One of THE most iconic albums to hail from Merseyside. H.M.S. Fable was the third LP released from Shack following 1988s Zilch and 1995s Waterpistol. A collection of majestic storytelling in guitar form, written by two extraordinarily talented brothers, Michael & John Head.

Originally released on Laurel Records/London Records in 1999, the band at that time comprised of MICHAEL HEAD – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar JOHN HEAD – Electric Guitar, Vocals REN PARRY- Bass Guitar IAIN TEMPLETON – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals.

The album was voted #2 in both NME and Uncuts critics album of the year polls, only missing out to The Flaming Lips The Soft Bulletin in both.

Now released on the bands newly-formed label Shack Songs, H.M.S. Fable encompasses many musical styles, from orchestral guitar pop to psychedelic-tinged folk and even elements of Britpop, nicely summed up by the editor of NME Steve Sutherland in a 9/10 review, in June 1999:

Not since Liam Gallagher howled his early indolent disdain has this music sounded so alive. ‘Pull Together’ is an anthem easily the equal of Oasis at their most loved-up and huge. Comedy’ tender and uplifting, like the missing track from ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Daniella’ a haunted and exhausted homage to Head’s hero Arthur Lee, and ‘Lend Some Dough’ a rollicking Scouse Play For Today with a chorus that goes, “I’ve got a sore back and I’m itching

The Shack story is one of musics greatest legends. It incorporates hardship, bereavement and chaotic misadventure, but above all it tells the tale of beautiful music triumphing over trouble and tragedy.

In the 80s, the two brothers from the notorious Kensington estate in north Liverpool were singer and guitarist with The Pale Fountains, an effervescent pop group which imploded under the weight of two albums in 1986. The Heads returned in 88 as Shack and a debut album Zilch. In 1991, Shack made Waterpistol, an inspirational guitar jewel that would have proved just as influential as any British album in that era had the studio not burned down, taking the master tapes with it. Four more years passed, but by the time it was finally released on Marina it had developed lost classic status.

The Heads battled on. They toured as their hero Arthur Lee (RIP) of Loves backing band. In 97, they created a new group called The Strands and recorded the delicate, dreamy masterpiece The Magical World Of The Strands. They spent a long time making another classic H.M.S. Fable…