The Dreams of Harry Beck

Dreams of Harry Beck was recorded in 1997 at David’s home studio in the spare room at his place in Nottingham. Music and lyrics – about the slightly obsessive designer of the iconic London Underground diagram – by myself. I played keyboards and double bass, and David provided vocals and guitar and engineered. I remember David sweating over the lead line, which has a somewhat Canterbury-esque shape that would be easier as an instrumental line than as a vocal – but as ever with David, the result was superb. I think it was that same weekend that he played me a tape of some of his Genesis audition vocals, sung over the original classic backing tracks. I remember that it was almost spooky how well he’d been able to emulate both Peter Gabriel’s and Phil Collin’s voices. I wish we’d collaborated more as a duo, but I’m glad we at least put down this one song. Danny Manners