BILL FAY 's/t' CD (UK, Esoteric Recordings, Catalogue #ECLEC 2037) Brand new/unplayed copy of superior Esoteric Recordings label CD edition of debut album (originally released on the Deram Nova label) from 1970 by Bill Fay. This CD edition includes the two tracks from Fay's debut recording (and only single release) from 1967 as bonus tracks.
'Bill Fay is an enigmatic UK based singer, songwriter and pianist whose work is impossible to categorise. His late '60s and early '70s work has a strong cult following, is highly regarded my many music journalists and is dark and haunting with songs rarely going over three minutes. Bill was originally signed to Decca and between 1967 and 1971 the label released a beautifully odd single ('Some Good Advice'/.'Screams In The Ears') and two excellent albums (the lushly orchestrated Bill Fay and the rawer, more rock-oriented Time Of The Last Persecution). Bill's fantastic songs have touched and inspired many - his fans include country rockers Wilco, songwriter/producer Jim O'Rourke, Ben Chasny of Six Organs Of Admittance and David Michael of Current 93.
'Bill Fay recorded two of the most beguiling and original albums of their time. A Londoner who'd studied electronics at Bangor University before deciding to pursue a career in music, he came to Decca's attention via Honeybus's manager Terry Noon early in 1967 and his sole single, Some Good Advice, appeared that August. It's now one of the hardest Deram 45s to locate. Backed by The Fingers and produced by Peter Eden, who'd discovered Donovan and was later to produce The Crocheted Doughnut Ring, Heron and others, it was a haunting message song whose surreal piano-led flipside hinted at the darker themes he'd later explore. Decca declined to issue a follow-up, so Fay accepted a bizarre range of temporary jobs while continuing to write. His demos from the time are compiled on the excellent From The Bottom Of An Old Grandfather Clock compilation and included the memorable Maxine's Parlour, recorded by Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Eden hadn't forgotten Fay, however, and when Decca announced its budget Nova series in 1969, he negotiated an album deal. Recording of his debut began with Honeybus backing him, but when Pete Dello left the band, the sessions were started again, this time with orchestral arrangements courtesy of Mike Gibbs (a jazzman who made a couple of rare Deram albums himself). Though is was largely recorded in a day, and with no second takes, it's delightfully original and rounded, containing excellent songs like the dramatic The Sun Is Bored, the aching Cannons Plain and the beautiful Be Not So Fearful. Fay barely played live, however, and radio play proved elusive, so it slipped into obscurity despite being relaunched in the late summer of 1970 following a glowing review in ZigZag. All was not lost, though. Fay's friendship with Dello had awakened an interest in religion and philosophy that guitarist Ray Russell (who'd played on his debut and went on to form Running Man and Mouse, among many other projects) had encouraged. When Decca authorized a follow-up, Eden suggested Russell produce it in his place. The result, the partly-improvised Time Of The Last Persecution, was recorded in a single day in October 1970 and stands as one of the more challenging and personal records to emerge from England in the period. Showcasing Fay's warm singing and delicate piano playing alongside Russell's astounding guitar style and some remarkably powerful drumming from Alan Rushton, its' an often unbearably intense and poignant account of his personal, political and spiritual struggles, alternating simple songs of great beauty (I Hear You Calling) with squalling epics (Till The Christ Comes Back) and unreservedly recommended to anyone with adventurous tastes.' - The Tapestry Of Delights
Tracks on this CD are as follows:
- Garden Song
- The Sun Is Bored
- We Want You To Stay
- Narrow Way
- We Have Laid Here
- Sing Us One Of Your Songs May
- Gentle Willie
- Methane River
- The Room
- Goodnight Stan
- Cannons Plain
- Be Not So Fearful
- Down To The Bridge
- Screams In The Ears
- Some Good Advice
Shipping in US is $3.00./CANADA (AIRMAIL) is $3.50./OVERSEAS AIRMAIL is $5.50. (Shipping totals will be consolidated for multiple winning bids.)
Back to Search Results
) 
Giant Leech Enterprises
Print
Report item
and your 