The Joys of Toys...

Kevin Ayers-Joy of a Toy-1969
Canterbury, psychedelic, pop


















Hello all been in America for just over a week now, Iowa City seems nice if not a tad small, but term starts next week which should liven things up a lot-I'll do a post about "The IC" later :).

My first post in the states will be a slice of whimiscal British psych=pop in the form of the debut solo album by Kevin Ayers-Joy of a Toy from 1969.
After Soft machine undertook a grueling tour of the states(woot) in 1968 supporting Jimi Hendrix, Kevin Ayers was exhausted and set of to Ibiza to relax. He would be replaced on bass by Hugh Hopper(a Wildeflower alumni) for Volume 2.
Ayers spent the time writing and living music rather than the hectic schedule he had been in prior, Ayers music show him to be a fan of the beachy tropical vibe which I can guess would be encouraged by the beauty of Ibiza.
The album is one of charmingly catchy yet gentle pyschedelic influenced pop songs. A very talented writer, Ayers shows his humour and imagination in all the songs which charm and sooth a willing listener. The stand out song for me would be the magnificent "Lady Rachel". It has an almost fairytale nature to it, the oboe creates an eerily inviting base to the song whilst Ayers deep and honest voice carries it with some wonderfully inspired lyrics to put the listener at ease. "The Clarietta Rag" another highlight, is an idylic trip into the mountains and really captures the simple yet satisfying feel of this album. With many of the songs featuring members of soft machine, Wyatt's drumming throughout the album in particular, it has some similarity to early Soft machine("Soon, soon soon"), but Ayers relaxed and somewhat lethargic approach sets it apart-in a good and bad way.
A really good album, maybe not the most adventurous or technically brilliant, but as a start for Ayers' work it's a great place to start.

-Listen out for Bananas-

jamscoopa

Please Buy this Album from:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joy-Toy-Kevin-Ayers/dp/B00008Y2IU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1250448445&sr=8-3 UK
http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Toy-Kevin-Ayers/dp/B00008Y2IU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1250448516&sr=8-2 US
and many more other good independent retailers.
Or please delete after 24 hours:
Joy