ALL THINGS MUST PASS: NOTABLE DEBUTS

In the spirit of George Harrison who wrote the book on this subject, I offer great debut albums by artists who had previously been part of a group. This will be an occasional series highlighting notable solo recordings. (Listed alphabetically)

PETER CASE - PETER CASE

Produced by T-Bone Burnett, who helped bring Case’s acoustic pop vision to fruition this one just gets better with age. I know there are unused selections and alternate versions from these sessions. This would be a great candidate for expanded treatment. Other than an ill advised cover of the Pogues’ “A Pair Of Brown Eyes” you couldn’t ask for a better initial offering. Unlike some others on this list he would go on to record other worthy material. (1986)

BRYAN FERRY - THESE FOOLISH THINGS

The title track alone is enough to land it on this list. Ferry decided to tackle all covers his first time out of the Roxy Music backyard. He bent the songs to his style rather than the other way around. The first time you hear it you’ll find it tough sledding. A couple of more listens and you’ll taking down-hills you never dreamed of trying. He would re-visit this theme a few more times, and while rewarding for the most part they lack the surprise element of this one. And did I mention that title track? It has been done dozens of ways in its long history, but never in a waltz tempo and never with a vocal cadence like this one. (1973)

CYNDI LAUPER - SHE’S SO UNUSUAL

She jumps styles on nearly every cut and conquers them all. One of the very few times that synth-pop worked for nearly an entire album. The songs that didn’t need it though like “Time After Time” soared on their own merits. It even moved Miles Davis to record a near note for note cover of it. In a rare turn her follow up album “True Colors” is almost as good, and that is unusual. (1984)

DAVE MASON - ALONE TOGETHER

Total perfection from first note to last. Everything thought about or attempted works flawlessly on this first offering. The all star backing by Leon Russell and his assembled guests proved to be just what these songs needed. Hearing any of these songs today is still capable of taking you back to this place in time. Some songs have an almost carnival swirl to them. He would never come close again. (1970)

GRAHAM NASH - SONGS FOR BEGINNERS

He had been a member of two very successful groups from two different countries. He had contributed signature songs to each of their catalogs. Like George Harrison he has a thin, but expressive voice. This album has worn well over the years, the sequencing is pleasant and the songs showcase a singer songwriter at the top of his game. You won’t find enough decent songs on all of the rest of his solo albums combined to top this one. (1971)