INK & AUDIO: Ian McNabb "65" Album Review: A Golden Age Masterpiece
Ian McNabb’s new album, “65” (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Ian McNabb’s new album hit the shelves recently and represents a further chapter in the Merseyside singer-songwriter’s recent prolific output.
McNabb, who also continues to tour his first band The Icicle Works, continues the rich vein of form he has shown of late (see my review of previous album “If It Wasn’t For The Music” in THE SOUNDBOARD: A 2025 Music Review.
With an album title being a dual nod to McNabb’s age and also the music and events of 1965, it presents 11 songs over the course of its c90 friendly, “almost but not quite” 45 minutes, running time.
Long time fans will not be surprised to find 65 offers the listener a slab of very well crafted and played songs. McNabb’s singing remains on form throughout, his keen ear for a melody and stylings from the last 60 years of rock music always remain on point. Saxophonist Bobby Bilsborough adds a great flourish to “Kids” recalling the vibe of The Stones “Waiting On A Friend”.
One of the highlights of the album is “LP Record Album”, its nostalgia admirably backed by some great guitar work and deep gospel tinged/ West Coast stack backing vocals.
Ciaron Bell, McNabb’s long standing producer, again produces the album with a sonic panache, plays multiple instruments and also co-writes a number of the songs with McNabb (see song listing and credits below).
REM’s Peter Buck guests on REM classic “So. Central Rain” reprising a guest slot he first performed on “Aquamarine” from McNabb’s 2018 album “Our Future In Space”. It’s a great cover and testament to their ongoing friendship, whilst also fitting in well with the rest of album.
Ian McNabb’s new album, “65” (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
The excellent artwork album cover tips its hat to Sgt Pepper, depicting many actors from The Golden Age of TV and Movies, whilst also being influenced by the photograph at the end of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (McNabb aptly positioned in Jack Nicholson’s place!!).
McNabb continues to tour extensively - he will be back touring the US West Coast again in August on the “Lost 80s Live” tour in The Icicle Works guise, whilst also playing solo dates in the UK around this.
So McNabb’s renaissance is heightened by his latest release. It’s great to see such passion for continued artistic development and it’s an album well worth seeking out.
The album has been released on CD, 180g Vinyl and is also available as a high-quality download.
Tracks:
What Are You Waiting For*
Oberon**
Pirate**
Fugitive**
The Kids**
Everything Is Awesome**
Everything Good Goes Away*
LP Record Album**
Dufus For A Day*
So. Central Rain [feat. Peter Buck] ***
The Devil Is A Dandy*
* written by McNabb
** written by McNabb and Bell
*** written by Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe
