Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times (2023)

“We Live In Strange Times” is the third release on the Kool Kat label by Ian M Bailey. Once again Ian has teamed up with Scotland’s songsmith and Cosmic Rough Rider Daniel Wylie to deliver a dozen co-written tracks of melodic and well crafted songs. Recorded and produced at Ian’s home studio “Small Space Studios” in England, the album sits rich in melody and hooks all interwoven with Ian’s trademark 6 & 12 string Rickenbacker, adding their unmistakable jangle to the blend of bass, drums, keys and harmonies all of which are provided by Ian whilst Alan Gregson adds string sections, Hammond, Rhodes piano and lap steel to the albums rich musical tapestry. “We Live In Strange Times” is musically inspired by such greats as The Beatles, The Byrds, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Gene Clark, The Moody Blues and Eric Burdon’s War to name but a few of some of our greatest songwriting and musical predecessors. “As one of the best songwriting teams going, Ian M Bailey and Daniel Wylie is a match made in pop heaven! They share common influences which shows on everything they collaborate on. Once again they deliver another stellar, high quality collection of melodic, hook-filled songs. Highly recommended!” - Max Humphries “’If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it’ goes the old axiom and, in Ian M Bailey’s case he certainly adheres to it. A veritable one man band, Bailey has just about cornered the market in revitalized California inspired jangled pop and rock over the past several years Once again Bailey has co-written all of the songs with Glasgow’s Daniel Wylie, the pair seeming to be in, a word which has recently become all too familiar, ‘lockstep’. And, as before, their collaboration comes up with golden nuggets coloured by the past, but they bring that past bang up to date with a super high definition fidelity. It’s a gorgeous listen.” - Blabber ‘N’ Smoke “Kool Kat Musik has a knack for discovering and showcasing distinctive talent, and Ian M. Bailey’s ‘We Live In Strange Times,’ is a testament to this. ‘It’s Summer Rain’ and the title track are beautiful, standout examples of Bailey’s songwriting prowess. The Beatles’ influence is evident, extending even to the sitar sounds on ‘Mother Nature.’ He also ventures into more progressive territory with the instrumental track ‘She Waltzes With the Devil,’ a piece that adds an intriguing dimension to the album. All in all, a wonderful, harmonious blend of melody, jangle, and nostalgia.” - Brian Baker/Gajoobzine GREAT!!