Cheapskate is one of those absolute gems that lie hidden as far as mass recognition goes, because they don’t have the financial and promotional muscle of a major record label behind them.

This EP is bursting with witty, inventive, beautifully crafted Bluenote songs in a Scouse accent that bring a smile to the face and a lift to the heart. It reminds a little of the great Alan Price and Georgie Fame, with its utterly groovy hepcat feel that somehow has you thinking of British crime caper Gangster no.1.

If the sound production is a little raw in places, it somehow adds to the authentic feel, resulting in something both evocative and interesting. It’s a fantastic EP, crammed full of Cheapskate’s hugely likeable exuberant Nu-Scouse merriment, which has your toes tapping from the word go.

And while you’re on his MySpace site listening to his fabulous music, do yourself a favour and read his blog about Rod Hull and Emu. It is the funniest thing I have read in a long time!