Customer Reviews

Someday Man

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are some records out there that it's hard to believe got missed by the general public and escaped the acclaim it deserved. This is one of the most extraordinary examples of a lost masterpiece. I had been a fan of the work of Roger Nichols, not the Steely Dan guy, but co-composer of standards like We've Only Just Begun (with Williams) and of his own late 60s vocal harmony pop outfit Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends, when someone introduced me to this album composed and produced by Nichols with lyrics and vocals from Williams. At first I just couldn't hear what was special about it but gradually it crept up on me and has now almost became an obsession. I can't think of an album that's better written, arranged, produced played or sung. Williams who has went on to become a pretty great pop composer in his own right, no longer just a lyricist, has claimed it's really Nichols' album and it was working with Nichols he learned to write to music... but Paul Williams lyrics and unique vocal delivery plays a key part in taking this album to a higher level than even the best singer song writer fare I've heard.
The title track Someday Man is packed with killer melody, musical twists, turns and killer dynamics; To Put Up With You is possibly the greatest "unlove" popsong ever; the moving Do You Really Have a Heart is the tune that seems the closest link to Williams excellent later songwriting contributions for Muppet movies (always undervalued) and the final glorious Roan Pony is the Beatles' A Day in the Life transported into a John Ford Western landscape. The bass playing from Joe Osbourne, Jack Conrad and NIchols also deserves special mention...very melodic and very groovy.
One day this record will get the reappraisal it deserves and be hailed a one of the text book examples of pop writing and recording. So get your copy early, you know it makes sense. If you really have a heart (and ears) I think you'll grow to love it too.

I really like this album. In 1971, I was listening to the Who, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple and this kind of gentle, melodic pop was off my radar. This album is filled with lovely melodies, interesting instrumentation, and youthful optimism. It is unlikely anyone under 50 would appreciate this music. It helps to have lived through that era, and there ARE some dated lyrics but that is part of the charm for me. Very good early 70's pop that might suprise some who only remember the Carpenters or Helen Reddy when they think of Paul Williams songs.

Hi. I'm french and live in Paris. I discovered that wonderfull music a few years ago. I was looking for the phantom of the paradise soundtrack, and the guy who worked for the FNAC (sort of french version of "virgin megastore") mentionned Paul Williams' other Lps. I listened to "someday man" and was instantly hooked. The harmonies sound rich and are everywhere. The songs are beautifuly sung and the bass sound is enormous (think Carol Kaye). As a Beach boys fan, I felt in very well known territories, and to sums it, like "a pig in ..." (excuse my... french LOL).

Found a white label promotional copy of this LP back in the day for $1.99. It became a fast favorite,added with a single of Roger Nichols &A Small circle of Friends single from my college radio station. A bit later and a cut out(deleted)copy of Nichols' complete album,99 cents. These two albums remain in my collection;treasured favorites that cannot be opened to many times(check on ebay what the original Nichols A&M album goes for). Late '60s West Coast Sunshine Pop with famed LA studio people such as Hal Blaine,Joe Osborne,Larry Bunker,etc. All songs written by Williams and Nichols;five arrangers for 10 songs. They tried. Too hip for the room,I guess. Years pass,and Now Sounds does the right thing by not only restoring the album,but filling it with the 2 mono singles released from it,instrumental only tracks and session work,including a backing track for a Nichols/Williams gem,"The Drifter"(never finalized for this album,but oft-recorded by many,but,once again,never a hit). Nice job. I wasn't dreaming back in 1971;this album is still amazing!

I have a growing collection of his cd's but I think this one is the best. My favorite songs on it are "Some Day Man", "Do you really have a heart", and "So many people". I think the lyrics (which of course he wrote,) are very poetic, espcially in "Do you really have heart". If you like any thing by Paul Williams, espcially Ordinary Fool, you will love this CD.