BARRY RYAN/BARRY RYAN SINGS PAUL RYAN MGM-CS-8106 (-69) UK

 

 

  British twin brothers Barry (1948-2021) and Paul (1948-92) Ryan achieved success in UK as a pop duo in the mid-sixties. Within a couple of years they managed eight top fifty numbers on the UK list, whereof "Dont Bring Me Your Heartaches" reached highest at #13. But by 1968 Paul couldn't stand the stress of artist life and decided to step back and just work as songwriter. Their first offer as a composer/performer duo - "Eloise" - became a huge international success, managing #2 in UK and and #1 in seventeen countries, selling over three million copies. This follow-up album sold ok initially, but soon seems to have lost appeal and moved to the cheap bins.  Listening today one may think that was unfair. It's clear the label went all in with orchestral arrangements by Johnny Arthey (1930-2007), who also had worked with Petula Clark, Mary Hopkin and Engelbert Humperdinck among others. Both production and audio are tophole, providing very good listening. Musically bombastic and melodic with tons of feelings sipping through. Maybe not my daily choice, but if in a romantic mood or wanting to grieve lost loves it's perfect. Favorite tracks - "Eloise", "Why Do You Cry My Love" and "My Mama". Issued on vinyl over Europe, Downunder and South America, but to my knowledge never in US. EU 1991 CD on Polydor (849 070-2). Premiere UK (also as mono C-8106) had label as shown here in a stable fully laminated fold/out cover.