LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Rachel's Place Belinda Poor Man's Son You Are The Singer Fuel To Burn Broken rainbows The Last Match Sittin' On A Wood Floor Papa Didn't Tell Me My Load Salvation Song My Life Is Starting From Today Little Miss Understood Battefield Stardust Seranade Happy (Hollywood Symphony) Runnin' Away From Love Two Worlds Ray Of Sunshine Rockin' Chair Tomorrow On My Mind (Tracks 17-20 released as Smith & d'Abo) Mike d’Abo’s career has enjoyed a considerable resurgence in recent years, due in no small part to the renewed interest in two of his best known songs from the 60’s, ‘Handbags & Gladrags’, and ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’. This collection of songs, which makes up Volume 2, (title is from another famous d'Abo song as covered by Rod Stewart) is compiled from recordings he made from 1972 - 1976, and is a worthy sequel to THE MIKE d’ABO COLLECTION VOLUME 1, which traced his early recording career from 1964 - 1970. Featured here is the absolute cream of no less than three of his albums from the 70’s, d’ABO DOWN AT RACHEL’S PLACE (1972), BROKEN RAINBOWS (1974) and, finally, SMITH & d’ABO (1976) - an album which brought together the twin talents of d’Abo and the former Dave Clark Five pianist and singer, Mike Smith. A bonus track is also included, ‘Stardust Serenade’, previously only available in Japan, and released there as a single in 1974. All the familiar hallmarks of d’Abo’s writing can be heard in this collection of songs. They conjure up images of a romantic dreamer, often treading a rocky path in search of spiritual fulfilment. Yet, in spite of setbacks, the message conveyed is one of hope. These images accurately reflect d’Abo’s own recollections of those years back in the early 70’s. "..his later solo work proves to be an unexpected treat " John Harris/ Q "..this eponymous offering also intimates that’s its maker was more worthy than Elton John or Cat Stevens to be a British colossus of the post-Woodstock school of singer-songwriters ." Alan Clayson / Record Buyer & Music Collector