Three years is a long time and a lot can happen - for better or for worse. In this case its most definitely for the better. Although Lister's blues roots are still evident in his playing, it's his song writing that has progressed. Not content to just stay at one level, this album positively pushes the boundaries on every level. "I wanted an album that represented where I am at right now. My musical tastes have diversified a lot over the last couple of years which is probably reflected in my writing."

Release Date

11/2002

 

Release Notes

Aynsley Lister - ALL OR NOTHING
After nearly three years since his last full band album, 'All Or Nothing' has been long in the coming so you would be forgiven for wondering what this new album sounds like. Lister's last release on Ruf was an all out stripped down solo acoustic album full of Blues classics - a contrast if any to the power blues-rock of his previous album 'Everything I Need'. So what next you might ask?
Three years is a long time and a lot can happen - for better or for worse. In this case its most definitely for the better. Although Lister's blues roots are still evident in his playing, it's his song writing that has progressed. Not content to just stay at one level, this album positively pushes the boundaries on every level. "I wanted an album that represented where I am at right now. My musical tastes have diversified a lot over the last couple of years which is probably reflected in my writing."
Produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia etc.), this album is proof that Lister is continually progressing and pushing himself to the limits both in performance and song writing and exemplifies better than any album yet that Lister is his own man with his career laid right in front of him.
The opening track 'Say Goodbye' kicks in hard with a solid drum groove before the guitars and bass join in to leave you in no doubt you're gonna like this album. 'Nothin` At All' is pure radio friendly with a great melody and shows Lister's vocals off very well indeed as well as the great production from Greg Haver. 'Balls Of Steel' does sound quite familiar though... "I've always loved AC/DC and like the simplicity of their songs so I thought I'd do one in that style. There's no hiding the fact of where I got the inspiration for that song!" So Lister tips his hat to Angus - well if any, this would be the track that leads on from his last album.
Haver's production takes a front seat again on 'What U Got 4 Me' where Lister shows he is not shy to move away from the Blues altogether before dispensing with the band for just one track where he is playing and singing solo a beautifully melodic song called 'Without Wings'. The one and only cover on the album of Hendrix's 'Crosstown Traffic' sounds as though it was recorded live in the studio (maybe it was) and is a perfect album-closer showcasing just Lister, James Townend on bass and Alex Thomas on drums going at it full tilt - if you have never experienced Lister live and then hear this, you'll be booking tickets for his next show before the album stops spinning in your CD player!
'All Or Nothing' is definitely a very guitar driven album but don't be fooled into thinking this is all guitar and nothing else. Lister's choice of musicians is first class and they all do the job brilliantly to compliment both each other and the songs played. Lister's vocals are again stronger and more mature and carry the songs over better than ever with his guitar playing easily being the best yet to make it onto record.
So where next? Where can Lister go from here? Well, indeed anywhere he wants to - this is the perfect crossover album from a young man with the whole world in front of him.

 

Tracklist

1. Say Goodbye
2. Hero
3. Nothin At All
4. What U Got 4 Me
5. Rainy Day
6. Balls Of Steel
7. Without Wings
8. Comin´ Home 2 U
9. Sometimes It Gets 2 Me