 Since releasing the first volume of McWilliams work (The Days Of David McWilliams RPM 225 ) events overtook us, and he sadly died in 2002. After a respectful delay we continued our work on volume 2 with the co-operation of his daughter and estate. Whilst volume 1 focused on his 'Hit ' period, volume 2 now offers a representation from across his entire career, beginning with his first single in 1966, followed by more choice cuts from his Major Minor label career 1967-1969, then songs from the early 1970's when albums were released by Dawn, his major label signing with EMI in the mid-late 1970's, ending with the last recordings released during the 1980's.The early 1970's period is represented by 8 recordings of McWilliams that are previously unreleased. Some were songs he later re-recorded for Daw, others remained on the reel -to- reel. All are quintessential McWilliams, personal lyrics with a heartfelt performance. The package includes photos from the McWilliams archive and a biographical essay from Irish music writer John O'Regan and also 8 previously unreleased tracks. God And My Country / Blue Eyes / Can I Get There By Candlelight / Turn Homeward Stranger / Poverty Street / Reflections / How Can I be Free / The Stranger / Oh Mama Are You My Friend ? / Horseman / Nana Get Up and Get Out Of This Place / Such A Long Time Ago / The Beggar And The Priest / Lady Margaret / When I Was Young / Keep The Lamplight Burning / Bells Of Time / Down The By The Dockyard / By The Lights Of Cyrian / Love Walked In When You Walked Out Today / North Side Of Town / Joanne (I thought I knew it all) / Farewell to Harlem / What A Lovely Day / Working for the Government
"Another splendid set of Celtic-psychedelic-folk-rock!!!" Shindig!
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An Irish folk rock artist who in 1967 released three albums of his own material on the Major Minor label. An amazing period of productivity matched by the amazing consistency of quality throughout all the material he wrote and recorded. Musically he backed himself on 6 and 12 string guitar with further arrangements and orchestration provided by the then wunderkind producer Mike Leander. The combination of McWilliams heartfelt lyrics and songstyle with Leanders evocative arrangements of the simple melodies still sound bewitching today. 'The Days Of Pearly Spencer' was covered by Marc Almond in the early 90's and 'Three O'Clock Flamingo Street' is another radio favourite. 