Kevin Ayers’ post-Harvest output was one long essay in disengagement. Rupert Hines’ clinical production on Dr Dream (1974) reduced the warmth, wit and weirdness into permafrost: the sleevenotes quote Ayers’ (entirely accurate) misgivings about the album at the time of release. The legendary Rainbow Concert of June 1974 was supposed to be a showcase for the star and guests. The guests (Eno, John Cale, Robert Wyatt) all went on to bigger things, while their host sounds like an onlooker at his own party. Elton John guests on ’75’s “Sweet Deceiver”, presumably in an attempt to boost sales. Like that was gonna work.
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