Hi Ho Come On England: John Leyton & The Orients

Hi Ho Come On England is available now on Crash Records.

Musical Style: A rewrite of the classic hit Hi Ho Silver Lining with a sing-along Ska chorus.

Over The Moon: There are some very unlikely collaborations amongst this years crop of England Anthems and this one is no exception. Hi Ho Silver Lining, the song originally written by Clauss Ogermann and made famous by Jeff Beck, has been reworked here by TV sports presenter Andy Gilson and Bad Manners saxophonist Chris Kane, and sung by 60s icon John Leyton. However, there does at least seem to be some method in the madness since Bad Manners had already covered the original tune on their 2001 album Ska Party and the chorus works very well with a sunny Ska sax setting the pace. The new lyrics, delivered by actor and singer Leyton, best known for his Number 1 hit "Johnny Remember Me", are reasonably well worked into the tune and take the form of a cheerful call to arms to England fans to "Keep the flag of England flying".

Sick As A Parrot: This one is a bit lack-lustre; John Leyton’s vocals somehow fail to inspire excitement or passion.

Terrace Appeal: 6/10