I have a confession to make. I write this as I proudly wear a Joe Solo t-shirt. I have been following the works of Joe since his days as front man for Lithium Joe. I have very happy memories from the time they played in Ireland in June 1996.
I also have an apology to make - Lithium Joe's trip to Ireland co-incided with "football coming home" (Euro 96 being hosted in England). Ireland in 1996 was a lot different to today, certainly no trip to the country was being anticipated by Queen Elizabeth II. Many Irish peoples view of the term football coming home was just another example of an English media exaggerating the importance of their country in world affairs. There was a feeling that somehow English people felt themselves as superior to their fellow world citizens. As people who had organised gigs for many folks of different origin it mattered little to us what country was on your passport once you were taking the time out to visit our little country. It did matter to us however if when you were a guest of ours that you started cheering for the country of your birth, if that country was England. And so we revelled in the misery of an England supporter seeing their team loose to Germany. "How can you prefer Germany to your next door neighbours" we were asked. Our answer entailed plenty about the history of Ireland but still to ordinary working class English folk who had complete disdain for their parliament it seemed we were rude. And you know what? maybe we were. If we were to judge all international football games by history you would be hard pressed to find sides. Sorry lads.
Anyway Lithium Joe played some gigs in ireland and some good bonds were build up with Dave and Paul from their side and me from our side. Putting on gigs the way we did allowed such friendships to build. My best memories from being involved with 200or so gigs are the relatiosnhips that blossomed from some of them. I am proud to call some people my friends who started off as penpals discussing the possibility of playing music in Ireland. Joe solo is one of these people.
I have a second confession to make. The first time I heard Joes solo songs I was stuck for complimentary words. The quirky style didn't strike any chords with me. Thankfully 7 albums later all the chords are now the right ones. It didn't take long, and just like my cheers against English teams are a lot less muted these days my cheeres FOR Joe are rapturous. It's a folk sound with beautiful songs from the heart. Joe wears his heart on his guitar strap and sings with great passion. When I attend union conferences I always seem to be urging delegates to accept motions, I urge you now to check out Joe Solos honest sound and share in his integrity.
"When I get in debt I've got to pay my way out
They get in debt I've got to pay some more
I ain't gonna take the fall for no-one
Ain't gonna be a pawn no more"
the sweet sounds of Joe Solo
http://www.myspace.com/lithiumjoe
http://www.joesolo.co.uk
