David McWilliams is probably best known for his single ‘The days of Pearly Spencer’, and had released 3 fairly successful albums on the Major Minor label, before switching to DAWN. This album was his first released on DAWN and was not a commercial success. However, this is a masterpiece and lack of commercial success should be completely ignored. Great musicians throughout, although a special shout out goes to the drummer, who adds something really special to the feel of the whole album. Unfortunately I can’t find out who the backing musicians were, but they created and exceptional sound and get the best out of some stunning material (all written by David).
The opener ‘Go on back to momma’ was the opening song for the 1972 film ‘Gold’ – great lyrics, with dreamy piano in the background and punchy drums giving atmosphere, with great vocals from David. ‘She was a lady’ has gentle acoustic guitar, later joined by some fabulous piano, while David sings a lovely sad song with great feeling. ‘I will always be your friend’ again has fab lyrics and is driven along by some brilliant piano work. ‘Heart of the roll’ is another stunner and probably should have been released by DAWN as a single. Side 1 finishes with ‘I would be confessed’ has an awesome feel to it, again the lyrics are so heartfelt that it transports you to another age. Great piano again trips along behind David’s brilliant vocals creating a folk rock winner.
Side 1 is excellent, but is still over-shadowed by Side 2, which moves into a series of more overtly folk songs written again by David, but all with an Irish historical angle. The side opens with the incredible instrumental ‘Spanish hope’ which is a lament for the Spanish galleons that never came. It’s lament is demonstrated by the penny-whistle’s plaintive sound over the gentle sad acoustic guitar and the gentle delicate rhythmic tambourine, with the drums emerging later to create even more atmosphere. After that magical start, the ‘Blind men’s stepping stones’ is a shocking story sang brilliantly by David – not sure if this is a true story, but when you listen, you believe. The song is based on the poem by Irish writer Sir Samuel Ferguson about Emon Lynott’s vengeance against the Welshmen of Tirawley who had settled in County Connaught.
The title track ‘Lord Offaly’ again looks into Irish history, which obviously must have fascinated David. There were several Lord Offalys, based in County Connaught and were a fusion between Norman and Irish families. The second Lord Offaly was renowned for his cruelty to the local Irish population and hence was sacked by Henry III. The song has such a beautifully sad and ancient feel, starting slowly and building with the magnificent introduction of a bhodran and drums leading to the battle. Great lyrics and vocals from David.
‘The prisoner’ is another fantastic song that looks back to the perilous lives and the crimes committed just in a bid to survive. 7 years imprisonment for stealing some bread and wine!! Lastly ‘The gypsy’ has a touch of mischief and great rhythm, especially through the bongo drums and the fiddle giving the track a great gypsy feeling. Again, great lyrics and vocals.
Fantastic album that cannot be recommended highly enough. This should have sold in huge quantities. I love it.
