Your feedback on 'Solitary Bird' September 14, 2008 It sounds great and beautiful. The songs are really nice and super performed. I'm a BIG Smokie fan for 30 years and this is the style I like. Hope I can see you in a concert in Austria soon, maybe together with Chris in one concert. You and Chris are my heroes forever. Good luck and all the best for the future. Thomas, Austria You can be really proud of the album, it's really great!! Right now my favourite song is "Street of Dreams", but I like "Solitary Bird" also very much and the way you made "Runaway" really in your own style, perfect! Ellen, The Netherlands Congratulation to your new album, it sounds so good!!!! Yes, of course I have it, so fantastic. Every song is different. My favourite songs are "Closer to the candle", "Wild Horses", "Drive me wild", "Raining in Menston", "Solitary Bird" and the duet with Teri Sullivan "Safe in the arms of love". Your voices sound so good together. You are proud of your album but your fans are very proud, too. Really. Astrid, Holland Congratulation to your fantastic CD. I am very sorry that it´s not available here in Germany in the shops,I like to read the information in the CD-book, which I don´t have by download, also no cover. My favourites are "Runaway", "Raining in Menston", "Safe in the arms of love"and "Closer to the candle". But all songs are great, so it was hard to pick a few. Birgt, Germany ALAN BACK WITH A TOP TOP SOUND! THE VERY BEST, HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON LIVE PLAYING IN BRADFORD Carl, UK I would sincerely like to say congratulations on your new album, it was well worth the wait! YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD!!! I am sure all your fans will love this album. Please pass on my congratulations to everyone concerned, they have all done a great job. So how long have we got to wait for the next one??? Karen, UK I just want to tell you that your new album is one of the best I have heard in a long long time, it has this great Smokie sound, which Smokie do not have anymore, so I give you 2 thumbs up! Hope to see you in Denmark soon. Poul, Denmark Many thanks for all the fantastic songs. It`s very nice to have the new songs for new dreams. I hope you will be successful with the album. I will light a candle again that everything will be ok in the future. Andrea, Germany Because my PC is not ok I can´t download your new album. Can I buy it anywhere? I listen to some songs at a friend's - it´s great! Susanne, Germany Thank you Alan for this wonderful album. All songs of your new album 'Solitary Bird' are great!! Your voice sounds more "POWERFUL" than ever. I know it will be a great success because great quality of music will always win. Thanks so much again for your wonderful songs and timeless music. Tanja, Germany Congratulation to your great album 'Solitary Bird', this is the Smokie sound, I like it so very much. I am a fan of the Orginal-Smokie and Chris Norman for over 30 years. My favourite songs are "Closer to the candle", "Wild horses", "Runaway", "Raining in Menston", "Street of dreams", "Solitary Bird" and the duet with Teri Sullivan "Safe in the arms of love". A great album, I hope this record will also be available on CD. I wish you all the best, and I hope to see you live in concert in Germany. Detlef, Germany I have found a friend who was been able to download your new album for me. Now I have it! It is so great! Kerstin, Germany First of all, congratulation to the new album, which is an absolute gem (in my opinion). It's not left my stereo for a week and it definitely reminds me of Smokie's "glory days"! Alex, USA Your new album is great!!! Congratulations! I love it. Just wish it would be available in Germany. Sylvia, Germany The album "Solitary Bird" is so fantastic, I hear it every day. It's difficult to say which songs are my favourites because I love all songs. And the duet with Teri Sullivan is great, too - she has such a great voice. I hope you will be succesful with the album and it will be available on CD. Martina, Cologne, Germany I downloaded your new album already a few weeks ago ... and must say, it's a great one! I love it, especially "Closer to the candle" :-) Dany, Germany I wanna send you a big compliment about your new album "Solitary Bird" which is really an absolutely great album. I listen to it every day because I love every song on that album! Some songs remind me of the good old Smokie era! Olaf, Germany Today I received your album on CD. I already had it on mp3, but wanted to have my CD collection complete. I was very happy to see that you signed it, this makes it extra special. Since you put the backgroud of the song 'Solitary Bird' on your site I can't listen to the song without getting tears in my eyes. It's a fantastic song!! Thanks for your wonderful music. Anja, The Netherlands Thank you for your kind messages. Your CD got here today and I am very happy being under the first 300 fans who has ordered it. What a surprise as I have opened it, a very special greeting from you, warmest thanks for that. I like it verrrryyyy much. Hope the sales will be successful and you´ll get the acknowledgment you deserve. I´ll keep my fingers crossed. Lots of love and as you always say: "Oky doky" Birgit, Germany Just wanted to say a quick "hello" and thanks for the CD. It's absolutely fantastic, love it loads! Well done Alan!! Quite like the personal signature, too, really GREAT!! Keep on rocking like this!! Margit, Germany And I want you to know, Alan, your CD is simply GREAT. Thank you again for the joy, that you and Pete brought to me with this wonderful CD. Hilde, Germany WOW!!! That's the only word I can think of. And also many thanks for your personal message and signed CD. Keep on making such CD's, I am convinced that everybody will like it. Lots of luck and love. Ina, The Netherlands The CD was waiting for me when I got back, many thanks for that! It's great and there is some good material on it :) Pete, England A few days ago I reveived your signed CD, with as a surprise a special greeting inside. The CD is absolutely fantastic and reminds me of the "original" Smokie sound. Please go on, on that way! Siem, The Netherlands Alan, top CD! How about a return to West Yorkshire for your new band and let everybody hear your new songs? Good luck! Kevin, England I got your album only 2 days after I ordered it and I just couldn't believe it. You really made my day! I was so happy when I read, that I would get a signed copy, but you should have seen my face as I opened the booklet, A BIG SMILE ON MY FACE! I know that you do this for everyone who was or is one of the first lucky 300 people to order but I still would like to say THANK YOU STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART FOR THE PERSONAL MESSAGE INSIDE!!! You really care for your fans and that's only one of the things I like about you. But let me give you my feedback for your album quickly. IT IS GREAT AND I LOVE IT!!! It reminds me of the good old Smokie-times and it's kind of hard to choose some favourites because all the songs are great. I hope "Solitary Bird" will be a big success and that everyone will love it!!! Sylvia, Germany 'Solitary Bird' is one of the best albums I have bought in the last few years . The duets with Teri are very good . I know 'Safe in the arms of love' since Chris Norman`s 'Break the ice' album in the late 80s but you "finished" this song with your acoustic arrangement. 'I like it like that' - a song like the Hooters and I like the Hooters 'Drive me wild' - this song is timeless - different voices, different guitars = Traveling Wilburys 'Ice cold rain' - this song so far does not stay in my ears like 'Closer to the candle' (very good chorus), 'She dance', 'Wild horses' or 'Solitary bird', maybe I have to listen to it a few more times. At last my favourite: 'Raining in Menston' - good melody , good harmonies and a song with heart and soul - that's the reason why I am a SMOKIE fan since the early days of SMOKIE. Matthias, Germany Aus sends love to you. I received the CD today. Love love love love it!!! Still has the Smokie sound on some songs, you probably get sick of people saying that. One of my sons thought it was Chris Norman. Don't make it too long before the next one's release. Warmest regards From downunder. Ros, Australia Now it's a week since I received your great album. I love it!!! Every single song is unique and excellent. My favourite songs are "She dance","I like it like that" and the little "doggy-song" at the end, this song could have been a bit longer!!! I listen to this album every day now. I wish you a lot of success with your super album. Jana, Germany Since 1976, as I heard the Smokie-song "What Can I Do", I have been a huge fan of Smokie and the song-writing of Alan Silson. Chris Norman was, of course, the voice of Smokie but important were also the back vocals. I must say that Alan Silson is/was "Mr. Backvocals". After he left Smokie the group doesn´t have the same unique harmony sound that Alan was able to give. My favourite Smokie-album is "The Other Side Of The Road" and my fovourite song on this album is "Samantha Elizabeth". My wife and I have named our daugther after that song. Back to "Solitary Bird" - I was very surprised when I heard the voice of Teri Sullivan on this album; what a great voice -unfortunately, I haven´t been able to find Teri´s soloalbum anywhere. CLOSE TO THE CANDLE is a great song but I think Alan has a little problem with his vocal in the first 40 seconds but when the chorus and the back vocals go on, this song goes under the skin. This could have easily been a Smokie-song. WILD HORSES is a fair song, the chorus is not strong enough. RUNAWAY is a rather good/strange version of this classic song. After I have heard the song several times, it began to get on my nerves...but still better than the original. DRIVE ME WILD is one of the highlights...what a great tune. Good vocal work, and this sexy voice of Teri Sullivan - I´m in Heaven. I ALWAYS HAVE ALWAYS WILL proves that Alan Silson is Mr. Backvocals....and again...this Teri!! I LIKE IT LIKE THAT sounds like a Lindsey Buckingham / Fleetwood Mac-song which is great. Pete Spencer is an ok singer. He sings the song with some kind of mystery. RAINING IN MENSTON is pure Smokie. When I hear this song I really miss the good old Smokie-days with Alan, Terry, Pete and Chris. SHE DANCE for me is the best song on this album. What a great tune and Alan´s voice sounds (just like Teri´s)very sexy. This is a hitsong!!!! ICE COLD RAIN is the weakest song. Alan´s voice sounds like he had been up all night. A very bad song. STREET OF DREAMS shows again that Alan controls the backvocals brilliantly. I have a little problem with the guitarsolo, it reminds me of "It never rains in Southern California". SAFE IN THE ARMS OF LOVE is a great song. I remember the song on Chris Norman´s soloalbum "Break The Ice". It was great then - with Alan´s help. And it is great now - without Chris´ help. SOLITARY BIRD is a very successful song - again. Alan Silson is the Lord of the backvocals! MY 2 DOGGIES AND ME is a great tune, unfortunately it is too short. A 3 minute version of this song would be nice (MAYBE ON THE NEXT ALBUM?). This song would fit on the MIKA-album. AND NOW THE VERDICT IN PERCENT: 75% I will look forward to further album´s with Alan Silson (don´t forget to bring Teri). Soeren, Denmark Regarding Alan's new album we'd only like to say this: FABULOUS - DEEP RESPECT - THE BEST WE HAVE HERAD FOR A LONG TIME!!! Udo & Stefanie, Germany Solitary Bird – I was happy to hear about your new album, but when I finally got it, it took my breath away. Truly amazing what you show us with your voice. One of the best albums I bought in the last years. I know your harmony voice for more than 30 years now and must admit that all the songs on the new album show again that you are able to do more than just background harmonies! Thank you for this great album, Alan! Hope to see you playin’ the songs LIVE soon! I like all songs on SOLITARY BIRD. And it’s great to hear Pete singing - after such a long time. “I Like It Like That” – exactly! My favourite tracks are: I Always Have, Always Will Closer To The Candle Solitary Bird Keep on rockin’ ! Biggi (& Andy – he likes the album, too!), Germany Thank you very much for signing the new CD. All I can say is it is a very very good album!! A little bit more "power" on drums and it will be perfect. Why didn't you take the chance to make a song with your friend Chris Norman? He only played guitar on one song. I think that would be a big surprise for your fans. Thanks and good luck. Ralf, Germany I have received your 'Solitary Bird' CD this week. Needless to say it has been played over and over again. It's absolutley fantastic. Well done to all of you. Thanks for signing it, the CD is extra special now. Many thanks. Regards Alison, UK For a few weeks I`ve got your new album, wow it is amazing! I love all the new songs. Your voice is much better than before (on the Smokie albums). Friedhelm, Germany Glad to tell you that finally me and my friend Alex got the copies of "Solitary Bird" CDs. Thank you very very much! We are both very happy! And, of course, many thanks for signing the covers, for finding and writing some warm words for everyone, that's very touching! Alex is grateful for thanking him for the mouse organ and still hopes that Alan will use it somehow on future recordings... :)) Concerning the album I can only say that it's amazing! It's really very close to what we call the Smokie sound and Alan was absolutely right while telling us about it. And I think the involvement of other members of the original band in the project makes it sound like a kind of reunion album. My favourite track at the moment is "Solitary Bird", it's a real masterpiece! Other songs are also quite good - to mention that in August we already sang "Drive me wild" all together, so it's already very popular! So that's all for now. Thank you once more for everything you're doing for us! I wish you good health and inspiration for new creative things! Take care, Ilmir, Russia I got your CD on Saturday and I have been listening to it many times and I think it’s very good, different kind of music and yes, I like it. It’s impossible to say which song is the best one but I think “Safe in the arms of love”, ”Drive me wild” and “Closer to the candle” are very good but it’s hard to say, I also like “Raining in Menston” a lot. I look forward to hear some of the songs live again. Anita, Denmark Just dropping you a note to tell you that I received the CD yesterday. I love it. I've listened to it a lot, and it just gets better and better each time I play it. :) I have mentioned your album on my Smokie fansite, and I also have links to your website, your MySpace page and your Fan-Portal on the links page there. Hopefully I can help spreading the word a little bit. Maria, Sweden I fell in love with the 'Solitary Bird' CD after only a couple of plays. I enjoyed some of the tracks instantly, others grew on me the more I played them. My favourite stand out tracks are:- "Closer To The Candle", "Wild Horses", "I Like It Like That", "Raining In Menston" and "Safe In The Arms Of Love". 'Solitary Bird' is a great album, has great meaningful lyrics and excellent harmonies and comes complete with a short hidden track "My Two Doggies And Me". Thanks Alan for signing it and for the personal message making it even more special! Steve, Australia I received your album this morning and I think it is fantastic, I have been a fan of yours since the seventies with Smokie. I hope I can catch one of your concerts. Thank you also for the autograph...It's funny in the seventies I would have never have dreamed of E-mailing or getting your autograph!!!! Anyway as I've said, I love the album and wish you great success. Also please say hello to Pete. I haven't got any news on Terry, but I have got a couple of Chris's albums. Vanessa, Wales I bought Alan's new album "Solitary Bird", all I can say - GREAT!!! Especially 'Runaway' is absolutely fantastic, love it! Manfred, Germany THANK YOU SO MUCH for your fantastic new songs and also the personal message on the cover!!! It was such a great surprise when I saw it. My favourite songs are 'I like it like that' and 'Closer to the candle' - absolute brilliant!!! I wish you all the very best and thanks again. Dagmar, Germany I don't know what most people wished to find on this so long expected album. I can say, I got what I've been waiting for and not for a minute I doubted it would be any different. From the very first chords of "Closer To The Candle" I understood I was absolutely right! Talking about the "Smokie sound" - this album is the best work of anybody for the last years where that sound is present and so unmistakably identified. But that's not all! We can also hear Alan's so bright individuality in each tune of his voice, in each crying or bursting of his magic guitar. This is 100 % ALAN SILSON! It's his and only his album!!! And it doesn't matter who the song writer is - Alan or someone else. It shows Alan's talent and creativity and possibly makes the album even better. Surely the team of fantastic musicians who contributed to the album to make it a masterpiece, the first one to mention is, of course, Pete Spencer!! It's very hard for me to choose any tracks which I could be calling better or worse You listen to the album in one breath, starting with the first lines of "Hold your face a little..." - and you breathe out after these funny tunes of hidden "Doggies"!!! There are no average tracks on the album, each one follows us straight through the album, through the soul what Alan called "Solitary Bird". Adding more and more new impressions - very big talent, very big work, very very big heart and love. Thank you! I could be saying more but there will be another more detailed review later, so to be continued. Is it necessary to say how much we are all waiting for Alan’s new songs??? Dmitriy, Ukraine I love the CD, excellent work - I really love 'She Dance','Drives me wild' and 'safe in the arms of love', can't get enough of it! I really like how you stay in touch with your fans you are a treasure for that. Stay safe and keep on rocking! Marcelle, Australia Well, got the album - it's great. You can hear the Smokie sound as well as the original backing vocals. Just listen to 'Closer to the candle' and you hear the same backing vocals as on 'Living next door to Alice' a long time ago. I'd also like the solo of 'What can I do' in the middle of 'Runaway'. Just keep up the good work!! Ger, The Netherlands I'd like to say thank you for the new CD "Solitary Bird". Thank you for all the songs, they are very fatastic. Both music and sound are great, I love it all so much. I wish you lots of success in the future. Martina, Germany Your album is great and I really don't have a favourite song, because I love the whole CD. But I tried to put them in a kind of ranking - her it is: 1. Solitary Bird 2. Closer To The Candle 3. I Like It Like That 4. Raining In Menston 5. Ice Cold Rain 6. Wild Horses 7. Streets Of Dreams 8. I Always Have, Always Will 9. Safe In The Arms Of Love 10. She Dance 11. Drive Me Wild 12. Runaway Martina (not the same one), Germany Thanks for your new CD and thanks for signing it!! I listened to it all the way to one of Chris' concerts and back home, 350 km for careful listening!! (It´s my favourite place to listen to music while driving through the night). Now I have listened to it about 20 times. WANT MY HONEST OPINION?? I like it very much!! My favourite tracks are: -- I like it like that - The right sound speed for driving- it´s like flying! I've never met Pete - but he seems to be hot tempered! His “ha!” scream shows it!! Pete's voice sounds pretty cool!! I like the arrangement and your “first casio”.(I miss the lyrics on your pages). -- Closer to the candle - I like the guitars, the voice..the lyrics.. but it´s a hard cut at the end! Goes on in my mind.... Great song! -- Wild horses - You two sound great together, like always. I like the changes in the speed and the straight sound. -- Solitary bird -I still find out some more elements that have something special. Fascinating!! -- The Doggie Song - HEAVEN! If I wouldn´t have been paitient I would have missed the doggie song. A tiny little jewel. Carefully hidden. -- Runaway -You have made something very special out of this well known song (which I don´t like that much) BUT I like your version very much. It doesn´t sound like heartache, rain and depression.. more like “Luckily - I´m rid of her!” The guitar: WOW! What I always liked most on your songs generally is that they mostly have unexpected elements. In Original-Smokie times I often prefered the B-sides of the singles, not the hits. Some of your songs that were known from Smokie(with Alan Barton)records often sounded like someone ironed them smooth - until there was not much left from your unique sound. The versions on your solo records sounded much more inspired. I like the unexpected in your songs. On first sight it looks as if it´s a loss not to have the name “Smokie”. But I think it´s your chance to make your own sound. Without (sometimes ignorant) audiences that scream for “Alice”. IF YOU FOLLOW YOUR UNIQUE SOUND- I WILL LISTEN!! Karo, Germany My husband and I bought your new CD at the Rockgallery in Bielefeld after your show. Now I had enough time to listen to the CD. It is really great!!! A pleasure to listen to it! We are looking forward to the evening in the Universum and will tell our friends about this event! Cordula and Klaus, Germany You`d like to know whether I have any favourite songs on your album. Yes I have! My favourite song is "Solitary Bird", not because of the lyrics, it is your melodious voice, it opens the way to our hearts. Another song I like is "Runaway". The end of the song reminds me of "What Can I Do". But there are some other great songs. "I Like It Like That" because of Mr. Pete Spencer's voice. "She Dance" is a wonderful song to sway - and so on.... - All the songs together make your album "Solitary Bird" so fantastic!!! I read the comments on your homepage every day and that`s my opinion, too. It is not only your music why people are 'Alan Silson-Fans', it`s your personality, knowing how to handle people, it`s your humanity. Please don`t stop to move on this way. Your music now is your own music, Smokie was yesterday ALAN SILSON is today. The people don`t just like your music, they love your music!! Friedhelm, Germany I really can't tell you, which are my favourite songs because I almost like every song, maybe a bit more "Closer to the candle", "Wild horses", "Runaway", "Drive me wild", "I always have always will", "Ice cold rain", "Street of dreams" and "Solitary bird". So thanks a lot for your wonderful CD - just love it. Annett, Germany Your album is powerful, absolutley first class with a lot of changes and it is passionate. The songs "Closer to the Candle", "Wild Horses" and "Solitary Bird" are smashing and remind me of the quality of songs like "What can I do", "Goin' home" (my love song), "Think of me", "In the heat of the night" and "Walk right back" !!! I am very glad about the cooperation with Pete Spencer, maybe for the next album you take Chris Norman in your boat and it becomes a racer! You album has earned a top ten position in Europe, it is the best of songs in the last years - you are a big one and well done!!! The duets with Teri Sullivan are super and the song with Pete Spencer as a singer reminds me of "Petesey Song", really brilliant! Rainer, Germany Closer to the candle: It starts like Alice! Lively tune. Wild horses: That’s a typical Silson/ Spencer song. I like the strong parts best. Runaway: It is a cover version so the melody is known but it takes about 30 sec. to get it because of your own style. Drive me wild: I like the back vocals or better when you all sing together. I always have always will: I had to hear it more than once but now I like the difference in that song, the two voices singing alone and then together. I like it like that: That one is nice, I hope Pete had fun to sing it. It goes right into the ears. I think that one is my favorite! Raining in Mentson: That one sounds like a song you did with Alan Barton. Nice melody. She dance: Your voice is kind of in the background. Just about a blues song, you also did one on the 'Soild ground' album. I like it. Ice cold rain: That’s a song for a Smokie- voice, with harmonies and ups and downs. Street of dreams: Your’re singing a story, that makes the song intressting. Very tuneful. Safe in the arms of love: oh I love that one. Now in a new mix. Very nice. Solitary bird: a ballade, every album needs one. Very nice. I tried my best, it was hard to find the right words to describe the songs. In German I would have written more about your very very nice songs. Andrea, Germany It was great to listen to your CD. I like all songs, most 'Solitary Bird'. The song about your doggies is fun and sweet. You have done a great job. Just wonderful, keep on going and make more beautiful music for all your fans. It makes this world a better place to be. Many thanks for your personal message. Hope to see you sometime. Lise, Denmark I've received your new CD in Friday and I want to say "Thank you". Thank you for a really great album! It sounds very good, perfect vocals - it brings back my favourite Smokie time with original members. Also thank you Pete for great drums, you're my favourite in the drummer world. Really good style and sound!! Good work!!! Radek, Czech Republic Thanks for a very nice Christmas present. It warms my heart to hear such a good record, you´ll blow those other guys off the stage anytime! Hope to see you perform in Stockholm soon. Rutger, Sweden I guess I've never told you how beautiful I think Alan's album is. Am listening to it right now and I still want to cry at 'Closer to the candle' and 'Solitary bird' - Heaven!!! Alex, England Never expected this to be more than an average album .... how wrong I was!!! Thank you for the music - it lightens up my days :-) Count me in on your next music venture and look forward to any new CD you may produce. Dimitri, Greece I received the album several days ago. Thank you very much. I like all the songs and mostly "Raining in Menston", "Wild horses" and "Solitary Bird". I like your duet with Teri Sullivan, too. My favourite song remains "Closer to the candle". I love very much this song. The video to the song is marvellous. Thank you very much for your personal autograph to me, it is very kind. I wish you much health and success. Love, Galina, Bulgaria 'Solitary Bird': Two lives after This is a great album. Unfortunately, it was late to be released. Fans waited for it - for too long. It could become a real sensation, a bomb, if it was released right after it was recorded - back in 2004. But being released in 2007, it was late - for me personally. It was two lives after, when all the circumstances and people have changed, when I wasn't the same myself anymore. So it became a great 'memorial' to the time that passed. 'Closer To The Candle' and 'Wild Horses'- these songs are ideal for Alan but I don't like to listen to them cause it's too painful. They instantly remind me of bad times he (and his true fans) had to live thru. Every line echoes with pain, sends shivers down my spine, makes me hard to swallow, makes me angry and upset, makes me feel helpless and unable to protect him like I felt back then, makes me wanna cry. Scenes, faces and pictures from that time start flashing in my mind... I don't want to be back there, no. These songs hurt. 'Runaway' - this cover version is very personal for me because it will always remain a 'music memorial' to some very important time in my own life, including the birth of my son. It was recorded back then, it captured the me that will never be the same anymore, and it was some kind of a thank you message to Russian speaking fans from ex-USSR countries whose hearts were true and whose support and love to Alan's music was/is unlimited. Thank you Alan, from all of us here in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus etc. 'Drive Me Wild' - Nice Wilburys style tune, I love Wilburys. :) "I Always Have, Always Will' - it's a very good song that's loved by the most of the audience. But... and it's my personal opinion only, nothing more - it would suit some other ex-Smokies better than Alan. Him doing pop-duets... is not the picture that's in my mind. Quality song though. 'Raining In Menston', 'Safe In The Arms Of Love' and 'She Dance' - are the ones I like the most, if speaking of melodies. They catch the ear easily, no wonder so many people like them... ... but 'Ice Cold Rain', 'Street of Dreams' and 'Solitary Bird' are 'the real Alan Silson' to me. Who else could sing the word 'condensation' with such emotions?? :) And these songs are real, so damn real. And so poetic at once. It's not one of those many albums I say thanks for, put on the shelf and forget forever. This is the album I'll be listening to, thru the years, not just for one time. Isn't it the factor that makes any album immortal?... Rated: 5 out of 5 possible. Mariah (Marybaby), Kazakhstan Thanks for sending me your new CD "Solitary Bird". Wow, it's just brilliant, the Smokie sound as I love it (it's quite obvious that Alan Silson & Chris Norman sound so much more like Smokie on their solo albums than the current line-up. Mario, Germany Dear Alan, the album "Solitary Bird" is simply perfect, like the old Smokie-songs. I'm waiting for the next album. Kai, Germany Today I had your new album "Solitary bird" in my postbox. I'm very happy about your dedication on the inlay, great! Immediately, I put it into the CD-player and now it´s still on the run. At first my general impression is it is very emotional - perfect to close your eyes and start to dream! It is great that Pete sings the song "I like it like that" - I just can tell you: I like it! The guitarsolo on "Runaway" sends shivers down my spine! The title track "Solitary Bird" is really very beautiful. I think the words on "She Dance" are very funny, "Drive me wild" is really pleasant. One little thing I am missing: A rock'n'roll hymn like "The magic of love". It's wonderful that there are so much wellknown musicans on your album, like Chris, Pete, Teri Sullivan, Paul Geary, Geoff Carline, etc. You've done a great job, it's a another delightful peace in my collection. I'm already happy to play it by myself with my guitars. Martin, Austria It was with some trepidation that I started listening to the CD, I knew I loved the 'Solitary Bird' and 'Closer to the Candle' tracks but could the other tracks be as good? Well, what can I say but FABULOUS, I have listened to nothing else for the past month. My favourite track is definately 'Street of Dreams', the intro just caught my attention and I was hooked. The arrangements are brilliant, love the guitars (as ever - the Silson trademark), lyrics, harmonies, everything, I have nothing bad to say..... This is a winner! And the final word from my daughter who didn't know what CD I listen to - "Mum are you listening to Smokie again?" Praise indeed! Tracey, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada Thank you so much for a great album, I have been waiting for this album for years. I love the songs more each time I hear the album. I hope I can see you and hear you live in Norway some time. So Alan I hope there will be a second album later. I wish you the best of luck. Rune, Norway .... and now we come to Katrin's favourite songs from your album: 1. RAINING IN MENSTON - wow, my favourite song for rainy days 2. I LIKE IT LIKE THAT - great rhythm to dance and swing 3. SHE DANCE - yes, I do 4. SOLITARY BIRD - a great song to dream away Katrin, Germany Thank you very much for the album. It is magnificent. All titles are so great, so beautiful. It is like in the old SMOKIE-days. Many, many thanks!! Heike, Germany Got the CD...thanks...loving it!! Keep up the good work and I'll hope to see you somewhere soon! Pia, Denmark Just a quick thanks for the album, absolutely superb. Smokie and your good self were one of the reasons I started playing the guitar and "You Took Me By Surprise" is one of my favourite songs of all time. Very best wishes Nigel, UK I like that CD very much, especially the songs "Drive me wild" which reminds me of CCR. And, of course, "Solitary Bird", " I like it like that" and "Raining in Menston". These are absolutely top hits and compare to the shit we have to hear daily on the radio, it is wonderful and fantastic! Hope that you can create a new CD together with Pete, so that we all can enjoy more of it. It is a desaster that these songs will not become more popular as songs like "Solitary Bird" would shoot to the tops of the charts easily. WELL WELL DONE ALAN ! I LIKE IT LIKE THAT ! :-) That is what we are living for! Joern, Germany Your CD "Solitary Bird" is full of great songs! My favorites are "Closer To The Candle","I Like It Like That" and "Solitary Bird". Wish you all the best and keep on rockin'. Thomas, Germany Thank you for the CD 'Solitery Bird' - I love it, can't stop playing it in my car. As long as you and Chris still make albums like this Smokie will live on forever. Kindest Regards, David, England This is the best album of an (well, in this case 2!!) original Smokie members since the original line-up split up back in 1982! Rainer, Germany Dear Alan and Pete, I promised you a extensive report of my experiences of your album Solitary Bird. Because I wanted to give you a kind of feedback which for you as artists could be of any use, it took me some time. I had to listen to the album quite often and that was no struggle at all! When I ordered the album I really didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t want to be influenced and therefore I didn’t read any reports. I allow myself to do that after I have written my own. I lost you two out of sight by the time when Smokie first split up (1982 I think) I had other things on my mind, study, work, career. Only recently, in an nostalgic mood I began to surf on the internet. I found the “new” Smokie. Nice music but it doesn’t give me the thrill the old music does. I knew Chris was doing solo. Not really my kind of music, too smooth. Then I found the website of Alan, and the video of ‘Closer to the Candle’. So there were a lot of surprises. Maybe my report will be slightly different from other peoples’ because I never was a ‘typical’ Smokie-fan. I didn’t like your hits at all! A good friend of mine liked ‘Alice’ and bought the album. She was very disappointed. ‘Alice’ was the only song she liked on the album. I listened to the album, too and become enthousiastic. ‘Alice’ was the only song I didn’t like! That has always been that way. I didn’t like the hits, I loved the albums. My favourite of all is ‘London is burning’, so you are warned! But don’t worry, I like the album. Enough introduction. Let’s go to the music. 1- Closer to the candle. This was my first introduction to your new music and when I heard it the first time (the video-clip) I liked it at once. What rarely happens to me, did occur now. I only heard the song once and the next day it was stuck in my head. It’s a strong melody and quite complicated to play, too, I think. It has a traditional Smokie-start (well… all right this time), but then the song goes a different way. Strong lyrics, which every listener can interpret in his own way. Strong acoustic guitars, lovely drums. A song which goes with different kind of moods. Nice keyboard and a solid guitarsolo to keep up your standard, Alan. A good start. Saying: We’re back again. 2- Wild Horses. A beautiful start whith a bright clear vocal. This song troubles me. I find it difficult to understand what you mean. I don’t understand the lyrics at all. ‘Everyones crying for you? Northern surviver?’ What do you mean? What did you do? Because of this puzzling me, it distracts me from enjoying the song. The combination of chorus and verse doesn’t fit well in my ears. But good singing and nice guitars. I will give this song a second chance. 3- Runaway. The first time I started this song I thought my microwave-oven was ready with my meal. What an ear-catcher to start with. And it comes back several times during the song. Humour! I think you could never imagine what an impact this had on me. Because every time I hear an electronic bleep which sounds a bit like it, it’s like someone puts on a button and that song starts in my head!! It’s amazing. Last week I was on a business meeting and a laptop gave a bleep. A collegue looked at me and said: “What are you thinking of? You’re smiling.” Ha! Kind of funny, I always carry the song with me. And what a song. I didn’t like the original at all, but what you two made of it - a masterpiece. This is emotion, humour, strong vocals, excellent rhythm. Funny intermezzo by that Russian DJ. What is she saying? And then that intrumental part. I often play the album when I’m driving my car. Because of my work I’m driving it about 25 hours a week so plenty of time to listen to music. When that instrumental part starts the volume goes up to 25. It’s thrilling. First those keyboards, then the screaming guitars and lovely subtle percussion underneath. How can you make this so beautiful? How do you do that? This brings tears into my eyes, and there aren’t many songs which have that impact on me. By the way, in the first part of the instrumental part I hear a hesitation between the 9th and 10th note. Is that on purpose or just a sticky finger? 4- Drive me wild. Totally different song. There’s a lot of variation on the album, I like that. Nice duet with Chip Hawkes, the two voices fit together very well and it’s sung in a nice quick tempo. I’m not sure about Teri S. A lot of friends participated in this song. You must have had great fun recording it. That’s exactly what you hear. Nice easy-listening song with pleasent bendings in rhythm. Solid work. 5- I always have always will. This is not my favourite. Firstly, of all it’s too much Chris Norman style. Secondly, I don’t like the combination of your voice and Teri’s. There is too little contrast between those two voices. Both separately are ok, but together it doesn’t fit well. The only things I like are the last verse where Alan lets his voice work, and the strong driving drumming that builds the song. 6- I like it like that. How to find words for this song. It is very difficult in a foreign language I only use for business, not to express my feelings and emotions. Let me tell you what happened when I first heard the song. I was driving my car (again). The ticking and acoustic start made me very alert. Heh, what a rhythm! Then that heartbeating drum you feel in your chest. Wow, I was sitting straight up now. Then those teasing guitars. What a song!! But I was absolutely not prepared for what followed. What a voice! It made me feel warm all over. Strong lyrics, not a word too much. A sensual voice with hidden passion (a lot). Everything in this song is perfect. The different guitars playing together, the strong beat, the lead and backing vocals close together. Mysterious sounds. It goes up and down and then back up again for another ride. Wonderful. This song really makes my heart beat faster. Strong ending also with that long lasting tone. This song is number one for me. Not only on this album but on my personal top 10 for the last 40 years. It won’t be easy to make anything better than this. Pete it is an absolute shame you do so little vocals! 7- Raining in Menston. After such a strong song disappointment is easy to get. And that what happened. I think this is really a bad song. I re-shuffeled the CD, hoping it would be nicer when it doesn’t come after ‘I like it like that’ but it stayed a bad song. It’s a cliche, the intro is, the lyrics are, the music is. Not my piece of cake. A plain song that doesn’t surprise, tickle, yearn or touch. It just fills the album. You can do better. 8- She dance. When the tune starts I immediately feel happy and when I’m driving I can’t controll my right foot. Off we go! I’m swinging behind the steering-wheel. There is very little time between song 7 and 8. In this case that is good because the two songs seem to be connected. But it is tricky when two songs have a different mood. Alan, you use a lazy voice which is a perfect combination with the spicy rhythm. Nice teasing guitars in the background. When I’m tired or sad and I listen to this song the sun begins to shine. This kind of music can do that to people. It’s also a nice song for a live performance. 9- Ice could rain. Back on earth again. The intro gives me a warning. This is gonna be hard stuff. Heartbreaking. Alan you are so capable of bringing emotions into your voice when you are singing. A lot of singers have to do without that gift. Is a real talent of you. I’m wondering how you do that. How can you sing something like this. What are you thinking of? It’s so black, so much misery. And so beautiful, it gives me shivers down my spine. Nice combinations of vocals and guitars. Especially the lead and backing vocals at the same time. The strong percussions make the song complete. One of my favourites. 10- Street of dreams. After all that misery you need a song to comfort you, to prevent listeners jumping off bridges. So songs 9 and 10 are a very nice combination. 1 and 1 makes 3. Now the crying is over, there’s still some pain, but it’s time to move on. Everyone has that kind of moments in his/her life. You caught it very well in this song. 11- Safe in the arms of love. The same theme but less multi purpose than number 10. A bit too much after each other. Strong and promising beginning but that doesn’t continue. It’s a bit sentimental in the wrong way. Again, I don’t like the combination of these two voices. What I do like is the ‘hmmm hmmm’ in the song. It sounds like it is there by accident but I don’t think it is. It makes the song better. On second thought it is quite a nice song actually, but it should have been put in another place on the album and been sung with another co-singer. 12- Solitary bird. Nice ending of the album. Beautiful vocals and nice bending in rhythm. About this song I had some information beforehand. Typical that when you know what a song is about it gives a special dimension to it. Just as it does with paintings. If you know what an artist meant by it, you appreciate it more. It’s a beautiful song. I can’t describe it any better. Nice guitarsolo. And then the doggy-song. I only discovered it after I had heard the album 8 times. Every time I was too impatient. Put on the repeat button or put another album in. That one night, I was driving my car and I had to concentrate on the traffic so I let the CD finish. And suddenly there was another song! YOU JOKERS! And what a song. A nice little jewel. How short it may be, it’s a complete song. Very nice. Well, I hope you are still reading. It’s become a long story. I’d tried to make it shorter but that’s impossible. I hope you liked it and, of course, I would be very delighted if I hear anything back from you about it. I will end with some tips and wishes for the future. - Go your own way. You have a recommendable style - Please stay working together. You two are a hell of a team - Pete, please please please do more vocals (please) - Alan, would you mind recording ‘What can i do’ on your next album? The way you’re playing it now? - I think there are some songs of Fleetwood Mac which will fit very well in your style. For example: ‘Storms’, already thrilling as it is now but sung by you Alan it would be heaven. For Pete I think the songs ‘Man of the World’ and ‘World turning’ are very suitable. Idea?? And what do you think of making your own style of ‘I’m so afraid’ and ‘Go insane’? IF YOU GO ON LIKE THIS, I WILL BE A FAN FOREVER. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS MUSIC INTO MY LIFE. My top 6 is: 1. I like it like that (lonely at the top) 2. Runaway 3. Ice cold rain 4. She dance 5. Solitary bird 6. Closer to the candle Lilianne, The Netherlands Your CD "Solitary Bird" is wonderful!!! Didier, Switzerland I received my copy of "Solitary Bird" yesterday and love it! My favourite tracks are: - Solitary Bird - Closer to the candle - Wild Horses - Drive me wild "I like it like that "has a great beat to exercise to -lol. Thanks for signing it and the little message inside. You made my day!! Ruth, UK Thanks for the signed CD and note inside. I discovered you on youtube. The songs are really good. You did a great job. Are you going to release it in the U.S.? Carolyn, United States A big compliment - your CD is great!! I am a big Smokie fan, you and Chris are simply the best! I hope you write many new songs - can't wait to hear them! Manuela, Germany

Silson Limited Edition September 13, 2008 The CD 'Limited Edition' is GREAT, I got it last month from Ellen , a birthday present. I was a big surprise. Most songs I know of course, but 4 songs I didn't, 'Stepping into the night' and 'Lyin' in the arms' are my favourites of my unknown songs. Astrid, The Netherlands I got your CD 'Limited Edition' today and though it's not mixed etc. it is pure and I love the way you want the songs to sound like.(I missed this sound of backing vocals since you left Smokie. I like it and hope it won't be the last thing to hear from you. Keep up the good work! Ger, The Netherlands Thanks for the CD 'Silson Limited'. Love it. Though you wrote it's only a demo, I think it is great. It's great to hear you sing your own songs. "Respect" is a great song. I hope you will do a gig in Southjylland some day, so I can hear you play live, too. Lise, Denmark I am so glad Alan gives his fans the opportunity to buy the 'old' album 'Silson Limited Edition'. I am one of them who asked for it. Although Alan warned me several times that it isn't a proper album – these are his words! – I am very glad I have the album! Of course, you can hear that the songs are 'just' demos. The quality of the sound is not the same as on 'Solitary Bird' so his warning was good, otherwise you could get disappointed. And I miss Pete's drumming on it. But the songs are great! Good Music, with the big M. My favourite track is 'Respect' because it is a nice rocking number with good lyrics. My second favourite is 'The magic of love'. The song reminds me a lot of 'Addicted to love' by Tina Turner, a spicy rhythm and a bit naughty lyrics. I love it. I enjoyed the album very much and I am gonna play it very often. Thanks Alan! Lilianne from the Netherlands. I played your CD "Limited Edition" at once and I must say it was not necessary to excuse yourself for the fact that the songs were only demos. I think the sound is excellent and you did a great job at the time. I am looking forward to your next album!!! All the best and thanks!! Siem, The Netherlands

Album Reviews and Fan Feedback May 16, 2007 This area of the site will contain reviews and other comments regarding my new album 'SOLITARY BIRD'. Please let me know your thoughts. I always appreciate your feedback. Thanks - Alan.....

Thank you for the CD 'Solitery Bird' - I love it, can't stop playing it in my car. As long as you and Chris still make albums like this Smokie will live on forever. Kindest Regards, David, England