Pete Dello was the original leader of the Honeybus, a short-lived but wonderful English baroque-pop group who only managed to release one album in 1970 (finally reissued in 2008-). For all the gems available on compilations like Honeybus At Their Best and She Flies Like A Bird: The Anthology, fans of their brand of summery, rootsy pop couldn’t be truly satisfied without an ear on Dello’s fine solo efforts.
Comparisons to the Beatles are somewhat unavoidable, from the next-level songwriting to the double-tracked voice, chamber orchestra production, but assertions of cheap imitation are unacceptable. Dello’s album is a pretty mix, most songs led with a clean acoustic guitar or piano, flavoring the sound with modest string and brass sections. This is where the record gets its baroque tag, but at times the music, like Honeybus, approaches a country-folk-rock sound. Tracks like I’m A Gambler illustrate that perfect mix of rural rock and sunshine pop, blessed with some especially tasteful percussion. The trick to the record’s charm may be the Nilsson inspired vocal treatments, either Dello’s unassuming lead or the lilting vocal turns and harmony parts.
I wouldn’t call it a perfect record, but it gets pretty close and grows to be very solid. Pete scored with his first Honeybus single, I Can’t Let Maggie Go, and gets a chance at a full showcase with Into Your Ears. Only a couple tracks push the British camp too much for my ears, so take note if you’re fond of skipping sillier tracks. If you’re looking for gems, you’ll be right on target.
by Brendan McGrath, June 10th, 2008
Tracks
1. It's What You've Got - 3:16
2. There's Nothing I Can Do For You - 2:36
3. I'm A Gambler - 3:15
4. Harry The Earwig - 2:22
5. Do I Still Figure In Your Life - 2:40
6. Uptight Basil (Pete Dello, Ray Cane) - 2:41
7. Taking The Heart Out Of Love - 2:54
8. On A Time Said Sylvie - 2:24
9. A Good Song - 2:54
10.It's The Way - 2:07
11.Go Away - 2:24
12.Arise Sir Henry - 2:39
13.Taking The Heart Out Of Love - 3:21
14.Uptight Basil (Pete Dello, Ray Cane) - 2:30
15.Hear Me Lonely - 4:08
16.Madame Chairman Of The Committee - 3:16
All songs by Pete Dello except where indicated
Personnel
*Pete Dello - Vocals, Guitar
*Ray Cane - Bass, Vocals
*Colin Hare - Guitar, Vocals
*Mike Green - Guitar
*Jim Kelly - Guitar
*Pete Kircher - Drums, Vocals
*Bobby Henrit - Drums
*Roger Rettig - Steel Guitar
*Tommy Moeller - Vocals
*Lem Lubin - Vocals
*Russ Ballard - Accordian
*Pat Halling - Strings, Orchestration
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