What does it sound like?:

A new solo album from Tony Poole, you say? Fuck, yeah!

The 12-string Rickenbacker God from the much-missed 70’s band, Starry Eyed and Laughing has had some health challenges in recent times but you’d never know it from this vibrant, pulsating collection of songs on this, his first solo album.

The album opens with the title track which sets TP’s stall out from minute-one as that beautiful Ricky evokes his beloved Byrds and the harmony vocals ring out, courtesy of his old pal from SE&L, bassist Iain Whitmore. It’s a terrific opener.

Next up is Chelsea Girls (1965), a lovely look back at Tony’s younger days around Sloane Square and the King’s Road.

The album is packed with good songs, songs that will remain in your head, with hooky choruses and thoughtful lyrics. The production is spot on and the sound is terrific. Tony is a one-man recording-machine and many of the tracks are just him playing drums, bass, keyboards, vocals and, of course, guitars. However, he gets to call on some wonderful friends, including Robin Bennett, Nick Holland, Chris Baylis and Glenn Phillips who delivers some killer guitar solos on the album’s epic » Continue Reading.