Donald Eric Partridge (1941-2010) was a British singer/songwriter with a story so both comprehensive and interesting I couldn't do it justice here. For deeper knowledge I recommend Wikipedia and his own tale on the rear sleeve shown below. After leaving home at age 15 and trying to provide through various crafts, including burgling, he found his way as a "busker" (street musician), developing skills as a one-man band. Though many of the street performances ended in arrests and fines he soon developed a following which led to assorted appearances in TV-shows, films and a contract with Columbia Records. First single for the label "Rosie" got to #4 in UK and the second "Blue Eyes" managed #3, but that was about it. He continued to record and perform, solo or in various constellations, up to his death at age 68 and then often back in the streets where he felt most at home. I've always loved those two songs. Very simple and direct, hitting me as 100% honest and very catchy. And since they're both on this album it's enough to make it a sure keeper, but there are also other things to enjoy here. "Following Your Fancy" a soft beautiful ballad with neat orchestal backing, "Keep Your Hands Off Her" in the same busking style as "Rosie" and the acoustic jazzy cover of Big Bill Broonzy's "Black, Brown & White Blues". Doing a cover of "Dock Of The Bay" was clearly too much for him to chew, but most of the rest well worth spinning. "Rosie" comes as enhanced mono, the rest true stereo with excellent audio. French issue on Columbia (SCTX 340.794). US 1969 release named "Street Busker" came as an eleven-track with different sleeve design (Capitol ST-197). UK 2009 CD on Cherry Red (CDM RED 402) added five bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as mono SX 6280) had label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover with EMI ad inner. (SYSÖ*)
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