Willie Dowling - The Simpleton

 

As long time fans of Honeycrack, Jackdaw4 and The Dowling Poole, we just couldn't resist a listen to Willie Dowling's debut solo album. Particularly, as we had heard that it was gonna be a Piano Pop affair and we do love the Piano.

It is more Piano Driven Pop Rock than a straight ahead man on a piano stool affair. You will have heard the Title Track opening up the current Listening To This Week Playlist and that sounds more than a little Andy Partridge. That was the song that encouraged Dowling to take on the album and you can fully understand why.

The album is essentially one of two halves. There are the 70s Pop Rock songs that border on a Softer Rock. All beautifully arranged and performed with the lyrical adeptness that is too often taken for granted, Dowling is a super songwriter.

Even on those lighter moments, there is still variety. Then there are the big production numbers which at time lean more towards The Dowling Poole with the Piano replacing keyboards. The closer, In The Ocean builds and builds with a wonderful arrangement.

Sadie Goldman is very sedate, but expertly sang and hypnotic. At times, these songs are very reminiscent of Kid In A Big World era John Howard. But when these songs break out, the word magnificent is the only one I can attach to them.

The Gravy Train vocal is Bowie-esque and the jauntiness of Down The Slide is totally affecting, a little Andrew Gold in places. I Killed My Imaginary Friend may be best thing here, lightning fist, a little 80s New Wave with a hint Toytown. Dowling has never made a bad album, he certainly isn't gonna start now and this is one of his best.

You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.

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