If this was 1971, I might get a little excited about Bill Fay's self-titled debut CD. It contained classic late-60s, storyteller folk rock, with enough unique twists and instrumental passages to keep everything interesting and unique. But since Eclectic Entertainment Limited reissued this CD in 2005, with 2 bonus tracks, Bill Fay goes down as an album who's time has come and gone.
One part Eric Andersen, one part Al Stewart with a dash of Scott Miller (I know this pre-dates Loud Family by 25 years), and you get the songs of Bill Fay. He claims to be a cross between Dylan and Nick Drake, but he neither has the perspective of Dylan or the ability to touch you like Drake. Fay is a piano player, and although the songs contain piano, this is not a keyboard driven CD. In fact, the rhythm section of John Marshall and the bass of George Bird keep this CD from delving too deep into fold territory. There is no doubt that this is accessible and on the mellow end, but there is a serious musical quality to all of the songs.
Highlights of the CD include the lost beatnik tunes "Garden Song", "Methane River", and "Narrow Way". "The Sun Is Bored" and "Be Not So Fearful" also are songs that should have been heard in the 70s, but don't translate well to 2006. And that really is the point of re-issuing an album, to show it still maters 30 years later. Unfortunately, Bill Fay doesn't hold up to that high standard.
Track Listing
1. Garden Song
2. The Sun is Bored
3. We Want You To Stay
4. Narrow Way
5. We Have Laid Here
6. Sing Us One Of Your Songs May
7. Gentle Willie
8. Methane River
9. The Room
10. Goodnight Stan
11. Cannons Plain
12. Be Not So Fearful
13. Down To The Bridge
Bonus
14. Screams In the Ears
15. Some Good Advice
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