Time Of The Last Persecution - BILL FAY***

Omega Day/Don't Let My Marigolds Die/I Hear You Calling/Dust Filled Room/'Til The Christ Come Back/Release Is In The Eye/Laughing Man/Inside The Keepers Party/Tell It Like It Is/Plan D/Pictures Of Adolf Again/Time Of The Last Persecution/Come A Day/Let All The Other Teddies Know

Time Of The Last Persecution was the second and final Deram album from British singer-songwriter and pianist Bill Fay. After decades of obscurity he would release some new material in 2012.

“There is nothing showy about the musicianship. It is simple, tasteful and direct and while allowing the singer/songwriter element to be obvious, it is a classy and interesting band effort. While some of Fay's lyrics are a little dramatic, there is realness to it. Some of his dark and apocalyptic ideas conjure real insight.”

“A rather laidback folk record, almost pretty with some nice singing. It is not as convincing as I had hoped that it would be. Fay’s complete lack of conviction in his voice is a big shortcoming. He doesn’t seem to believe himself or care all that much.”

“Bill Fay's second album is solid if unspectacular in the singer-songwriter vein that leaps to its status as a minor masterpiece because of the fantastic guitar work.”

“This album is psychedelic, moving between pop song, funeral dirge, and chaotic climax. It deals very poetically with love, war, technology, and history. Bill Fay loves his songs, and he crafts them, sculpts them without a trace of indifference. Like a true bard, Fay has stuffed this album with historical allusions, literary references, and elegant language.”

“This is mostly fairly soft, downer style, vocal prog rock, with some horns and sax, and brief interludes of intensity, featuring electric guitar. I detect a mild concept element to it as well.”

“Bill has kind of a lazy way of singing these really pretty, often melancholy psychy songs, but I'm more than willing to overlook it by the end of the album when the songs have somehow hooked themselves into my spine.”

“One of the most stark and atmospheric albums of the 70s. The songwriting is dark and ominous, the arrangements and music are sparse but still quite beautiful.”

“The sometimes amateurish style of Fay's vocals, only adds to the quality of this record - it makes the songs more fragile and touching.”