Jim Bob at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Written by Diamond Dave on July 20, 2023
“It is 
clear is that both Jim Bob and the band are enjoying the evening just as much as the audience.”
Jim Bob is riding in the crest of an artistic wave with his last 3 albums (Pop Up Jim Bob from 2020 was followed by Who Do We Hate Today? in 2021) and he chooses to start tonight’s sold out gig at The Brudenell Social Club with the title track from the recently released album, Thanks For Reaching Out. Right from the start I am transfixed. Lyrically, the loveable South London rocker is right up there in my list of favourites with his pun laden words able to make me laugh, cry but more than anything else…think. Backed by his band, The Hoodrats, it is clear is that both Jim Bob and the band are enjoying the evening as much as the audience.
With a set that mixes both solo material and Carter USM tracks , the one thing that hits me tonight is that having a band behind him really brings energy to Carter USM or older solo material with songs such as Lets Get Tattoos, Prince In A Paupers Grave , Bloodsport For All and Angel Strike, all of which get an airing tonight. In recent years Jim and the band have recorded a number of cover versions from the likes of The Psychadelic Furs, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and we are treated by a storming rendition of the Gary Numan/Tubeway Army classic , Are Friends Electric? whic even gets me dancing… high praise indeed!!
But it is tracks from the new record that really are the high point in a night full of treats.
Sebastian’s Gone On A Ridealong and a wonderful rendition of This Is End Times fit perfectly with older songs like The Summer Of No Touching and Jo’s Got Paper Cuts. I had to fight back the emotion when the set ended with The Impossible Dream. People will be able to witness the majesty of a Jim Bob gig with tours of Holland and Germany in September, an appearance at Minehead in November and finally a pre Christmas cracker in Brixton on 2nd December. If you want to feel better about the world, my advice to you is be in the audience at one of them…you won’t regret it!!
