I Hear You Calling is a sad willow tree of a song, skinny branches sway in the breeze, surrounding the trunk like a shaggy bowl cut, guarding a delicate heart. A cymbal tap tap taps, which is the only complaint I have (stop tapping so much!). Bill Fay's voice is filled with pathos. He hears a voice calling from the riverbank. He wonders if it's the messiah coming for him. He sings, all my time is lying on the factory floor. He's never had much time for himself and he feels it all slipping away. It's a pensive and melancholy tune, pulls at the heart.
The music is complementary. Ray Russell comes in on guitar at 0:55, delicately picking out notes that comfort with a twinkle. Bill Fay plays piano with simple grace. The overall style and mood reminds me of Kermit the Frog and It's Not Easy Bein' Green. Why wonder?
Bill Fay released this song in 1971 on his album Time of the Last Persecution. He disappeared from music after that (plus his label dropped him), and he felt like he had been completely forgotten, lost in the mists of time. Then in the late 90s, he was surprised to learn that his first two albums were being reissued. Given a second chance, he has since released two or three newer albums that have received high praise.
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