Mr Scruff: Academy

Monday 10th November 2008

This is a Crackerjack review of Mr Scruff. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 6 / 10.

Fish, tea and jazz may seem unlikely ingredients for a great Saturday night, but then Mr Scruff has always done things a little differently.

Scruff, aka Andy Carthy, has been manning the decks for 14 years now.
He released a series of albums characterised by his distinctive cartoon artwork, and twin obsessions with the nation’s favourite drink and the life aquatic.

It’s been six years since his last LP, so it was surprising so many people turned out for one of his legendary six-hour performances. Which made it all the more disappointing that what could have been a showcase for his own quirky blend of jazzy beats was marred by an over-reliance on other people’s work.

After a lengthy build-up during which, frankly, he could have been any faceless DJ, Scruff finally began playing his own tunes just before midnight. He started well with Music Takes Me Up, the highlight of the new album Ninja Tuna. His trademark drawings throbbed on two giant screens, broadcasting inspirational messages such as “wobble those legs”.

But while his own material was strong, the other tunes were hit-and-miss – including some fairly dodgy 70s disco and house letting the side down.

The night’s best moment came when he played arguably his best-known single Get A Move On, which saw a packed crowd throwing shapes like there was no tomorrow. Its just a pity the rest of the set wasn’t as strong.

Sam Rkaina

This is a Crackerjack review of Mr Scruff. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.