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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
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Bill Phelan — That Photograph
(Bandcamp no#, 2024, CD / DL)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2026-09-06

That Photograph Cover art

Most of what we cover here at Exposé is music from the far reaches, from the boundaries of rock music where it meets other genres, or things that are completely original, unclassifiable, and unknown. Bill Phelan is none of that; he’s been a musician his entire life, having appeared on numerous recordings by others (Oho, for example), but only in the last few years has he gotten around to released his own recordings, and two of those albums are traditional Irish music, while That Photograph is a collection of his original material (sometimes co-written with his friend Jeff Pleet) from the years 1971 through the early 2020s. The album makes a strong case for good old-fashioned songcraft, with a powerful nod to late-60s to early-70s west coast rock of the sort pioneered by The Byrds, Stephen Stills, and all of their musical lineage through the years. For his part, Phelan plays six and twelve string guitars, mandolin, pedal steel, lap steel, bass guitar (on some tracks), and all vocals. He is joined by  numerous other musicians on bass, drums, percussion, organ, piano, synth, violin, and more, in a way that one would expect for an album recorded in numerous sessions over several decades. While Phelan doesn’t let on as to which songs were recorded when, he does include a couple songs recorded in the 71-72 timeframe as well as reworked versions from many years later. The album launches with “Anyway Someday,” a powerful number that hints of Buffalo Springfield or CSN without the complex multi-part harmonies, with a gorgeous guitar solo. “Piper’s Daughter” embraces a fingerpicked undercurrent perhaps reminiscent of Danny O’Keefe, leading into the title track which features that mid-60s style Byrds jangle wrapped around a beautiful melody. Other noteworthy tracks include “Coming Home,” a slower folky styled number that features a hammered dulcimer intro and beautiful pedal steel work throughout, while a revved up section mid-song has a completely different feel with a powerful rocking guitar solo, while “Harbor Song” moves gently forward with Stephen Stills like harmonies and more pedal steel soloing. The pleasant rocker “Love Just Once” has a wonderful mid-60s feel with a George-Harrison-esque solo to brighten things up. In all, there are seventeen songs here, recommended for anyone who loves classic late-60s sounds and songcraft.

Filed under: New releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Bill Phelan

More info
http://billphelan.bandcamp.com/album/that-photograph

 

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