Album Review: Bill Fay, Still Some Light Part 1

Bill Fay, in any epoch, but particularly in this one, is that most curious of artists, one who eschews fame, celebrity and the welcoming embrace of a scene. After releasing his self-titled debut and its 1971 follow-up, the psychedelic-folk record Time Of The Last Persecution, he walked away from the music industry.

People who stumbled across his magnificent albums were astonished as to how they had never heard about him. Rumours abounded, a common occurrence when someone declines a life that many view as a pinnacle of artistic endeavour. A cult figure along the lines of Lee Mavers, Rodriguez or Vashti Bunyan was conceived.

Initially released in 2010 by David Tibet of the experimental music group Current 93, Still Some Light Part 1 is a compilation of Fay’s archival recordings from 1970 and 1971. Many are intimate sketches that were eventually re-recorded for his first two records, while songs such as ‘Arnold Is A Simple Man’ and ‘Love Is The Tune’ first appeared in this collection.

Countless Branches, released in 2020, was Fay’s third album in a decade. Still Some Light Part 1 is that record’s spiritual antecedent – monkish, ascetic, hermetic. With the exception of a 2012 Jools Holland performance and a couple of cameos with Jeff Tweedy, Fay is yet to return to the stage.

Perhaps, Kevin Morby’s version of ‘I Hear You Calling’, or Steve Gunn’s interpretation of ‘Dust Filled Room’, are the best chance for songs from this fine compilation to receive a live airing. Although, the fact they are pressed in vinyl and available digitally for the first time is bonus enough.

8/10