Danny Wilson

Posted by: Mike Hanson on 11 June 2002

I was driving to a client's yesterday, and realized that I hadn't brought any CDs with me. Oh well, I figured I may as well listen to the radio. After scanning the stations and deciding that I couldn't stand any of it, I started rummaging through the storage compartment between the two seats, hoping for a bit of luck. I'm not sure how long I had it in sitting in there, but I discovered an old cassette version of "Meet Danny Wilson".

This had been a real favorite of mine many moons ago, and I rekindled my appreciation of it. It's what many would call "intelligent pop": great songs, cool arrangements, and pretty good production. (I can't speak to the sound quality, because all I've got is this old cassette.) If anyone hasn't heard this (it contains the hit single "Mary's Prayer"), then you should definitely give it a spin. Sadly, their second offering, "Be Bop Mop Top", was quite dull. The production and arrangements were good, but the songs were generally lackluster. They disbanded soon after that.

The songwriter for the band was Gary Clark, and I just found out that he released a solo album in 2001 entitled "Ten Short Songs About Love". Has anyone heard this? Is it any good? Perhaps I'll just go ahead and order it.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 12 June 2002 by Stephen Bennett
"Ten Short Songs About Love", is a great album. If you like the DW stuff I think you'll like this. He's also collaborated with Eddie Reader and Boo Hewerdine in the past too.

Regards

Stephen
Posted on: 12 June 2002 by Mike Hanson
Thanks, Stephen. I guess that cinches it. I'll let you know what I think once I get a copy.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 13 June 2002 by Mike Hanson
I've found this site: http://theacf.com/gclark/ It's got loads of information. The problem is much of this stuff is hard to find, but I'm sure I'll get enough to satisfy my desires.

Often when I go on these mad searches, the "secondary" material from the artists is disappointing (even though their core fans view it as manna from heaven). Kevin Gilbert was a good example of this. I really enjoyed "Thud" and "Shaming of the True". However, his earlier work with Toy Matinee wasn't nearly as polished or enjoyable. Oh well, here we go again...

-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 13 June 2002 by Stephen Bennett
I have Toy Matinee too. very disappointing.

Try

http://www.rainsound.net/

for more info on Clark & others.

Anyone else like Eg & Alice album? I thought it was wonderful.

Stephen