Be Yourself

"Be Yourself", the debut album from Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club is one of those records that seem to come from nowhere, yet is destined for great things. Released in Ireland, just under a year ago, this album has gone on to sell over 10,000 copies and span two Top 20 hit singles. Jerry Fish (Ger Whelan, ex. An Emotional Fish) enlisted the help of vocal talent, Anuna, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Damien Rice, Bronagh Gallagher & Josie Doherty, along with a few former band members from An Emotional Fish, a brass section and an enhanced string section which includes ukulele, Nashville steel, mandolin & Spanish guitar. Imagine Tom Waits, Lee Hazelwood & the Fun Lovin Criminals meeting in a smoky backroom bar, to get an idea of the eclectic sound of Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club. Selected highlights include "It Don't Get Much Better Than This" which cruises along on a funky bass-line and a beautiful vocal contribution from Josie Doherty. "Bob & God" is a smouldering, delightful off-kilter blues curio reminiscent of Tom Waits, whilst the closing number and title track, "Be Yourself" neatly sums up the album's optimistic mood with a chipper country tune that could probably have fit on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack.