DAVID McWILLIAMS/ VOL. 2 MMLP 10 (-67) UK MONO

 David McWilliams (1945-2002) was a singer/songwriter from Northern Ireland. Though releasing a number of ok selling albums and 45:s from 1967 up to his death  he is today often seen as a one-hit-wonder for his biggest hit - "Days Of Pearly Spencer". I've had this and the follow-up LP "Vol. 3"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/11/david-mcwilliams-vol-3-mmlp-11-67.html  for decades and always liked them for the well written songs handeled by Mike Leander's tophole production and arrangements. And among many good tracks there's one that really nails it, one that at least in my book is worth to be uplifted as an all time classic - "Days Of Pearly Spencer". An uptempo ballad about a homeless alcoholic about to take his last steps. The refrain is absolutely hauting with its contrast between the low-fi vocals - apparently created by McWilliams singing from a phone box near the studio - and Leander's beautiful string arrangements. It can still give me sweet goosebumps after all those years and I'll probably never get tired of hearing it. And this UK mono captures it perfectly - strangely smooth and hard hitting at the same time. Vinyl issues also in Canada (Epic BE 803) Japan (Columbia YS-2024-M), Downunder (Decca SKLA 7640) and all over Europe. US 1969 10-track version on Kapp had other sleeve design. French 2002 CD on Magic Records (3930160) came with three bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as stereo SMLP 10) had ridged label as shown here in a laminated cover.