A Rave Review from Robin's Right Hand Man

Nottingham blogger Alan-a-Dale* was kind enough to write a post about my new song The Ballad of N.D.C. (which you can download for free) and gave a me a mention in a follow up post too.

He rates the song  

"In the best traditions of oral history and musical social comment"

and goes on to say  

"Whilst we have songsmiths in the city who are still willing to chronicle our recent social history in such a novel, humorous and accurate way, the noble spirit of Alan-a-Dale will live on in our hearts".

 Alan, for a tree dwelling bandit, you have a beautiful way with words. I really appreciate the encouragement!

Read the post a ballad for our times

*This picture is not Alan-a-Dale, neither the real historical character (who may or may not have existed), or the character as portrayed in any film, or the legendary Nottingham blogger who must keep his identity secret for culinary reasons. 
It is in fact a picture of ya mam.


Get this song and more Free song downloads

New Song: The Ballad Of N.D.C.

More genre jumping songwriting with a Music Hall inspired, agitprop-pop satire on urban regeneration.
It's all yours - no charge, just leave me a comment.

Download FREE mp3
Download FREE Chord/Lyric Sheet
'Behind the song' post

In the year two thousand and nothing
Our Community got a New Deal
55 million pounds came from London
To fix Radford and Hyson Green
The N.D.C. were appointed to spend it
The Neighbourhood Development Company
But that’s not what N.D.C. stands for
Least not if you ask folk round here…

No discernable change,
No discernable change,
That’s what it means,
‘Cos that’s what there’s been -
No discernable change.

No discernable change,
No discernable change,
Well they came and they saw 
And spent millions galore
All for no discernable change.

 55 million quid don’t go far now
If you spend it on Alfreton Rd
The shops along there must be pricey
It’s a good job that half of em’s closed
But who cares that some’s standing vacant
When they’re boarded up so beautifully
If you need a kebab or a haircut
There's no better place you could be

 The government weren’t too impressed though
“For our money please give an account,
Is there anything left in the coffers?”
When they turned out their pockets they found-

No discernable change,
No discernable change,
Laggy bands and some sweets
And a lot of receipts
But no discernable change.

No discernable change,
No discernable change,
For only a pound 
We could buy Notts County 
But no discernable change.


 Some Nottingham folk saw it coming
They said things would come to no good
‘Cos the most famous local’s an outlaw
There's robbin’, but it ain't Robin Hood
 
Should we all take our grievances higher?
Does the blame lie at Council House steps?
If we made our voice heard next election
What outcome then might we expect?

 No discernable change,
No discernable change,
Vote ‘em in, vote ‘em out, 
When the last ballot’s counted
No discernable change.

No discernable change,
No discernable change,
Hyson Green you’ve been had, 
Radford, eat your kebab
There’ll be no discernable change


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