You get a pretty good sense of how an album is going to fare by the conversation after a showcase.
Australia is less than week away from what will most likely be the closest election in 50 years but at Paddo Town Hall last night that was irrelevant. The most important issue was the choice of the next Barnsey single.The debate following the Jimmy Barnes 'Rage and Ruin' showcase last night (August 16, 2010) at the Paddington Town Hall in Sydney went something like this. "'Can't Do It Again'" someone said it should be. "No, it should be 'This Ain't The Day That I Die'" said another. "What about the ballad 'Stupid Heart'" someone else at the bar said.
Actually it will be 'God or Money', the opening track from the record but if we have to pick a winner in this working class man debate, then the winner is the album. Every song works live. Depending on which part of the Barnesy era you became a fan will most likely influence your choice of favourite track.
If you have ever enjoyed a Jimmy Barnes album then 'Rage and Ruin' is an album you must own. This is Jimmy Barnes at his best, back and rocking with original songs.
There is diversity in the record. 'God Or Money', 'Before The Devil Knows You're Dead' and 'This Ain't The Day That I Die' could easily slide onto 'Freight Train Heart' or 'Two Fires'. 'Stupid Heart' brings back the same emotion of 'Stone Cold' all those years ago. There is even a gospel song in 'Adam Was Just A Man'.
Jimmy Barnes is in a good place musically at the moment. Last year he delivered a number one record with 'The Rhythm and the Blues', an album of covers made as a prequel to the 'Soul Deep' records. 'Out In The Blue', his last album of original songs was a quieter side to Jimmy. 'Double Happiness' from 2005 was a special project featuring his duets. You really have to go right back to 1999 to 'Love and Fear' for the last Barnes album of original rock songs.
The Paddo Town Hall showcase last night was a special night for the throng of fans, media and mates who attended. Jimmy performed the entire 'Rage and Ruin' album in track order with a 10-piece band.
'Rage and Ruin' is one great album from start to finish. There isn't a dud song on the record.
So I'm guessing the singles debate will continue with his label and the fans. Seriously, you could spin a bottle around any one of these titles and make the single wherever it lands.
August 16 2010, Sydney, Paddington Town Hall setlist:
God or Money
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
Letter From A Dead Heart
Stupid Heart
Adam Was Just A Man
I've Seen It All (Rage and Ruin)
Can't Do It Again
Time Can Change
This Ain't The Day That I Die
Love Can Break The Hardest Heart
Turn It Around
Largs Pier Hotel
