Alun Davies - Daydo (2022) [Hi-Res]

Considering that Alun Davies played guitar on most of Cat Stevens' '70s albums, it's not a surprise that Davies' obscure 1972 solo LP Daydo sometimes sounds like Stevens compositions being sung by a less talented singer. (In fact, one of the songs is a cover of Stevens' early B-side "Portobello Road.") There's more of a forceful rock approach to the production than Stevens used, but otherwise there are certainly similarities in the material. There are further strong Stevens connections given that Cat himself plays piano, and co-produced the record with Paul Samwell-Smith -- who, in turn, produced most of Stevens' '70s solo output. But like many a solo effort from a valued sideman, the album can't compare to the star with whom he's identified -- Stevens, in this case -- in the songwriting department. At its best, this has some pleasant if not terribly memorable, slightly pensive folk-rockish tunes, like "Old Bourbon," "Market Place," and "Vale of Tears." At its worst (as on "Sbram Brown Continued"), though, it's anonymous early-'70s British rock, and covering "I'm Late" (from the animated movie Alice in Wonderland) was definitely a lousy idea. ~ Richie Unterberger