January / David Paton

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In 1975 the most popular band from Scotland was Bay City Rollers of course, all over in Europe, and later (thanks to Clive Davis from Arista), also in the US. But I always liked better another band from Edinburgh, Pilot. And its frontman, David (that wonderful name) Paton. Born at the end of October 1949, a really talented bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter.

Pilot was formed in 1973, in 1974 they recorded first album, produced by Alan Parsons. The first single from it, 'Magic', wrote by DP and Billy Lyall, was a great hit in Europe, Australia, Canada and in the USA. Really outstanding debut, No 5 on The Billboard Hot 100. I loved that song. And had a weak spot for David Paton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzlK0OGpIRs

In 1977 it was the end of Pilot's career, but David Paton was much more than another pretty boy from Edinburgh. He played on 2 first albums by Kate Bush, he recorded (and toured) with Elton John and Fish, played on many Alan Parsons Projects' albums. The Pilot's drummer Stuart Tosh later recorded (and toured) with 10cc.

'January', the Pilot's next hit (after 'Magic')  was the band's sole number 1 in the UK. In January and February of 1975. The song charted again in America, but only at number 87. 

David Cassidy recorded that song for his second RCA album, 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', released in March 1976. What can I say, I loved the original in the 70s, heard the DC's version just a few years ago, and I preferred his, there is magic in this cover.

The Pilot's 'January' is more pop, the David's more rock, edgy, faster, and first of all his voice so fabulous, and like always that something extra, his own interpretation..'this is just misunderstanding darling, you will not leave me..no way'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SgxEHjtHsI

Thanks to my friend, Doreen Walker, we can read what DC wrote about 'January', and other songs from his great album, Home Is Where The Heart Is'. I tried many times (in vain) read those liner notes, written in the DC own handwriting, at last Doreen made it for all of us, and we can read her transcript on the David Cassidy Official Website. It's a wonderful, one in a kind, fascinating read.

https://www.davidcassidy.com/fansite/DiscographyPages/HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs_LinerNotes.html

And of course in the New Year we don't forget about THE PETITION !!!

https://chng.it/NgppymDR6K

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