ENGLISH BOY WONDERS

Originally released in 1997, this album came to my attention when Andy and Greg began repackaging, reprinting, and offering self-distribution by mail all of their back catalogue of music. I had become a devoted fan based upon my previous purchases of "Gathering Speed" and "The Difference Machine," so I thought I'd try this one and "Bard." Overall, I found the music of "English Boy Wonders" likable and the lyrics and stories (and new artwork) quite well-done, but the over-arching effect was one of forgettability--except for one absolutely brilliant song which immediately gained a place in my revolving playlist--where it remains to this day: "Reaching for John Dowland"--a beacon of things to come. Early BBT mainstay Steve Hughes occupied the drum kit while Tony Müller and Martin Read filled in the keyboard and vocalist spots, respectively while founders and principle songwriters Andy Poole and Greg Spawton performed most of the other duties.