The Man in Me

Description

The Man in Me is the debut album by the British singer and songwriter Allan Shiers, independently released on Profile in 1974. The album was recorded by Steve Kendall at Profile Christian Recording Studios in Hertfordshire, England; with Tom Jones and Bob Smithson producing. Featuring “Good On The Sally Army”, a song later covered by Cliff Richard on his 1978-album Small Corners.

Featuring Allan Shiers on guitar and vocals, Bob Smithson on bass and second guitar, and Colin Beney on drums. Brass provided by Ray Howe, Maurice Patterson, Andrew Saderson, and Richard Purdue. As well featuring Lynn Rendell on oboe.

Pleasant natural acoustic vibes from this likeable understated British folkie. Harmonica solos embellish strummed titles like «School Days», «Business Man», «Busking Song» and «Mary Said To Joe», with bass, drums and piano filling in the sound. «Looking Out My Window», «Cynical Sam», «Like A Child» and «Maybe You’re Not Sure» are all quiet acoustic ballads that feature delicate string-quartet backing. Fourteen songs in all, many of which are under the two-minute mark. Shiers’ gentle timid voice bears similarity to Kevin Gould, while the music suggests the quiet acoustic approach of early Mark Heard. A simple but enjoyable release from this collectible UK custom label. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “School Days” – 2:20
A2. “Looking Out My Window” – 1:40
A3. “The Man In Me” – 2:47
A4. “George And Julie” – 2:00
A5. “Business Man” – 2:15
A6. “Cynical Sam” – 1:50
A7. “Busking Song” – 1:40

Side Two
B1. “Good On The Sally Army” – 3:10
B2. “Mary Said To Joe” – 1:25
B3. “Like A Child” – 1:41
B4. “Simon And Andrew” – 1:50
B5. “I Had A Dream” – 1:30
B6. “Family” – 3:32
B7. “Maybe You’re Not Sure” – 1:26

Note: A two-sided 7-inch vinyl single featuring “Good On The Sally Army” and “School Days” was released on EMI in 1975. The album has been re-issued on CD in Japan. (The original album is said to have sold around 1100 copies.)

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