Concept album the perfect backing track to Ashes

ON CRICKET:THE ASHES series that gets under way next week is bound to prove the highlight for cricket fans this summer as one of the greatest sporting rivalries unfolds. Now, though, it is set to have its own backing track as two Irishmen launch an album dedicated entirely to their love of the sport. Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and Thomas Walsh of Dublin band Pugwash have put their considerable talents together under the moniker of The Duckworth Lewis Method and the resulting album of the same name takes to the crease this Friday.

The pair have even taken on personas with Walsh (Duckworth) growing a beard to do a good impression of WG Grace, while Hannon (Lewis) sports a set of whiskers and sun hat reminiscent of former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell. As well as their fascination with the game, the duo also share a passion for all things pop, and a love of the music of The Electric Light Orchestra.

The resulting 12-track concept album combines all those interests to telling effect in what may spark off a new musical genre. Crickpop anybody?

Of course they are not the first Irishmen to use cricket in their writing, although Brendan Behan may not have been much of a fan of the game when he penned The Captains and the Kings, his brilliant satirical look at English life.

The album’s lead single, The Age of Revolution, looks at the movement of cricket’s power base away from England over recent decades. The incredible riches now on offer are also touched on with a line Behan would be proud of: “Always denied entry by the English gentry/Now we’re driving Bentleys, playing Twenty20”.

One of the highlights of the album comes in Jiggery Pokery, recalling Shane Warne’s ball of the century from the unfortunate standpoint of England batsman Mike Gatting. It includes Graham Gooch’s cruel comment in its closing verse. “How such a ball could be bowled, I don’t know but if you ask me/If it had been a cheese roll it would never have got past me”.

In Meeting Mr Miandad our intrepid duo decide to follow a dream and take a trip to Pakistan in a camper van to meet the legendary batsman. Ridiculous maybe, but set against a brilliant soundtrack, you’ll be singing it away to yourself in no time at all.

The song-writing skills of the Hannon and Walsh come to the fore, or should that be six, on The Nightwatchman. For so long considered cricket’s most unglamorous role, the duo have penned a love song that elevates the status to positively heroic. “I’m the Nightwatchman, I take the fall, I’ll always be around when you call/’Cause all that I have is yours, I give it all and more/To be by your side in the morning light.” Jimmy Anderson might have a few more takers for the role from now on.

Walsh evokes memories of childhood summers in Flatten The Hay as he recounts makeshift games on family holidays in Arklow and Courtown with the beautiful line, “Night would creep in on our Indian Summer/But tomorrow would bring a new crease to discover”.

The original idea, hatched over pints in a Dublin pub, was to help gain entry into a cricket match or two. They have succeeded in spectacular fashion, with an English pre-release gig taking place at The Oval next Tuesday.

Fans here will get their chance to catch them at Tower Records in Wicklow Street tomorrow at 5pm, while they plan to announce some Irish tour dates for later in the summer.

Of course, reviewing cricket albums may require a brand new rating system. In this case we’ll go for the stump scale and the Duckworth Lewis Method take all three – bails and all. It’s a yorker!

Listen to tracks from the album at www.dlmethod.com