Beans on Toast: The Grand Scheme of Things

The Grand Scheme of Things
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Artist: Beans on Toast
Genre: Singer / Songwriter
Label: Xtra Mile Recordings

Like a foul-mouthed Billy Bragg, one-man “drunk folk” band Beans on Toast uses music as a vehicle for his politically and socially conscious invectives, although you get the impression that Jay McAllister doesn’t take himself that seriously.

The Londoner's sixth album tackles everything from war (The War on War) to globalisation (All I See is Wagamama), while The Chicken Song is a tentative animal rights- led tune.

Elsewhere, Lizzy's Cooking is a "non-chauvinistic" ode to his fiancée's skill in the kitchen and Fuck You Nashville's lyrics ("the Disneyland of country music, a cheeseburger of contradiction") will have you laughing out loud.

Despite their rudimentary nature – acoustic guitar, harmonica, occasional piano – there is something refreshing about the way Beans on Toast’s songs are served.

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Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times