No Frills Reviews

For my second classic recommendation I’ve went with a change of pace from last week. This one is a hidden gem from a cult folk songwriter.

Bill Fay Sing Us One of Your Songs May

Bill Fay is a an English songwriter who had a couple of albums in the early 70s, then pretty much faded into obscurity before eventually releasing a new album 40 years later.

This one is from his 1970 self-titled debut. His other stuff is in more of a straightforward folk style, with some orchestral touches mixed in. This stands out due to its spoken word simplicity. There’s no verse/chorus structure, just an extended intro of an army marching band drum, followed by a toned down piano line backing his words for two minutes. But that’s all it needs as it really allows those words to hit home.

It’s him eulogising/comforting a family member of a young man who has been killed in war. I’ve got no personal experience on the topic, but I think with the likes of all the coverage of the Ukraine war (combined with me getting softer in my old age), it just feels very real. The words aren’t really anything special, they’re almost generic in a way, which actually makes it all the sadder – like having a copy and paste template for mourning.

One for when you’re feeling melancholic and want to wallow for a bit.

Rating:

Try next: I Hear You Calling