Not all albums live up to their names, but Good News, Bad News is not just any album. The band is Glasgow’s The Sweetheart Revue, headed by singer-songwriter-guitarist Gerard Sampaio, who is joined by Jack Cocker (guitar/vocals), Liam McArdle (bass), Heather Phillips (violin/vocals), Moshe Price (drums), and Jen McKee (cello/accordion/piano/vocals). They have been together since 2007, but recording Good News, Bad News presented two special challenges: Recording an album during a pandemic with several associated lockdowns; and Gerald’s inoperable brain tumor. Not surprisingly, the latter challenge provides the “bad news” portion of the proceedings, addressed in several songs with an admirably positive outlook. However, the album contains good news songs as well. But whether delivering good news or bad news, the songwriting and performances are top shelf. Rarely do we encounter an album with this level of humanity and connectedness, and we treasure it. We encourage you to do so as well.
In addition to the members listed above, additional assistance was provided by Tim Davidson (pedal steel guitar), Jamie Houston (keys), J.P. Berrie (horns) Gordon Kyle (horns).
Good News, Bad News is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Last Night From Glasgow.