Rock Me!

         

01. Cold Comfort
02. Let It Go
03. Green Light
04. I had a Good Friend
05. Shake That Boogie
06. Walking By Myself
07. You Worry Me
08. Nothing But A Fool
09. 19 Years Old
10. Carry Me Home
11. Ugly Guy
12. Solid State

Mick Clarke - Guitar / Vocals
Wilgar Campbell - Drums
Lou Martin - Keyboards
Martin Skipper - Bass

With guests:
Mark Feltham - harp
Matt Irving - backing vocals

Recorded at Elephant Studio, London
Engineered by Chris Mansbridge
Produced by Mick Clarke and Nick Robbins
Executive Producer - Franco Ratti
Cover photo - Dave Peabody





Mick writes:

The first album did OK so I was back in the studio for number two. This time with my regular rhythm section, Wilgar Campbell (ex Rory Gallagher) and Martin Skipper on bass. Lou joined us once again on the keyboards.

I was going for a heavier approach - hence the title. And the album opens with a pretty solid rocker, Cold Comfort. Let It Go is a great boogie.. I remember that the track went down, I think, in the first take. Just a natural. Carry Me Home features what Linda calls Wilgar's "Belfast Drumming" and some great harp from Mark Feltham (Nine Below Zero, Rory Gallagher). I was also able to get the services of my friend Matt Irving (Paul Young Band) to help me out with the vocals.

The photo was taken in a darkened Elephant Studio one afternoon - I wanted a different look to the first album. I tried to look serious and business like but succeeded in looking a bit of a tw*t.. oh well. There were many things I would have done differently, including the photo, but you can't go back.

The album did well and the record company was happy.. called the album "beautiful" which was quite touching. Wilgar, Lou and Matt have all since passed away as has Franco Ratti, who gave me my first record deal with Appaloosa. Martin Skipper moved to Australia. The studio is now a car park. Still, I think some of the tracks have stood the test of time, and the album was an important part of my professional life and some great memories.

The original release is available to stream under 'Mick Clarke Band' rather than 'Mick Clarke'. These releases, though, are controlled and managed by what's left of Appaloosa Records, not very well in my opinion. At least I never see any sales reports or royalties.

However, a selection of the best Appaloosa tracks were remastered and released, with Franco Ratti's permission, on my compilation 'You Need Love'. I think they're pretty good - do enjoy.