The first thing to mention is that when you hear a song like ‘You’ you only want more. What a cracking song and it only deepens the mystery as to why Mary only released this one LP.
A proud and deeply loyal lady who sadly died back in 2009, she was a feminist before anyone knew the meaning of the word. Gritty, northern and not realising how good she actually was, she gave up singing altogether in the 80’s. But what a legacy she left behind. This LP really does have some excellent stand out moments. I’ve no idea whether Dylan used saxophone on his Tom Thumb’s blues but the arrangement here complements her voice beautifully. And it continues when you flip it over. The opening track, ‘Stage fright’ is very simple but an absolute stunner.
I listen to LP’s such as this with almost a tear in my eye. For someone so gifted to make music as beautiful as this is almost beyond words. In this day and age when many with little talent seek instant fame and recognition for very little in return, Mary was at the other end of the spectrum. Massively talented, gifted a voice from heaven, albeit one toned by roll ups and whiskey, and an ability with the guitar second to none, this LP deserves a special place in anyone’s collection.
RIP Mary – you left us in a difficult world but with some beautiful memories.
