Ian M Bailey - We Live In Strange Times

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album. It is a lovely listen as you'd expect, full of jangling Byrds inspired guitars. Again, it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (more known for his work with Scottish band - Cosmic Rough Riders). 

Opening song 'The Last Chime' is wonderfully Summery and anthemic, even on these cold winter nights. The guitars really chime, like the title suggests.  

My favourite here is 'It's Summer Rain' which is instantly memorable. Like many of the songs here, the focus is on the soaring melodies and superb pop hooks.

Other highlights include 'The Clock is Ticking' which has a slightly heavier edge and a catchy chorus which will stay in your mind from first listen. 'Dance Around The Room' is beautifully subtle and a blend of Folk and Americana. 'Country Girl' is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard.

A superb album, full of well-written songs with intricate harmonies. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - You Paint The Pictures

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album, of Byrds-inspired guitar pop. Again it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (of Cosmic Rough Riders). 

It opens with 'Paint The Pictures', which is wonderfully uplifting and Summery. It has a big anthemic chorus and like many of the songs here, is instantly memorable.

My favourite here is 'I Wanted The Sun To Shine' which is a sweet love song, bringing to mind R.E.M. The lyrics are melancholic and thought-provoking. - "This World is a mystery, like a sound in a Cemetery. Like a wheel that turns this life, but no-one really dares."  

Other highlights include 'I Don't Want To Start Again', which is more jangle of the highest standard and brought to mind later Teenage Fanclub. 'Hey Little Girl' is beautifully melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. 'Lover's Song' is reminiscent of Neil Young, with hints of Americana. 

 

A lovely Album, with Summery vibes, even on these cold Autumn days. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - Songs To Dream Along To

Released: 15 Oct 2021
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album after the superb Shots of Sun EP from earlier this year. It features the songs on that, including the sublime 'Slow Down River' and 'Take it or Leave It'. His sound is heavily influenced by The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash.   

The album is co-written by Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders, whose recent album 'Atoms and Energy' from this Summer is also well worth checking out!

It opens with 'This is Not A Feeling' which is uplifting guitar pop at its finest. It has some lovely harmonies and Americana vibes, with hints of The Jayhawks and later Teenage Fanclub.  

Other highlights include 'The Sound of Her Voice', a lovely ballad with hints of Gram Parsons. The orchestral production is wonderful. 'I'm not The Enemy' has a slightly heavier edge, reminiscent of Neil Young. 

Closing song 'The Best Out Of Me' is one of my favourites here. A heartfelt ballad of the highest standard which is guaranteed to get you emotional.

A superb album, full of beautifully melodic, well crafted songs. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - Shots of Sun EP

Released: 25 Jan 2021
Label: Greentea Productions
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I was first aware of Ian M Bailey through his band The Lost Doves. Their album from last year is lovely guitar pop with hints of Americana. I especially love 'She's Waking Up To Close Her Eyes' on the album, which is highly worth checking out too.

This is Ian's first solo EP and it still has melodic country vibes. This time, it was co-written by Daniel Wylie, better known as the singer of Scottish band - Cosmic Rough Riders. If you don't know them, Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine is a good starting point, full of lost guitar pop gems. They did have some success in the early 00s including an appearance on Top Of The Pops.

The EP opens with 'Take It Or Leave It' which is rich in harmonies and superb pop hooks. The sound is reminiscent of the 60s, particularly The Byrds, with hints of the more Americana style of Buffalo Springfield. 

'Whats Happening Now' is more laid back and melancholic. The production is very stripped back and focused on the vocal harmonies. 'Slow Down River' is more upbeat and again very Byrds inspired but if you love that kind of music, as I do, it is hugely enjoyable.

It ends on the sublime 'Everything Will Be Alright', which has beautifully subtle melodies and soft vocals. It brought to mind later Teenage Fanclub (particularly Gerard Love's songs). A wonderful EP which couldn't be more up my street! A highly recommended listen.