I bought this CD from Gordon McIntyre of ballboy on 5 March 2004, at his gig at Wimbledon Library, as photographed here by Andy. Very genteel to have a gig in a library (there's a couple of guys who promote such events in libraries across South London, and who also perform under the name of Project Adorno). Andy was able to bring his nine-year-old son, though I think he got a little bored.
It is by some distance my favourite ballboy album. Mainly because I prefer the acoustic arrangements to those on The Royal Theatre. But also because of the beautiful tunes, sharp-witted lyrics and good choice of covers.
Anyone who covers Galaxie 500 will always have a friend in me. The choice of Born in the USA is more unusual. Astutely the band hold back the chorus until right at the end, and don't repeat it, to cut away the anthemic bluster of the original. However, Gordon introduced it live as "the greatest anti-war song ever", and I can't quite see that. It's fun to play to other people, though, and clock how long it takes for them to recognise the song.
Gordon also explained that the 'title' track The Sash My Father Wore was so-called because it's impossible to copyright or trademark a song title, so he wanted protestant Rangers fans to search for and buy his song — see the lyrics.
I can't think of any pop music albums I like more than this. It's up there with Blondie.
 MusicBrainz entry for this album
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