Ian 'Mac' McLagan had already released one solo album, 'Troublemaker' in 1979. For his next effort Mac kept Johnny Lee Schell from that project and added Ricky Fataar on drums & percussion and Ray Ohara on bass. According to Mac, "Finally, I was in a band again". Now, twenty-two years after it's original release, Maniac Records has reissued 'Bump in the Night'. The original artwork is included, although no liner notes. The whole package is top rate. The cover paintings are a riot as they recreate a nightmare Mac had while recording the original album. Details in 'All the Rage'.

Mac named the album after an old Cornish prayer, which is printed on the CD tray along with a painting of Mac singing the prayer at his keyboards. The album is a reflection of Mac's years with the Faces and after recording 'Some Girls' and touring with the Rolling Stones. It is feel good, balls out, rock 'n' roll with a couple of twists thrown in.

Here goes, Track by Track.

'Little Girl' - written by Mac and Ron Wood.

Great opener. Shows the influence of many years playing with Woody in Faces and the Stones. This track would have felt at home on any Faces album. Woody plays "dueling lead guitar" and bass. Great dual lead, classic guitar rock. It warns the little girl about all those lies. Where's the piano?

'Alligator'

This is a nice bluesy tune. Mac's not a woman hater he just doesn't like this girl. So, see you later.

'If It's Lovin You Want'

A guitar driven shuffle. Another woman testing Mac's patience. If it's lovin she wants, he comes first. Double meaning there? Tasty lead guitar work on the fade.

'Casualty'

Piano, finally. But played by Ricky Fataar. Mid-tempo rocker in the Faces style. Nice start stop drum work. Some real tasty piano breaks. Mac sings about another stupid girl who needs help but "she's just a casualty". Great double tracked lead guitar on the fade out. Nice in your face vocal from Mac. Is Woody hiding in there somewhere?

'Told A Tale On You' - written by the band.

A great kiss off song. Makes you feel like you are in a Texas roadhouse sharing a beer and telling tales. Sounds like someone got caught spreading a load of bulls**t.

'Judy Judy Judy'

No, it's not a bad Cary Grant impression. Just a song about Judy "who really knows how to use it". But Mac knows the truth, she's nothin' but a sad girl. Stones style guitar driven rocker with opening chords that Keef would die for. Actually, this sounds better than most of those new songs on 'Forty Licks'. Nice slide guitar lead in the middle.

'So Lucky'

One of the highlights on the album. I asked Mac about the inspiration for this tune and he wrote, " 'So Lucky' is the story of a guy who thinks he has everything but hasn't got a clue. He's a loser". Mac sings, "I'm so lucky, so lucky, but nothin's enough". Finally, Mac on organ and electric piano. Mac delivers a soulful and heartfelt vocal. Good guitar solos and soulful background singing. This song should have been a hit for somebody.

'Rebel Walk'

Rockabilly sounding tune about a Rebel. Could it be Elvis or some other old 50's rocker? Playing Vegas hanging up those rock 'n' roll shoes. "Never was one for talk, said it with a Rebel Walk". Johnny Lee really rocks out with some old Chuck Berry style riffs. Once again, channeling Woody on the slide guitar. Stop the car, I got to dance.

'Not Runnin Away'

Mac goes to the islands. Nice reggae flavored tune, a departure from the other songs. Where's the rum? Plenty of organ, YES! Infectious beat, great chorus of "I'm not runnin away." Yeah, right. Let's all run away. Another of my favorites, would be great played live. And just when you didn't think it could get better, Bobby Keys delivers a great sax solo.

'Boy's Gonna Get It'

This song has it all. Great chunky guitar intro, great background vocals, a nice start stop drumbeat. Mac does a real relaxed vocal. Another song that would be great live. It is a cautionary tale warning that the girl of his dreams is no Mary Lou, not Peggy Sue. And there is even more organ. Great playing by the whole band.

All in All, a solid album from beginning to end. As Mac noted in 'All the Rage',
the album wasn't released, it escaped. It's a pity, because it sounds better that most of what I hear on the radio today. My only negative comments are not enough keyboards. Mac writes that he'd written all the songs on guitar and wasn't feeling too confident about his keyboard playing. I wish someone would have encouraged him to play more, but a minor quibble. CD is available through Mac's webpage, www.macspages.com. Get it while it's hot.

If you want to hear more of this version of the Bump Band, you should give a listen to 'Green Light' by Bonnie Raitt. Mac and the Bump Band play backup for Bonnie on that recording. It is first rate.

©March 2003, Larry Sheeley, Ohio. Originally appeared in 'The Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette', Issue 23. Reproduced with permission of author.