Song of the Day: Bill Fay – “I Hear You Calling” (Still Some Light)
Released: 2010/2022 (archival)
Album: Still Some Light
Few artists get a second act in the manner that Bill Fay has. The English singer-songwriter released a couple stellar albums in the early 70s. Neither sold particularly well, so his career died young. Then over several decades, a cult following emerged, resulting in the release of Still Some Light in 2010. Still Some Light not only collected demos of some of his best 1970s songs, but also new home recordings from 2009. Amazingly, Fay released three phenomenal records over the past decade. It’s one of the most remarkable second acts in the history of music. Earlier this year, Dead Oceans reissued Still Some Light, along with a series of 7 inch singles featuring covers by contemporary artists. “I Hear You Calling” is one of my favorite songs ever written. The version on Fay’s 1971 release Time of the Last Persecution might be the most essential, but the Still Some Light version is nearly as breathtaking. Kevin Morby’s cover version is also quite good.