David Cassidy on the Web
Reissues
September 18, 2019
By Alan Jones
www.musicweek.com
DAVID CASSIDY
The Bell Years 1972-1974 (7T’s GLAMBOX 173)
Catapulted to fame by his starring role in familial sitcom The Partridge Family, David Cassidy simultaneously started a highly successful and hectic recording career both with The Partridge Family and in a solo capacity. This new clamshell-clad collection from 7T’s concentrates on his solo work, anthologising his first three studio albums – Cherish (1972), Rock Me Baby (1972) and Dreams Are Nuthin’ More Than Wishes (1973) – and Cassidy Live World Tour (1974). Sound song choices and tight production – primarily from Wes Farrell – ensured the albums’ success, and they have aged pretty well, with Cassidy’s husky vocals set against slick instrumental tracks conveying melodic pop tunes. Among the best are The Association cover and first album title track Cherish; producer Farrell’s pretty Could It Be Forever; a dramatic reading of Dusty Springfield hit How Can I Be Sure; and Ricky’s Tune, an early example of Cassidy’s own composing skills. The polished nature of the studio albums contrasts somewhat with the more raucous concert recordings on Cassidy Live, although the eponymous singer holds his own against an audience of hysterical teenagers, and even managed to have a hit with his live take on The Beatles’ Please Please Me. Accompanied by a booklet featuring extensive background information and memorabilia, the set contains 50 songs, with just a trio of bonus tracks.
