Daydo is the debut solo studio album by Welsh guitarist Alun Davies, released in August 1972. Most of the album's songs are written by Davies, and supported by Cat Stevens on piano with other members of Stevens's band, including drummer Gerry Conway. Stevens also produced the album, along with Stevens's own producer Paul Samwell-Smith. Daydo received mixed reviews upon release, but peaked at number 43 in Australia.
Overview
The album title, "Daydo", was the nickname Davies's friends gave him until age 17.
Daydo was described as having been "a long time in the planning"; some of its material was written up to two years prior to release. By the time the album was released, Davies had gained some fame playing as a guitarist for British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, whom Davies had developed a close friendship with. Stevens and Paul Samwell-Smith produced Daydo for Davies. When asked why he didn't do it himself, he admitted that he felt incapable of both producing and keeping a clear mind over his concept for the finished product.
The third track on the album is a cover of Cat Stevens's song "Portobello Road", co-written by Kim Fowley.
The album was expected to be "the first of many", however no follow-up ever materialized.
Reception
Richie Unterberger of AllMusic felt that the album sounded like "Stevens compositions being sung by a less talented singer". He added that at its best, it had some "pleasant if not terribly memorable" folk-rock tunes.
Melody Maker's Mark Plummer enjoyed Daydo, stating there were "plenty of good, interesting songs".
