That’s England Alright: Joe Fagin

An aptly reworked classic released by 300Million Records on 5th June.

Musical Style: No surprises here - it’s the theme from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet updated lyrically but remaining faithful to the original tune, with Joe Fagin once again providing the wonderful gravelly vocals.

Over the Moon: Remember in 1983 when the Magnificent 7 set off to Germany to seek their fortune? Well, Joe Fagin sang them on their way and himself to number 3 hit single. Now a Magnificent 11 are going to be seeking their fortune in Germany and Joe is there to back them too. Originally penned by David MacKay and Ken Ashby, That’s Living Alright has been suitably updated by uncle and nephew team Jimmy and Martin Lawless and recorded by Madness producer Clive Langer. It remains to be seen whether Joe will be repeating his chart success, but the song is already getting a good amount of publicity and since it is a classic song, from a classic TV series, newly adapted for a classic occasion, it shouldn’t have any problem raising a fair few voices in the crowd.

Sick as a Parrot: The temptation with adapting a familiar song for such an occasion is to shoe-horn new lyrics in until they fit. This one more or less fits like a well worn pair of slippers but there’s just a hint of the occasional blister. Also, if the original had you running for the off switch on the radio, or you’re an Auf Wiedersehen, Pet purist, then you probably should consider popping down your local builder’s yard to obtain some industrial ear protectors for a couple of months.

Terrace Appeal: 8/10