Friends O’Mine were a duo of Hugh Trethowan and Mark Kjeldsen and this was sadly the only album the duo released. Hugh has been writing music for record, film, TV, advertising and theatre ever since. He was Musical Director of a theatre company in Hong Kong for 20 years as well!! Mark went on to be a founder member of ‘The Sinceros’ and was also a member of the London R&B band ‘The Strutters’, but gave up music in the late 80’s to become a social worker – sadly, he died of AIDS in 1992. This album has some fabulous tracks that feature some great guitar work with some innovative lyrics. Great start with ‘Hard times’, fast and furious with guitar and mandolin accompanied by really upbeat vocals. This is followed by the more thoughtful ‘Mice and old clocks’ with a great guitar solo and superb, delicate harmonies and the great line ‘ you’re like Cinderella in hot pants’!! ’15,063’ is the anti-war track and is clever in its construct and again has great melody and guitar work (reminding me of Al Stewart’s guitar playing). ‘Stagefright’ is a great Greek sounding instrumental. ‘Smile’ could have been the influence for Eric Idle’s ‘Always look on the bright side of life’! The title track has some great vocals and has an Everly Brothers feel with eerie bass in the background. ‘Thingimijig’ highlights some excellent mandolin work and is fast and furious – an absolute delight. All in all a really great album that has almost been totally forgotten. Extremely rare album that is highly recommended – a real collector’s item.
