Album Mini-review: Sshh — Issues
File next to: The Pretenders, Transvision Vamp
Zak Starkey has already had a fascinating career. The son of Ringo Starr, Zak was given drum lessons by “uncle” Keith Moon, made a great, hard-to-find album with powerpop hero Will Owsley, drummed with Oasis, and eventually took Moon’s seat as drummer for the Who. But none of those activities hinted at his latest project: a new band, Sssh, with longtime girlfriend Sssh Liguz. Here, Starkey leaves the drum kit behind; he plays guitar and Sshh sings. Cleverly on this album of 11 covers, the duo enlists (whenever possible) the rhythm sections that recorded the originals. Highlights are many on this idiosyncratic collection, including “Problems” (with Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Glen Matlock), “All the Young Dudes (featuring Mick Ralphs), and Primal Scream‘s “Shoot Speed Kill Light” (with Darren Moonie and Simone Butler). Profits from sales go to the Teenage Cancer Trust charity
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.