Robert Storey aka Rob Murphy aka Tito Pueblo is one of the most unique still unsung songwriters, singers of the past quarter century. His groups straddle the line between pop and more experimental styles, and always feature brilliant, clever and often hilariously pithy lyrics. 

The newly reissued Up Murphy Street from 1986 is the first missive from this eccentric tunesmith. More than anything, Up Murphy Street recalls the spirit of the contemporary, still to be reissued recordings by Mick Hobb's Officer ensemble. Not too surprising when a glance at the credits shows Bill Gilonis, Mick Hobbs himself, and others from the Family Fodder / Woof records / Homosexuals extended family, including C.D. Grey, Amos, Felix Federowicz, Lepke Buchwater, etc. 

As with Officer, and subsequent Murphy recordings, one can expect a myriad of wayward approaches to song craft. There appear to be less of the intentionally bad puns, double entendres and clever turns of phrase of his later work, but the basic approach is already in evidence. 

I remember hearing about this record back in the day, and until now have never come across it. Recommended if you like eccentric and intelligent cabaret like approaches to song, like say those of Slapp Happy, or if you're a fan of Rob's later work with The Orchestre Murphy, Plain People of England and The Miners of Banal.
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