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They return from their Liverpool adventures with a clatter of live shows and a name change. Therefore it's The Fools and not Pat And Nipsy who play Laverys and Maghabery Prison and this special 40th night of Upstairs At The Attic, in Auntie Annies.

They've also brought along a drummer called Steve and a bagful of new songs that are crunchy and aware and sweet. The charming busker dimension has been replaced by well-shaped songs such as 'Enjoy It', which swoons like the Who in 1965, or maybe The Kinks at their parochial best.

Basically, they're still an ace proposition. Loads of wit and speed. The newly arranged version of 'I've Never Had It So Good' has a zesty refrain that welcomes back the good times. The bass guitar thumps like Paul McCartney when he worked that old Hofner machine to the max.

Cruelly, they deprive us of 'Don't Fight With Me', but partly compensate with 'Yo Yo Love' all emotional flutter and wow. The Mersey air has definitely been good for them. We hope they can share that foolish progress more often.

Stuart Bailie
Photos by Stuart Bailie