Gilbert O’Sullivan: Out on His Own, BBC Four

Watched "Out On His Own" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt that Gilbert O'Sullivan came across as a decent, straight-forward chap who tells it like it is and is not afraid to air his views and stand up for himself. He obviously loves music and is dedicated to writing songs and is also a perfectionist whether it's getting the sound absolutely spot on for his concert audience or in the studio recording. (He was upset when he felt the sound wasn't quite right after one of his concerts in Israel.) It does seem with hindsight that his career has suffered since the protracted law suit with his former manager and having no-one to manage him since then. I do tend to agree with most of Howard's review but have to disagree about his view of Gilbert's song about 9/11 "All They Wanted To Say". I think that having such poignant, moving lyrics with the almost jaunty melody far from "jarring" and instead gives the song a balance that makes the song a beautiful bitter-sweet lament and allows the lyrics to become even more moving. What is strange is that BBC Radio 2 wouldn't play the song when it was released earlier this year, wonder why? As Gilbert says "he's scratching at the door" for more success, let's hope he gets it, for a songwriter so dedicated to his craft he deserves it! Plus it's always nice to see the good guy do well for a change!!