Day 357. Still got the fever. (23/12/13)

First of all, don't call it a comeback; he hasn't been away, although he may have slipped outside your radar.

The Ian McNabb that most people will remember will be the supposed one hit wonder of 1983's 'Love Is A Wonderful Colour'. Our American brethren would probably list that 'one hit' as 'Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)' - different song, same result; talented and neglected.

The more astute may recall his solo high point; 1994's 'Head Like A Rock', the album that cemented his long standing love of Neil Young's oeuvre through an alliance with Young's long time backing band Crazy Horse. The album was wonderful, a life affirming ode to the joys and healing powers of rock'n'roll and was deservedly nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. M People won that year. M. People. Not for me.

The years from then to now have seen lower key releases, full band albums that contained gems not receiving backing from major(ish) labels, smaller, more personal predominantly acoustic solo albums via independent labels and self publishing, pretty much endless gigging whether that be alone or with reconstituted versions of The Icicle Works for various anniversary celebrations, in medium sized halls  or on many occasions in people's homes. There was even, finally, a second visit to the top 40 with the brassy, summery pop of 'Let The Young Girl Do What She Wants'.

And then, earlier this year, he finally, properly, plugged in again. Picking up local Liverpool three piece Cold Shoulder he once again revisited the glory of a rock band at full pelt, stretching out, trading solos, extending numbers, cutting heads a la Crazy Horse. The resulting album 'Eclectic Warrior' (he knows - brilliantly there were people informing him via twitter that T. Rex had an album called 'Electric Warrior' in case he'd made some embarrassing error in titling the work) is his best in years, quite probably the best since 'Head Like A Rock' with Cold Shoulder happily equalling Crazy Horse's input on the former. The songs cover much of the subject matter that McNabb has concerned himself with throughout his long career, ballads of love gone wrong, tales of people who settled for less in life than they could have had, political criticism, the way that memory works and, always, always, songs to uplift and carry you through difficult times. Of the latter, 'Fast Approaching Land' may well be the finest song the man has ever written (and the competition is high on this), I'm inclined to say that it's the finest song of the year.

As with many artists of a certain vintage (early 80s success, dedicated fan base) this album was the result of a 'kickstarter' project; funded by the security of the fans' pledges the result is a direct conversation between artist and audience. It's a triumph, clearly and without doubt firmly within the top three albums of the year. Other opinions are, of course, available. But wrong.

The support slot that McNabb had secured on the Liverpool date of Neil Young's tour would have been a perfect fit. Tour cancellation put paid to that particular dream come true. Instead the year ended with a simpler sound and a revisiting of an old haunt.

For my generation The Icicle Works began a tradition of regular Christmas shows, nothing to promote, nothing to sell, simply a splendid night out. Nowadays everybody seems to have cottoned on to the idea and there are Christmas gigs popping up all over, the challenge is to make the interesting, make them special.

The Lomax is a legend in Liverpool; one of the greatest venues in history, small but influential, the kind of room that major bands pass through in their early days and gladly revisit when possible. Recently revived in its original form and once again under original ownership, Sunday the 22nd of December was the venue's Christmas gift to Liverpool; announced at a late point with little fanfare and thoroughly aware of the current financial climate the night's prices were set at an austerity busting £5 a head.

And what can you get for your £5 in these harsh times? Two hours of Ian McNabb on stage, a couple of acoustic guitars and a harmonica and a journey through thirty years worth of material. There is proof that the new, heavily electrified, material works just as well, just as hypnotically with the barest of accompaniment. There are the obvious big hitters of the man's set both Icicle Works and solo, 'Hollow Horse', 'Love Is A Wonderful Colour', 'Fire Inside My Soul'. 'You Must Be Prepared To Dream'', 'Understanding Jane' and there are explorations of the nooks and crannies of his albums, the real fan favourites (Rapids, Little Girl Lost and the  always wonderful 'Stone My Soul' - there's an alternate reality where that song was number one for at least a year).

Above all there is the obvious fact that Ian McNabb has a depth of material virtually unmatched by his peers; two hours could have been four and there would still be songs left to play, still songs you wish you'd heard. With the bias of a fan of thirty years standing - this man should be viewed as a Springsteen or Young of the post punk generation, treading a similar road with little recognition; he should be a national treasure.

Still - 2014 sees the thirtieth anniversary of the first Icicle Works album, 2015 that of their damn fine 'Small Price Of A Bicycle' follow up; there is time yet for reunion tours, anniversary gigs, publicity, awareness of the writer's wider picture.....there's always time.

But before that;  'Eclectic Warrior' is available from IanMcNabb.com - you'd be foolish not to.