull & Gate by Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long

In which G.M. Norton has the cockney sing-a-long brought to him.

As I was born and remain in T'North of England, cockney sing-a-longs around the ol' Joanna just don't happen around these parts. 

As a young whippersnapper, the bright lights of London was confined to reading Sherlock Holmes detective mysteries and watching the likes of Only Fools & Horses and Goodnight Sweetheart. 

Funnily enough, both these television comedies do in fact feature cockney knees-ups. Uncle Albert in Only Fools enjoyed tickling the ivories (although not many at the Nag's Head seemed to enjoy it quite as much). Gary Sparrow, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst in Goodnight Sweetheart (as well as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools...do keep up at the back) was also fond of a few songs around the piano. So much so, that the time travelling womanising bigamist had the audacity to pass off well-known hits from the future as his own ditties.  

Anyway, what on earth am I wittering on about? Well my chum, Tom Carradine has brought out a live album of sing-a-long classics. If for some strange reason you remember everything I ever write about, cast your mind back to November 2014 when I first introduced you to Tom's musical enterprise, Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-longs.

Excitingly, Tom is hosting an album launch party this very evening in that there London. Alas, due to family commitments, I'm unable to make it. It's probably for the best, my singing voice is atrocious.  

Tom kindly sent a copy of the album to me so I've been listening to it on repeat. I've been a little under the weather this week with a lingering cold and sore throat so it has raised my spirits no end. 

I've always had a thing for album artwork and Live at the Bull & Gate must be applauded for this alone. The old sign writing style is simply stunning. The CD even came with two complimentary beermats, featuring a super quote from Ralph Reader, "These are the times we shall dream about and we'll call them The Good Old Days."

What is absolutely lovely about the album is that there's something for everyone. My girls have recently been introduced to the film Singin' in the Rain so as soon as this came on in the car, they both instantly started to sing along. 

Tom performs regular sing-a-longs in the South of England so if you can't get to one, a CD is the next best thing! If geography is in your favour and you manage to get to one, this CD would be a great memento of your evening too. Or perhaps a gift for your friends and family.

Tom's album can be bought for just £11 (including postage) on the Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long website. 

G.M. Norton
Protagonist of 'Norton of Morton'

{ Twitter } { Facebook } { Instagram } { Bloglovin' }