Chicken Shack
Accept Chicken Shack

Accept is the fourth and final work by Chicken Shack under Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon label and the last with the original lineup. Released in July 1970, the album marks a turning point for the band led by Stan Webb, following the departure of Christine Perfect (the group's first vocalist), who was replaced by Paul Raymond on piano and organ. The sound becomes more eclectic compared to the earlier albums, adding rock, and folk to its bluesy roots, creating what I believe is a very interesting album.

Stan, always accompanied by Andy Sylvester on bass and Dave Bidwell on drums, writes many of the tracks in partnership with Raymond; the opener "Diary of Your Life" immediately lays the foundations for what the work will contain, a riff that can be described as Rock/Blues, with Stan's voice in excellent form, one of the most valid tracks by the Shack. Next is "Pocket," a slightly more folkish number, with Stan's voice wrapped in a very present reverb, the rhythm section always solid, and Stan's guitar painting melodies. "Never Ever" is another catchy yet soft track at the same time, with bass and drums doing an excellent job here as well. Then comes "Sad Clown," a small instrumental episode with acoustic guitar that slightly recalls more western atmospheres. "Maudie" is a single taken from the album, opening with an acoustic guitar with 60's reminiscences and a melody that varies from rock blues to more elegant English pop. Closing the first side is "Telling your Fortune," one of Webb's most successful tracks, a very tight riff, direct voice, impeccable rhythm, and a solo in the middle that outlines Stan's skill, then resuming the track left on hold. Side B opens with "Tired Eyes," which I call a gem by Stan, this version features a string section adding more sweetness to the track, a masterpiece. Next is "Some Other Time," an experimental track for Chicken Shack, with a trumpet and again strings here, and a melody that remains memorable, accompanied by vocalist Alison Young. "Going Round" is another track that stays true to the album's style, another rock blues contaminated with some noticeable bursts of Stan's guitar. Another instrumental "Andalucian Blues" repeats the more western and Spanish atmosphere with the acoustic guitar taking the lead. "You Knew You Did You Did" is a typical Stan-style track, one of my favorites; the riff is a descent accompanied by Webb's warm voice and the band's harmonious blend. Closing the album is "She Didn't Use Her Loaf," a more pop and melodic track with a very inspired final entrance by Stan's guitar. The album notes another track named "Apple Tart," lasting 2 seconds.

After this album, Stan has recreated various lineups while always maintaining the name Chicken Shack, and he is still active mostly in the English circuits. I attended one of their shows in London last October, being impressed by the energy and refinement of Stan, as well as the rest of the band.