Nothing dates as fast as a topical comedy tune, but Steve Gribbin is a satirical songsmith par excellence. For nearly 20 years he has been penning transcendent melodies, initially in militant duo Skint Video and latterly angrily alone.
Last night's show was recorded for a live album, yet despite the inherent disposability of the genre, the Liverpudlian's perky prime cuts will probably continue to raise a smile. Barring a republican uprising She's Just Like One of Us, sarcastically imagining Her Majesty in an ermine shell suit, will certainly remain pertinent.
Another timeless chord was struck by The Hypochondriac Blues: "Woke up this morning
... I was quite surprised." Reefer Madness was a spot-on smoky Tom Waits pastiche in praise of cannabis, complete with exquisitely scratchy soloing from serious guitarist Neil Robert Herd.
The idea of Blair covering U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For could soon be overtaken by history, but Gribbin was on firmer footing poking celebrity excess. Comic axemen Bill Bailey, Richard Morton and Paul Thorne joined him for How Low Have the Mighty Fallen. The most vicious verses are too libellous to quote. And probably to unleash on CD too.
Made Up is released later this year. Further information at www.offthekerb.co.uk
