Mike d'Abo
 A Little Miss Understood - Mike d'Abo Collection Vol. 2
rpm264 |
 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 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)
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The Mike D'Arbo Collection Volume 1 1964-1970
rpm232 |
 This is the first ever collection of this very talented singer, songwriter, producer, arranger. From his first sides with the John Barry produced Band Of Angels, through a sample of his Manfred Mann recordings and onto his solo singles plus debut album in 1970. The emphasis is very much on D'Arbos own songs and there is a fascinating progression of songwriting styles reflecting the times that this compilation covers. The compilation ends with D'Arbo's version of his own hit composition Hand bags and Gladrags, made a hit by Chris Farlowe and Rod Stewart and recently used as the theme to BBC2 comedy show The Office.Me Band Of Angels / Not Time As Yet / Gonna Make A Woman Of You / She'll Never Be You / Too Late My Love / Invitation / The Vicar's Daughter / Manfred Mann / Trouble And Tea / Box Office Draw / Miss Me In The Morning / Mike D'Arbo / Cinderella Arabella / Because You Are / Mike D'Arbo / Let It Roar / Walk A Million Miles / As long As I Have Loving / Mary, Warm My Bed / Call My Heart Your Home, Girl / The Ladder (When The Sun Comes Shining Through / Maria Maria / Woman In My Life / Clancy / Californian Line / Oh! What A Day / Handbags And Gladrags
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