William Lyall - Solo Casting (1976)

William (Billy) Lyall was a founding member of Scotland's premier pop group, Pilot. He exited the band in 1975 over creative issues as well as the frustration he was feeling as a live performer. Determined to do things his way, Lyall recorded and released "Solo Casting" in 1976. With a star studded cast of dozens helping him realize his vision, Lyall created a tapestry of many influences and flavors on the album. Bouncing from power pop to vaudeville to hard rock to prog, the album is musically all over the map. The hooks are often sublime and require repeat listenings to really grasp. Despite the genre shifting, it does indeed bear a striking resemblance to his former band. I suppose you get a greater sense of just how influential Lyall's presence was in Pilot, if anything. There are many strong cuts here and any lovers of cheerful quirky pop will find much to enjoy.

Sadly Lyall passed away in 1989 from an AIDS related illness, but his music has been reissued numerous times over the years to varying degrees of interest. This elusive album is available here in all its digital glory. Breathe in his pop goodness...

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