Back in 2009, The Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt compiled the first of his Shared compilations, inspired by open mic nights held at his local watering hole, The Horseshoe Inn. It served a very welcome purpose of bringing together tracks by eyecatching names, such as Wayne Hussey and Hunt himself, alongside recordings by lesserknown artists. Arguably its greatest success was in paving the way for last year’s excellent debut album by Dirty Ray – formerly Kevin Weatherill of Immaculate Fools.
These are difficult economic times, however, starkly evidenced by the Horseshoe’s closure since Shared’s release. Undaunted by the loss of its birthplace, Hunt has compiled a second volume using the same methodology, this time recruiting Carter USM’s Jim Bob and Amsterdam/Pele member Ian Prowse to the cause.
As curator of the project, Hunt’s keen ear for a wellrealised song has again underpinned the “come one, come all” acoustic session ethos that is Shared’s overarching concept. His nine contributing acts, many recorded at Hunt’s home studio, provide two songs each. They’re illuminated by Hunt’s lovingly-written sleevenotes, which, in turn, suggest a real joy in being able to put something back.
