Bennett Wilson Poole - Bennett Wilson Poole

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 29 / 6 / 2018

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A couple of facts; the debut album that combines the talents of Danny Wilson, Robin Bennett and Tony Poole is the soundtrack to the summer of 2018. The image of the three musicians on the cover of Bennett Wilson Poole owes more than a slight nod to the sleeve of the debut from Crosby, Stills & Nash. And if you’re quick and have yet to discover why an almost forgotten band from the mid-1970s called Starry Eyed & Laughing were hailed as the English Byrds you might just pick up one of their two albums as a not yet over-expensive CD. The excellent Broadside CD compilation ‘All Their Best…’ is already changing hands for ridiculous prices. It would appear that from that cover shot that Danny Wilson (from the wonderful Grand Drive and Danny & The Champions Of The World), Robin Bennett (The Dreaming Spires) and Starry Eyed & Laughing’s Rickenbacker king Tony Poole have joined forces and are trying to emulate the sound of Crosby, Stills & Nash. While the harmonies are there, the sound the trio makes is more aligned to that of Poole’s former band, and, therefore. the classic, original Byrds line-up. There are motifs there right from the very first track, ‘Soon Enough’, that will have McGuinn and Clark fans swooning. Listen to Poole’s guitar at the close of the song and try to stop the smile, and surely there’s a knowing nod to ‘Eight Miles High’ in there too. And we thought the years of the supergroup that deserved the title were over… But while those Byrds influences are never too far from the surface there is so much more to this album than a rehash of old Byrds songs. ‘Ask Me Anything’ adds an almost Young and Crazy Horse edge, the harmonies are outstanding and, like the first track, verses are shared by the band members, a neat way of adding further texture and interest to some of the songs. ‘Funny Guys’ reverts back to the summer sound of the opening track, rich and sunny harmonies, jangly guitars, one of those once heard never forgotten melodies that’s impossible to get out of your head, one of those songs that just make you feel good to be alive. There are a couple of songs which take a more serious stance lyrically. ‘Hate Won’t Win’ was written in response to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox and, while those harmonies and jangly guitars make an appearance, it recalls Neil Young’s ‘Ohio’ sung by Tom Petty which is no bad thing. The guitar break is particularly effective, making an already atmospheric song even more compelling. ‘Lifeboat’ could be termed another topical song. Poole started writing the song after seeing a photo of a refugee boat in the Mediterranean next to an article on selfies. Once more thoughts of Young and Crazy Horse come to mind coupled with those CSN harmonies; it’s an outstanding, thought-provoking piece of work. At nearly eight minutes long as the song progresses those Crazy Horse influences become even more apparent. It’s maybe an obvious thing to say, but imagine if CSN & Y had joined forces with McGuinn and Clark and formed the ultimate supergroup and you’d be on the right track for the sound of some of these songs. ‘Hide Behind a Smile’ reverts to a gentler sound. There’s a gorgeous guitar break and lines such as “everybody has days darker than others/ That’s why we have our friends, fathers and brothers, sisters and lovers” are delivered with such sincerity it’s difficult not to be touched by the song. ‘Wilson General Store’ lifts the mood slightly. While there is obviously a 60’s feel running through the whole album, the lyrics, arrangement and general feel of the song recall the more carefree days of the 1960s more so than any of the other songs on offer. While it’s far from being a lightweight compared to the rest of the album, it does add a touch of unexpected toytown psych to the album. Songs of the calibre of ‘That Thing That You Called Love’ and ‘The Other Side of the Sky’ are unafraid to wear their influences proudly on their sleeve but the combination of these three talents has created a fresh, contemporary twist on a classic sound. Many have tried but few have captured the spirit and sound of the above mentioned bands as successfully as Bennett, Wilson and Poole have here while injecting enough of their own identity to make even those who were around when this sound was initially developed more than happy.

Track Listing:-

1 Soon Enough
2 Ask Me Anything
3 Funny Guys
4 Hide Behind a Smile
5 Wilson General Store
6 Hate Won't Win
7 The Other Side of the Sky
8 That Thing That You Called Love
9 Not Forgetting (Just Not Remembering)
10 Find Your Own Truth
11 Lifeboat (Take a Picture of Yourself)

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