Helen McCookerybook - Showtunes from the Shadows (2025)

Helen McCookerybook has been performing music since punk's 1977 heyday, with combos such The Chefs, Skat and Helen & the Horns.

She's released a multitude of solo and collaborative albums in the past two decades, all replete with her wit, winsome charm and wonderful tunes . . . but none of these newer efforts has seen release on vinyl until this one.

"Showtunes from the Shadows" stands with her best work, evoking the punk's directness and individuality, albeit in a pleasingly melodic setting. Fans of Young Marble Giants and Marine Girls will find quite a lot to love here, although no comparisons do justice to her unique style and allure.

Musical guests include The Raincoats' Gina Birch, Winston Blissett of Massive Attack, Robert Rotifer, The Monochrome Set's Lester Square, James McCallum from The Chefs / Skat, Jack Hayter and the immortal Terry Edwards.

Tracklist:
1-1 Helen McCookerybook - Three Cheers For Toytown
1-2 Helen McCookerybook - The Ginger Line
1-3 Helen McCookerybook - Reaching For Hope
1-4 Helen McCookerybook - Metaforte
1-5 Helen McCookerybook - It Wasn't Me
1-6 Helen McCookerybook - Almost There
1-7 Helen McCookerybook - Sixties Guy
1-8 Helen McCookerybook - Puppet
1-9 Helen McCookerybook - Margaux Interlude
1-10 Helen McCookerybook - Spy
1-11 Helen McCookerybook - The Porter Rose At Dawn
1-12 Helen McCookerybook - Send In The Detectives