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The Power and The Glory

by The Whisky Priests

/
  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Comes in a jewel case with an attractive 16-page booklet including lyrics to all songs, beautiful individual track artwork by Keith Lawrence Palmer, a contemporary photograph of the band line-up featured on these sessions, full recording details and credits, etc.

    NB: - CD is the original 13-track version and does not include the 4 bonus tracks available with the digital version.

    IMPORTANT MESSAGE for non-UK buyers:
    Please be aware that if you are ordering from outside the UK, due to reasons beyond our control, you may be liable for additional charges, e.g. customs tax. Please note: we will NOT refund payment for any items refused or returned to us due to non-payment of these charges at point of delivery.

    Includes unlimited streaming of The Power and The Glory via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      £4.99 GBP

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Download version includes 4 bonus tracks from the ultra-rare German-only 'Dol-Li-A' CD EP that did not appear on the original album. These bonus tracks were recorded in 1994 (a few months after the 'Power & Glory' sessions) and feature the same band line-up.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £6.99 GBP

     

1.
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING Sitting on my golden throne I'm the man who would be king Trembling at the thought of what Each new day may bring I'll scream at all my screaming hordes And hoard the hoards they bring I'll stop the tide and in my pride I'll make my subjects sing I'm the man who would be king I'm the man who wouldn't sing So sing out now in praise Of the man who would be king The Devil grant me all the power And riches I have seen To buy all the land in Durham And all the things between I'm not content to be king for a day I want to rule for ever more And every precious thing I covet Will be added to my store I'm the man who would be king Hear the sirens sweetly sing Of the powers to be gained By the man who would be king Dream on Robin Hood is no good Chop him up for firewood Some say my heart is as black as coal But my favourite colour is gold And my eyes turn green at the things I've seen Any other false king own And dare the man who'll come to raid The Kingdom that I rule I'll have his head I'll flog him dead To no man am I fool I'm the man who would be king To my kingdom I will bring All the richest hearts desires Of fine and wonderous things Yet I'll usurp my neighbouring friend And my brothers I have sold For the stakes are high and my men will fight My kingdom to uphold So who will join this merry farce Come rally unto me And break the chains of meekness Locked by a golden key I'm the man who would be king See the swift bird on the wing Proclaiming to the world I'm the man who would be king I'm the man who would be king Now I've lost my magic ring No more my subjects sing To the man who would be king I'm the man who would be king There are countless songs to sing Of pretenders to the throne Of men who would be king (Gary Miller)
2.
WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, BILLY BOY Where have you been all the day Billy Boy Now you have put away all of your toys I wish I had known you when you were a boy But that's all gone now I'll never forget when I first put you now You were dancing all round the town With your shoes all scuffed and your curly hair brown But that seems such a long time ago now When the wind blows you've got time on your hands But when the time comes it blows by so fast I'll dream of the days that are coming at last When the wind blows Billy Boy You in your innocence were such a sweet little thing Now that's gone forever flown like birds on the wing Did you ever regret it did you lose anything Now it's all in the past Billy Boy Where have you been all the years Billy Boy You threw them away like you didn't know how All for the sake of just living for now Well I still love you Billy Boy Now you and your sweetheart will walk hand in hand You and the world and his wife make a stand For all that we've ever held at our command As you count down the years Billy Boy Now the wind's blown all the time from your hands Now the time's come will you blow by so fast Or welcome the days that are here at last When the wind blows Billy Boy (Gary Miller)
3.
Manimal Farm 03:38
MANIMAL FARM The cock crows dawn and signals time to rise Manimal Farm is soon full of life The horse is in the field or down the mine The cock just sits there and bides his time The cock just sits there and bides his time Spring brings in the lambing time School days over in summer time We bring in the harvest at autumn time But winter is cold at the slaughter time Winter is cold at the slaughter time We will grow old before our time We will taste sorrow and bitter wine We will bring the crops in until the day that we die We will feed the swine The power of authority is thine The power of the Lord is mine The harvest fails when God is unkind He will punish us and we will cry He will punish us and we will cry (Gary Miller)
4.
LAND OF THE DINOSAUR Here amongst the memories That belong to yesterday The monolithic metal beasts No longer rule the waves The ruins of a greater age Lie strewn across wasteland The dinosaurs are now extinct Their bones rust in the sand The timbers burned The wheels have turned The ships have sailed away Yet the dinosaurs stand tall and proud In the graveyard that remains See the greatness now expired In the hearts and lives of men Monuments of men Monumental men And their epitaph shall be: 'They walked on water They parted the waters Until the seas of power engulfed them' (Gary Miller)
5.
Shot At Dawn 05:02
SHOT AT DAWN See the white crosses at the top of the hill Where foreign winds do blow The chill air is haunting and all is still Where the ghosts do gently moan Young Tommy Atkins is with them He never reached his eighteenth year It broke his poor mother's heart in two She never saw her young son again Mary Johnson would never wed Through the passing of long years Yet the saddest grief must surely fade After long and bitter tears But young Tommy Atkins stole her heart To take wherever he did go And he lies in a field forgotten now Far away from where the flowers of England do grow With the eyes and ears of history Can we judge both king and pawn And can we point the finger of guilt At the graves of those who were shot at dawn Tommy Atkins was a daring soul As brave as any man But a scapegoat cannot defend itself When it's made to carry the can The disease was never diagnosed He was marched out in the early dawn And did they hide the disgrace of cowards When they had him shot at dawn Does the conscience of kings Hide a brotherhood of thieves That plucked the rose from the thorn Can we wipe the blood from those fingers That had flowers of England shot at dawn Now the swelling pride of history Casts a shadow over graves Where flowers once bloomed and took the wind But now the winds have changed A fabled path of glory Long trodden carries on Remembering those who gave their lives While condemning those shot at dawn "So praise the heroes yea none but the brave Three cheers for our favourite sons A blood red poppy for a red English rose And a curse on those cowards who were shot at dawn" Is the simple question of life and death One we can all understand And will the question be ringing in your ears "For what died the flowers of England?" (Gary Miller)
6.
Three Rivers 04:57
THREE RIVERS An old man once told me a story Of three rivers running through this land of mine And men who would die to feed their loved ones Now the work is all gone the rivers run clear again And who would believe they've seen three rivers running clear Who am I well I'll tell you I'm Jack Robson And I'd cut you down with words as well as blows I used to make the steel down at the foundry Now it's gone the steel is rust the furnace cold I had a wife and bairns who felt my kindness And my belt and my rage when hard times came They left one day to look for something better I wonder if they found it If the wounds upon my body had been money If the tears I've shed for you had all been gold If the times that I've been drunk had all been diamonds Would the love you had for me have been so cold I'm a welder by trade my name is Wilson And I built the ships that fought my country's wars I'd take my lad to see the game at Roker Where he would dream of being captain of the team To score a goal and get a winner's medal And hold the cup for everyone to see His sisters used to sing of Bobby Shaftoe And what he'd do when he came home from sea Those who knew me they all would call me Tommy A geordie collier to the core Unsung hero of this country Who never went away to fight a war Fought my battles down there at the coal face Two thousand feet below my home Until a wiser man said "Tom the war is over There's nothing left for you now go on home" What's my name it really doesn't matter I'm the eyes now blinded by hot steel I'm the hands all bloody black and broken I'm the ears that heard the last ship leave I'm the father crying for his children I'm the husband begging to his wife I'm the voice of doubt and fear politicians never hear As three rivers run on silent to the sea (lyrics: Mick Tyas / music: Gary Miller)
7.
LEAD THEM TO THEIR GRAVES The moon is up the stars are out You're in your shining tower And love is shining down on you From its heavenly bower But the man in the moon will come too soon Destroying all he saves And you'll catch a falling star tonight As you lead them to their graves Bite the hand that feeds Are the words you know so well Yet you fight the hand that bleeds In your self made living hell Your love has withered down the years Yet theirs grows with the days And you'll reap their crop until they drop As you lead them to their graves A million tears count the years From your cradle to their graves On faces once so beautiful Which love could not have saved Do the flowers of romance still touch their hearts Do they yearn for days now past Will they bloom again in their twilight years Or will they just fade away The moon is up the stars are out You're in your shining tower Yet the architects have failed you Their work has never flowered A deep dungeon hides the greatest gift Once beheld by eyes now glazed Will they finally free what they long to see As you lead them to their graves As you lead them to their graves As you lead them to their graves (Gary Miller)
8.
RIME OF THE NOT-SO-ANCIENT MARINER When the mariner sailed the ocean wide With freedom in his sails His hair was radiant with pearls of stars As he searched for untold tales From his bow all crystal clear Big fish swam before his eyes But as the wind ruffled his shining air They saw through his disguise The glittering stars were in his eyes The sun and moon your slaves You held the whole world in your hands But now you've lowered your sails Your clear skies were a sapphire blue Your rivals' skies were grey The race was won if you had known Why did you delay The seven seas denied your quest To win Poseidon's crown Maidens fair cursed you in despair As you failed to win renown Dark streets shone as you walked on All carpeted in gold Bedecked in jewels of dazzling hue A treasure for your hold But your mistresses are the masters now Your raiment turned to grey The stars went out now no sun shines The sparkle's gone away Now all that glitters isn't gold Now all the secrets have been told The sailors have all returned home Adventurous hearts have turned to stone Now as you sit and count your gold They were all lies those stories told Safe and sound and lost at home An ancient curse turned you to stone (Gary Miller)
9.
BRANDON, BROWNEY AND BOYNE I was born a miner's son And a miner's son I'll die My memories have lived with me I'll think of them in time I dreamed about a river flowing Swiftly brown and blue And it broke my heart to feel the start Of remembrance breaking through The beck became a river And it's course reflected my life It broke no banks; it broke no rules As it meandered out of sight I felt it's magic in my heart It's growing pains and joy My life was linked by heart and soul To Brandon, Browney and Boyne The haunting greyness of my father's house Was the haven of my youth It taught me all that I now hold dear Both the illusions and the truth Now the childhood dreams and the house have gone Like my past, the past is pulled down Yet the river keeps flowing ever on Through Brandon, Browney and Boyne Times may have changed, yet the river remains Though it's course has strayed down through the years And in the hard times of my life It's washed away all of the tears I've walked the shadows of my heart And crossed swords with all that I've loved And held my desires a lifetime away I've chained myself with blood I've grown into a bitter man Whose life's now stained with hate I've lost faith in my fellow man And I'm closeted within my fate If solitude was my rise and fall I'd throw it all away now And then I'd leave to return and stay In Brandon, Browney and Boyne This river and land have felt the hand Of many a generation's toil The land-locked blood of brotherhood Flows through Brandon, Browney and Boyne Now I'll take the road that others tread I'll see you down the line And I'll meet you where the river ends In Brandon, Browney and Boyne (Gary Miller)
10.
SEE THE WHIPPET RUN I was born and bred into a race of skill It's the drug that gives me speed and thrills With a never ceasing heat in my heart and brain To give me the power of a speeding train See the whippet run Watch it leap the highest hurdles Run rabbit run Keep on heading down that track See the whippet run As it hurtles to the finish line Racing past your train and never looking back There's many a pleasure and delight In being the victor through another man's plight I can see the gold at the rainbow's end So carry me up as the gods descend This race has led me to grief and woe And brought me to arms against friend and foe Yet the fire still burns as bright as before I can win this race and a thousand more (lyrics: Gary Miller / music: Glenn Miller)
11.
EPITAPH AND LAMENT FOR THE SETTING SONS EPITAPH FOR THE SETTING SONS The sacred hearts have crumbled The black crow is on the wing The sun has set on Easington The Tempest was in Vane And the setting sons are tempered By the rising flames again And as a frost descends in winter They melt the coldest stone The feast is left uneaten No banquet comes to town No roast is spitted on the fire Unburned and underground We dug a million tunnels We shouldered through the gloom And we shouldered arms with hands on hearts As we forged a living tomb Now who will scale the mountains That rise up from the ground Who will climb the ladders As they sink without a sound Who will build foundations Now that we are gone Where is the rock that stops the tide Beneath the setting sun (Gary Miller ) LAMENT FOR THE SETTING SONS [Instrumental] (Glenn Miller)
12.
Pitman Tom 04:02
PITMAN TOM Well I know of this little old gadgie You can call him Pitman Tom With lots of bairns and an indomitable thirst How could the bugger go wrong? Not so tall, bow-legged an' all He looked a little bit frail But stick a tanner in his pocket And he was ready for his ale He was down the pit at the age of nine His brother carried him to work And the first thing he could remember Was sitting in the dark Now the coal dust made him thirsty And inspired him to verse So he sold his songs so that all night long He could satisfy his thirst His glory was his pen His muse was a mug of ale His wit was as sharp as a knife in the dark How could the bugger fail? His legs were made of rubber His hands were made of clay His throat was made of sawdust But his words were made to stay One day he went to the co-op But ended up in Durham Gaol He nicked a pair of stockings And the judge refused him bail He said "Tom why did you nick 'em?" And he answered in reply "I'll never see another pair of bow-legged leggings Until the day I die" But now the bugger's gone And buried in his grave And all the folks from 'round about Never recognise his name But if he was alive today He'd write them all a song About that silly old gadgie By the name of Pitman Tom (Gary Miller)
13.
DIGGING FOR VICTORY I always felt I could go it alone Didn't need anyone to say I was wrong Right all the time was my favourite line I could write a book about it now Friendship came and friendship went Like the devil collecting unpaid rent Growing fat on appreciation of myself I never knew love and it never knew me So close the door behind you There's coal upon the fire See you when I see you Tonight I'm bloody tired But I'll be digging for victory While you're snuggled up in bed And while I'm thinking of tomorrow Will you think of me instead Take these coals to Newcastle For that's all you mean to me And hold that light up higher While I dig for victory Just don't ask to join me For I'm standing on my own Where the shadows lengthen on the hearth And the sad winds howl and moan So here's one for the morning And here's one for me Will you toast this master plan of mine That's going to set us free Will you come at last to see me Will you mourn when I come to die Will your love reach out to touch me And hold me as I cry So close the door behind you There's coal upon the fire See you when I see you Tonight I'm bloody tired But I'll be digging for victory While you're snuggled up in bed And while I'm thinking of tomorrow Will you think of me instead The door's now closed behind you There's no warmth from the fire Tonight I'd love to see you Even if you're tired I've stopped digging for victory Now I'm snuggled up in bed And I don't think about tomorrow I just long for you instead (Gary Miller)
14.
HOUSE AND HOME The chill of winter's icy blast Brings the Ghost of Christmas Past At this time of family Will my loved ones think of me? A friendly visit never goes amiss And my mistletoe will accept a kiss From those who fear to tread my door And remind me of the times before My savings are all in the poet To cheer them as they carve the roast I may not have their luxury feed But all their love is all I need And when the chill is in my bones I may not be here when next Christmas comes And when all is said and one Will you love me when I'm gone Well how are you? Long time no see I hear you're married with a child of three Maybe one day I'll meet him yet And we'll share the times that we have left The biscuits are a kind return For all the years that I have yearned To be a full part of your lives But no charity can buy my pride And when the chill is in my bones I may not be here when next Christmas comes And when all is said and one Will you love me when I'm gone And as I sit here all alone I may not be here when next Christmas comes When the Ghost of Christmas Future calls Will you cherish house and home? (Gary Miller)
15.
DOL-LI-A It's fresh I come down Sandgate Street Dol-Li, Dol-Li My best friends here to meet Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dolly Coxon's pawned her shirt Dol-li, Dol-Li To ride upon a baggage cart Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The green cuffs have gone away Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will be a crying day Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The black cuffs are coming in Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will make the lasses sing Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A (Trad. arr. The Whisky Priests)
16.
DOL-LI-A It's fresh I come down Sandgate Street Dol-Li, Dol-Li My best friends here to meet Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dolly Coxon's pawned her shirt Dol-li, Dol-Li To ride upon a baggage cart Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The green cuffs have gone away Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will be a crying day Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The black cuffs are coming in Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will make the lasses sing Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A (Trad. arr. The Whisky Priests)
17.
DOL-LI-A It's fresh I come down Sandgate Street Dol-Li, Dol-Li My best friends here to meet Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dolly Coxon's pawned her shirt Dol-li, Dol-Li To ride upon a baggage cart Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The green cuffs have gone away Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will be a crying day Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A The black cuffs are coming in Dol-Li, Dol-Li That will make the lasses sing Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li, Dol-Li Dol-Li, De-Dillen-Dol Dol-Li-A (Trad. arr. The Whisky Priests)

about

The Whisky Priests third studio album.


Media Reviews:

“Durham’s finest are back, grasping another collection of honest, gritty, shit-hot songs in their grimy fists, to carouse and rabble-rouse. No easy comparisons any more. They’ve stamped their mark on the music with all the authenticity of the hobnail boot, bringing the power of last year’s rollicking live album into a more calculated studio set.
Gary Miller’s thought-provoking lyrics are sung in the distinctive, local ‘pitmatic’ style, musically backed by a band that’s tight as a duck’s ass. But there’s a new, emerging subtlety with the addition of guest musicians, smoothing off some of the rough edges. The Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band was, probably, an obvious choice to add emotive colour, but I didn’t expect Alistair Anderson, on Northumbrian pipes and concertina. Ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser, possibly, adds most to the overall atmosphere, on lap-steel and electric guitars, with some searing lead breaks, but mostly subtle backing, as on ‘Digging For Victory’.
A proud album, with passion and spirit, made on their own terms – a testament to their determination and single-mindedness.”
Neil Pedder, ‘Taplas’, UK, October/November 1994.


“Here are songs of physical and mental power in mine and shipyard forging powerful communities with a proud identity. But the workingman’s power was bought cheap; men of power in the nation abused their power. Serious stuff. Powerful songs about power, sung with power and heartfelt conviction. Songwriter poet Gary Miller magnificently continues the tradition of writing about mining life as exemplified by Tommy Armstrong (1848-1919) – “a small, sharp-faced, bow-legged miner with 14 children and an indomitable thirst” (A.L. Lloyd). Armstrong wrote topical strike songs and disaster ballads to raise money for union funds, for the relief of widows and orphans, and for beer! Gary’s tribute to Tommy is the engaging character sketch ‘Pitman Tom’. I’ve described Gary as a poet because that’s the way his lyrics are developing – words with powerful imagery by a powerful wordsmith.
This album featuring Alistair Anderson whose Northumbrian pipes add a haunting dimension to ‘Brandon, Browney and Boyne’ and the ‘Epitaph’ for Easington Colliery. Additional classy contributions from Fred Purser on lap steel and electric guitar, and brass by members of Bearpark and Esh colliery band once again.
As Miller Bros fans will have anticipated – another memorable album with the songwriting going from strength to strength. The Whisky Priests have always had the Power; perhaps this will bring them the Glory in England that they enjoy in Europe.”
Jenny Coxon, ‘Folk Buzz’, UK, #45, Autumn 1994.


“Building on the success of last year’s scorching live set ‘Bloody Well Live!’, Durham’s finest have in ‘The Power And The Glory’ produced their most ambitious, adventurous and finest collection to date. Now quite definitely their own band and leaving all the easy comparisons behind. They display an inventiveness that is a credit to the songwriting skills, including lap steel, Northumbrian pipes courtesy of Alistair Anderson, a colliery band and the screaming lead breaks of ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser, that all adds so much to the overall atmosphere. Extremely well-rounded songs, intelligently using melody and catchy hooks are the results of years of almost non-stop gigging. The finely tuned musical machine that is The Whisky Priests has now ironed out any creases in their music with the band now equally adept at putting the musical boot in hard or adding subtle nuances for extra emphasis. The lyrical emphasis is obviously still based in the history and culture of their native North East with the poignancy of ‘Three Rivers’, ‘Shot At Dawn’ and ‘Brandon, Browney and Boyne’ screaming epic. The combined strength of masterly and memorable writing and superb delivery gives ‘Power And The Glory’ an authority that sets them apart.”
Sean McGhee, ‘Rock ‘N’ Reel’, UK, Spring 1994.


“Regular readers will doubtless be aware that we like the Priests here at BT Towers.
We love their live shows and we loved their last live album. But, in the studio, they’ve never quite got there. Until now, that is.
‘The Power And The Glory’ gives us a new depth to the Priests on record. Produced by the band and Fred Purser this 13-track album is full of polish, passion and power – trademarks all of the Pitman Poets of Sherburn.
The songs are all strongly in the workingman folk tradition in which the Priests have set their genre. ‘Land of The Dinosaur’ and ‘Three Rivers’, for example, talk of the decline of shipbuilding. Others tell stories of simple working men betrayed by the bosses, the politicians or the Army officers they worked under.
The prime track of these is ‘Epitaph and Lament For The Setting Sons’, a powerful, emotive call for the rights of the working classes blasted out by Gary Miller to a haunting accompaniment by brother Glenn’s accordion and Northumbrian pipes from guest artist Alistair Anderson.
Indeed there are a few guest artists on the album, including tranches of brass from the members of the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, which is well used throughout the album.
The songs, all of them, are fine, with Gary Miller proving yet again what a fine songwriter he really is. The ‘manic folk thrash’ is still there, but there is more besides – a calypso rhythm here, a ska rhythm there – alongside the tried and tested formula.
And while said formula is a winner, it is the best I’ve heard it caught in a studio on this album. Blasters like ‘See The Whippet Run’ and opener ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ are played with a passion and a fury that belies the clarity of the production job.
Gary’s voice is still the unique, booming baritone that can wrench emotion from his lines, backed up with Mick Tyas’ tuneful but powerful singing.
Nick Buck’s drums are blistering throughout, and Paul Carless (mandolin, etc) and Glenn’s accordion provide a melodic edge to the tunes.
The Priests are still huge in Europe – they have recently played gigs in the former Yugoslavia – and still more than cut it live as their recent gig at the Band On The Wall showed.
But now, it seems, they can cut it on record as well. The songs were always there, the talent too, and now they have mastered the studio.
World domination can be but a step away – as long as you, punters, buy the record. The mark. A (9) easy.”
Richard Lewis, ‘The Bury Times’, UK, 29th April 1994.


“The opening bars of ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, the first track on this album, immediately bring to mind the Pogues. I don’t know whether this is a comparison the Whisky Priests would welcome, but the similarity is quickly dispelled by lead singer Gary Miller’s amazing vocal style. It certainly is unique and takes some getting used to, not just because of the County Durham dialect but also for the sheer intensity of it’s delivery. You’re either going to love it or hate it but it certainly can’t be ignored.
My slight concerns at the frantic pace of the opening track were allayed by track 2; ‘When The Wind Blows, Billy Boy’ is slower, calmer, and a sign that there may be good things to come.
And good things to come there certainly are: singer Gary Miller is also the band’s songwriter and the album offers plentiful examples of his skill not only as an excellent wordsmith but also his ability to write downright catchy tunes. ‘Land of The Dinosaur’, one of the album’s many anthems to the lost mining industry, is an excellent example, as is ‘Epitaph and Lament For The Setting Sons’, a wonderful track with Gary’s amazing voice delivering an intense ballad backed only by guest musician Alistair Anderson’s Northumbrian pipes. ‘Digging For Victory’ is a good example of what they do best; an ‘anthem’ style ballad delivered with vocal intensity, a not over-heavy backing and a slow insistent beat.
The County Durham based Whisky Priests are a folk/rock band mixing acoustic and electric instruments. They may be a little heavy for those with more delicate tastes but they certainly have some wonderful tunes and the songs are always delivered with passion. Thoroughly recommended, not only for the folk/rock fan, but for anyone who likes good tunes and good lyrics.”
Alan Hibbert, ‘Folk In Kent’, UK, #90, July/August/September 1994.


“Given the current state of play, there are dozens of bands up and down our country, all with a come-on-along mentality and a roots injection, which makes for high audience empathy. They play to full houses, their cult status is assured and yet they can’t get a shout in the press to save their lives. Eyebrows raised to the heavens they can rightly ask what’s going on?
‘The Power And The Glory’ is the latest instalment in The Whisky Priests’ search for northern soul. Soul as an integrity, soul as in knowing where you’re from and what you’re about. Which is something of a stock-in-trade to the Millers (Gary and Glenn). So passionate are they about their Durham plot that at times there’s almost something tribal here. Durhamite history. ‘Boys’ Own’ scenarios and industrial tribulations form a backcloth and canvas an attitude, which couldn’t operate from anywhere else. Maybe it’s taken a time but now the evidence is there for all to hear – The Whiskies are an English band.”
Simon Jones, ‘Folk Roots’, UK, August 1994.


“The Whisky Priests certainly generate a great deal of energy at their gigs – and I can imagine their fans jigging around to this too.
The sound is solid – with musicianship to match.
The songs combine the traditional mode of storytelling with more topical social issues and attitudes. The subjects (like the singing) have a distinctly Northern flavour – the savage sea, the wasteful war, the pit – even the whippet!
Gary Miller wrote nearly all the music & lyrics – though my personal favourite ‘Three Rivers’ showcases the singing and songwriting talents of bass-player Mick Tyas.
If you fancy your folk music frenetic with lyrics pointed & poetic – buy this!”
Andy Caven, ‘Essex Folk News’, Autumn 1994.


“‘The Power And The Glory’ is the latest release from the band and it builds on the passion and fire of their live act, combined with a more reflective air. What it does is bring the North to life with fire and venom. The feeling that comes through this album is that these guys live and breathe what they are singing about; the music is honest and full of integrity. I have played it a lot and there is so much in it, from the raucous ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ to the more balladic ‘When The Wind Blows, Billy Boy’. Ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser guests to good effect on some of the tracks.
Gary Miller sings in the traditional ‘pitmatic’ style, and added to that one of the tightest bands around then you have music of a distinctive and very high quality. If you like folk-rock, roots music or whatever you want to call it then The Whisky Priests are a band that you should be listening to.”
Kevin Rowland, (from joint review of ‘Bloody Well Live!’ and ‘The Power And The Glory’); ‘Feedback’, UK, Issue 28, 11th April 1995.


“‘The Power And The Glory’ was actually reviewed in an earlier issue of MD, which we received as a cassette. The album itself is given over to chapters as opposed to tracks. I said it then, and I’ll say it again, the imagery of many of the songs is a really strong point here. Stuff like the aforesaid ‘Land of The Dinosaur’, ‘Three Rivers’, ‘Digging For Victory’, and ‘Shot At Dawn’. Again, Gary Miller’s credits dot the songs like confetti at a wedding.”
Dave W. Hughes, (from joint review of ‘Bloody Well Live!’, ‘The Power And The Glory’, ‘When The Wind Blows, Billy Boy’, ‘The First Few Drops’, Nee Gud Luck’, ‘Timeless Street’); ‘The Modern Dance’, UK.


“Having seen and enjoyed The Whisky Priests live (and loud) on several occasions, I was a bit dubious as to whether their material would live up to my expectations. However, I worried without reason! ‘The Power And The Glory’ is every bit as enthusiastic as their live performances – with just a touch (but not a lot) of that studio polish!
Ballads such as ‘When The Wind Blows, Billy Boy’ and ‘Epitaph and Lament…’ along with livelier tunes – ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, ‘Pitman Tom’, and ‘Three Rivers’ provides a good cross section of The Whisky Priests’ material. Musically the album retains the live, almost spontaneous feel. Acoustic and electric guitars, accordion, harmonica and mandolin (not forgetting Gary’s unique vocal style) along with a host of guest musicians combine to give us the unmistakable Whisky Priests sound. An excellent album! If you have never seen or heard them this is the album to introduce you – and get you hooked.”
Alli, UK, 1993.


“Energetic, enthusiastic and gritty. For my first introduction to the Priests I am quite impressed, although Gary Miller’s voice does take some getting used to. The passion of the music is overtaken with his style and could well put many off, but given time, and a couple of plays, something else comes through.
The musical talent of the band is beyond compare and for anyone out there who’s not familiar with your more traditional folk type groups – the Priests hail from Durham – will find comparisons to the Pogues.
The Priests are self-financed; indeed, their operations are similar to how Zappa ran his empire over in the States, although, obviously, these lads aren’t as big – yet!
There are some cracking songs, especially the lyrics. Take ‘Land of The Dinosaur’, for instance: “Here amongst the memories / That belong to yesterday / The monolithic metal beasts / No longer rule the waves / The ruins of a greater age / Lie strewn across wasteland / The dinosaurs are now extinct / Their bones rust in the sand”.
Everything that County Durham once stood for, like mining, shipbuilding, as well as the traditional folk roots from that area, are utilised to their fullest capacity. There are some truly evocative songs with a poet’s eye for detail.
As I said above though, his voice takes some getting used to, but once there the rewards are pretty deep and meaningful. Superficial – not.”

credits

released April 1, 1994

The Whisky Priests line-up on this recording:

Gary Miller – Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Mandola
Glenn Miller – Accordion, Piano, Keyboards, Jaw Harp
Mick Tyas – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Paul Carless – Mandolin, Harmonicas
Nick Buck – Drums, Percussion

Guest Musicians:
Alistair Anderson – Northumbrian Pipes, English Concertina
Fred Purser – Lap Steel, Electric Guitar
Mike McGrother – Fiddle

Members of Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band – Brass:
Conducted and arranged by Dave Young
Garry Mitchell – Cornet
David Patterson – Cornet
Sandra Rothwell – Euphonium
Alun Young – Baritone


Original album ℗ & © 1994 Whippet Records
This Compilation ℗ & © 2016 Whippet Records

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Gary Miller Durham, UK

Gary Miller first rose to international prominence with folk-punk/rock pioneers The Whisky Priests (1985-2002), founded with his twin brother Glenn - “the Joe Strummer and Mick Jones of Folk Music". He now performs as a solo artist and with his new band 'Gary Miller's Big Picture' whose debut album is coming soon. ... more

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