The rock group Badfinger was probably the closest re-incarnation of The Beatles, with Paul McCartney composing one of their hits, “Come and Get It” and one of their albums having George Harrison produce and play guitar as a guest. Joey Molland was their singer, guitarist and songwriter, finally releasing a solo album of his after a decade of silence, and it’s quite an impressive affair with his roots showing well.
Molland teams up with Bryan Percival/b, Steve Holley/g, Paul Santo-Mark Hudson/p and various other cameo guests including ex-Monkee Mickey Dolenz as well as Julian Lennon on background vocals (as well as taking the album photos). The vocal harmonies on pieces like the Mercy-beated “Better Tomorrow” and rock steady “I Don’t Want To Be With You” display a Fab Four connection all the way back to their Everly Brother taproot. There’s a pub feel with a dash of Dr. Pepper on the clever title track, and shades of Magic Christian Music are felt on the twangy “All I Want To Do.” The voices, and feel make you feel that Sir Paul himself was at the pen; this could easily be thought of as outtakes of Abbey Road if you were given a blindfold test; all that’s missing are the screaming teenagers. Did Yoko give approval? If not, I will!