Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Ian Moss, Warner Music Australia 2019.
This year has been a bumper year for reissues celebrating various anniversaries and Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss has joined the list.
It’s 30 years since he launched his post Chisel career with his debut solo album Matchbook.
The album went on to be a huge hit debuting at number one on the ARIA Album chart and achieving multi-platinum status.
The lead single, Tucker’s Daughter, reached number two in the ARIA Singles chart remaining in the top 10 for 11 weeks.
This 23-track reissue includes the original album plus a bonus collection of never-before released live recordings and rare B-sides.
The live tracks were recorded at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in 1989 and the set includes an epic 10-minute rendition of Bow River along with Tucker’s Daughter, Telephone Booth, and Mr Rain.
Among the B-sides is a cover of the jazz standard Angel Eyes plus the Don Walker co-write The Dummy.
Also included is Ian’s self-penned Islands and Answermachine Blues which have only been available via digital stream up to this release.
Listening to Matchbook after all these years I’m reminded of just how good it is.
The album featured a direct link to Cold Chisel due to the appearance of Ian’s former bandmates Steve Prestwich on drums and Don Walker on keyboards and bass (as well as being a songwriter for many of the tracks).
The album also highlights Ian’s excellent singing voice which, although heard during the Chisel years, was often hidden behind the power of Barnesy.
I think Chisel fans will find the additional material of particular interest.
There are some songs there that were new to me.
Ian Moss will be touring Australia to support the Matchbook 30th Anniversary beginning in November through until early May 2020 so it could be worth watching out for him.
