IanMcLagan.com - Spiritual Boy - an Appreciation of Ronnie Lane

Praise for Spiritual Boy

Top Ten Albums of 2006

Austin Chronicle

Austin American Statesman

Spiritual Boy simply delves into Ronnie Lane's songbag with the love and affection of a brother-in-arms.

A mournful, piano-led revisit of "Itchycoo Park", now weighted with melancholy, loss and the passing of time, is perfection.

Uncut Magazine ~ Four Star review!

McLagan pays moving homage with covers from (Lane's) songbook. Such is the genuine emotion expressed that Itchycoo Park, originally characterized by its psychedelic chirpiness, is transformed into a wistful memorial to happy times past.

Mojo Magazine ~ Four Star review!
Show Me The Way - Mojo Playlist, Readers' Top 10

McLagan…sings with a bright, rough voice and leads his Bump Band through these Lane tunes with a raucous determination to keep alive for us the lad he knew.

Rolling Stone ~ David Fricke

McLagan evokes both innocence and its loss…the result is a labor of love for all involved and a gift to the fans.

No Depression

Mac, as Austin now knows him, honors his mate with 10 well-chosen covers that emphasize Lane's pastoral, soul-searching side and leave ample room for the twinkle-eyed lad of "You're So Rude."

Austin Chronicle

Spiritual Boy is a lovely and comfy salute to one of rock's sadly unsung master songwriters and a must-have disc.

Dallas Observer

The Bump Band offers sterling support to McLagan's impeccable keyboard playing. He's also in fine voice throughout...Plonk (Lane) should be grinning from ear to ear in the great launderette in the sky.

Record Collector Magazine ~ Four Star review!

Recording the album was "very inspirational," says Mac, and judging by the result, that's not an understatement. Not only is he in fine form, his old friend's presence is palatable in every track.

Vintage Guitar Magazine

McLagan's had a distinguished solo career since the demise of the Faces, but he's never been more affecting than in this heartfelt tribute to his much-missed mate.

Goldmine Magazine

Entertainment News & Views - Florida

Who better to pay homage to Ronnie Lane?

Mac hands us a bluesy reworked rendition of “Itchycoo Park,” along with Faces classics “Debris” and “You’re So Rude.” But it’s “Glad And Sorry” and his own “Hello Old Friend” that he delivers with the best of his customary charm, in tribute and with the love.

Creem Magazine

If you’ve had the chance to catch one of his Thursday Happy Hours at Lucky Lounge (or maybe if you caught them opening for that Rolling Stones band that came through in October), you’ll know what a treasure Austin has at it’s disposal with this band

INsite Magazine - Austin, TX
Grade 'A' review

McLagan’s stylish and warm keyboard sound range has lost none of its impact from my days down the front at Faces’ gigs…what a fine singer he is these days.

You could picture Mr. Lane smiling from above…
A good tribute by the right crew.

Fair Hearing

Visit Ian McLagan & the Bump Band's artist page at KIAC Radio. Sit back and listen to sounds from 'Spiritual Boy' and keep playing the tracks to get the Bump Band featured on the KIAC charts! Help spread the word on this fabulous new album celebrating the life and music of Ronnie Lane.

KIAC Rock Chart - Featured 3 songs in the top 10!

Itchycoo Park # 2
Spiritual Babe # 6
Debris # 9

(peak positions as of May 2006)

KIAC internet radio reviews

Featured in IAC's Top 20 Rock chart: Itchycoo Park, Spiritual Babe & Debris

Itchycoo Park

INDIE-scribably delicious.

One of the best early rock MOD songs ever written! These guys were decades ahead of their time. What a great job Ian and the Bump Band do on this classic!

What a truly gorgeous and moving rendition of this classic song. Ronnie will always be missed but this is a wonderful way to remember him. Thank you Ian.

I only have two thumbs, so, two thumbs up! Thanks so much for this.

It's all too beautiful...ain't it?

Spiritual Babe

This is a sexy, distinctive and really soothing tune. There is nothing more holy than love!

Play this at my funeral ... and lead me into the Promised Land where orgasms are still an option.

Top Hot Pick! Excellent rendition. Deep touching lyrics with a super cool groove.

Debris

This song talks about the realities of life in a very simple but profound manner. Ian McLagan sings with conviction and soul.

CDBaby.com reviews

Spiritual Boy is a great collection of hand picked Ronnie Lane songs. All the tunes are performed with a new twist and warmth that only an old friend could do. The songs are rough around the edges and sensitive at the same time. Spiritual Boy is a must for all Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan fans alike.

This excellent recording is for any Spiritual gal or guy who appreciates the finest in songwriting and musicianship, along with an incredible amount of soul and feeling. Bravo Mac and gang. Ronnie is smiling down on us.

Spiritual Boy is a brilliant collection of songs that will certainly get trapped inside your brain for years to come. The band is tight with a "garage band" edge behind cool scrappy vocals that blend rock, blues and some country tones. I am especially blown away by the soulful ballad approach to Itchycoo Park inside it's new arrangement...a true masterpiece.

This is the best that Mac has done. I have heard the clips now I need more - this is classic!