A collection of wryly observed, often melancholic, singer-songwriter tracks from a period when such records aimed for both introspection and a degree of pop accessibility. Short's acoustic guitar work is central, supported by sympathetic, understated arrangements.
- The album was recorded at the kitchens of the BBC Broadcasting House in London. It was produced by John Stewart. The album reached number 183 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- The album was released on the Transatlantic Records label in June 1971. It featured guest appearances from Dave Mattacks and Danny Thompson.
- The title track, "Anything for a Laugh," was later covered by Fairport Convention. The album received a mixed reception from critics at the time, with some praising its lyrical content and others finding it too derivative of contemporary folk artists.
Brian Short was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist from London, active in the 1970s folk and rock scenes. "Anything for a Laugh" was his debut album, released when the singer-songwriter boom was at its peak.
Tracklist
