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The legendary Welsh band Fay Ray has at long last released their album "Contact You" on CD, including extra tracks. It is a marvelous achievement, documenting a unique sound, still fresh and compelling, despite the passage of time. I am sure that I first heard Fay Ray in the early 1980's when I lived in rural Maine and had no TV. I discovered a remarkable late-night, once-a-week public radio show called "Sound Express" which introduced me to the "new wave" sound that was on the risein the world. Among the many delights in that mix, Sheila Macartney's expressive voice etched itself in my mind. But I didn't catch the name of the band, Fay Ray, as the announcer ran off the playlist credits between sets. Such as things were, back in pre-internet days, there was no real hope of tracking down the information. Then, decades later, I became a fan of a radio show by punk rocker Roxy Epoxy. There, among the podcasts of the show, I rediscovered Fay Ray, and the internet helped me piece together the band's history. And now this, finally, a CD release of their album along with additional tracks, historical notes, and a wonderful surprise track. Fay Ray's songs are a delightful expression of youthful passion, with themes of daring romance, vexing relationships with friends and family, and angst over militaristic trends. All very relevant to today's world. My favorite track is "Love is Strange", high on my list of all-time favorite singles and one of just a handful of songs that I never get tired of hearing again and again. Yes, "love is danger", but it is also irresistible. The band wraps these sentiments in whirl of sonic invention. The title song "Contact You" is another standout, calling out alienation and prejudice. Each and every song has charm and immediacy that draws you in. The band is solid, with Sheila and John Lovering on guitars, Jeff Taylor on reeds and keyboards, Tony Travis on bass, and Owen Hughes on drums. Jeff and Tony also contribute backing vocals. The overall sound is a timeless mix of textures and colors. Highly recommended!Read full review
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Finally after 36 years one of my favourite albums is released on CD with the 5 bonus tracks living up to the description of bonus. Fay Ray never got the recognition they deserved but hopefully this release will go some way to correct this. Contact You is a collection of post new wave songs varying from the likes of the title track and Cold As Steel which are as tuneful and memorable as anything from the likes of The Passions or The Pretenders and then with others like Family Affairs and Heatwave which show an edgier side and maybe hinting at punkier roots, both musically and lyrically. I can't wait to get this on in the car with the stereo turned up full and singing along like a loon!
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A wonderful album when first released 35 odd years ago and it's really stood the test of time. Loved it then. Love it now!
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A great improvement on the sound of the record. Has a hidden track at the end (a live rendition of an unreleased song). A joy to hear now that my vinyl LP is on its last legs. Highly recommended.
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I bought this CD in the hope it was as good as the Hot Water session on the John Peel show. HW were one of the bands that formed Fay Ray and there are some echoes of their sound. Obviously it is not the same but mostly as good! The best tracks IMHO are Heatwave and Family Affairs.
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I was worried that this CD might indeed be a bootleg, even though the advert states it isn’t, when I heard the scratching of a stylus on vinyl during the first track, but it was only on that track. The rest sounds good and, as a Welshman, I was delighted to discover a band I missed way back then. Good stuff.
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Fabulous album. An New Wave classic. So glad it's finally available on CD as it deserves a place in everyone's collection.
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Had the original album so delighted to now own the CD. Great band, great original tracks and a few new ones as well! Excellent sound quality. Thank you guys. 👍🏽
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Great to hear this album again.
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