Few bands beyond The Beatles did as much to popularize psychedelic pop music in England as Traffic. Dave Mason played guitar and wrote a number of songs with Traffic, including the perennial favorite “Feelin’ Alright.” Yet after two landmark albums, Mason decided to leave the band to pursue music that was less overtly psychedelic. Following a brief stop with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett’s band (the Eric Clapton parallels are sometimes eerie), Mason released his first solo album, Alone Together. Although well received by fans and critics, Mason confounded many with his next move, a collaboration with Mama Cass Elliott. That album was followed by a series of unauthorized releases (Headkeeper, Dave Mason Is Alive!, etc.) as Mason sought to extricate himself from his contract with Blue Thumb.
Migrating to the greener pastures of Columbia Records, Mason began releasing middle-of-the-road rock records that sold respectably but yielded no big hits. That changed with the release of Let It Flow in 1977 and the smash hit, “We Just Disagree.” Just as quickly, Mason fell back to his former fortunes, and by 1981 had temporarily retired from the business. In 1987, Mason tried to revive his career with little success, and seemed destined for an early retirement when he was invited to join Fleetwood Mac in the 90s at the request of his friend, Mick Fleetwood. Since then, Mason has toured on his own and with former Traffic-mate Jim Capaldi (chronicled on The 40,000 Headmen Tour). In 2008, he released his first album of new material in two decades, 26 Letters 12 Notes.
The Discography
Just For You (1968)
b/w Little Woman. Released on 7-inch on February 1968 in the UK (Island, WIP-6032).
World In Changes (1970)
b/w Can’t Stop Worrying About You. Released on 7-inch on April 1970 in the US (Blue Thumb, 112).
ALONE TOGETHER (1970)
Only You And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Waitin’ On You / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / World In Changes / Sad And Deep As You / Just A Song / Look At You, Look At Me. Originally released on elpee on June 1970 in the US (Blue Thumb, BTS-19) and Japan (Blue Thumb, SR-465); reached #22 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record). Original elpee issue with diecut foldout cover and available in US on colored vinyl. Re-released on elpee in the US (MCA, MCA-11319) with gatefold cover on 180g vinyl. Re-released on remastered CD in the US (Mobile Fidelity, UDCD-573), in 2006 in Japan (Universal, UICY-93009) and in 2008 in the UK (Cherry Red, CRREV-251). Re-released w. Headkeeper on July 12, 2005 on CD (Beat Goes On, 675).
Only You And I Know (1970)
b/w Sad And Deep As You. Originally released on 7-inch on July 1970 in the US (Blue Thumb, BLU-114); reached #42 on the US charts (charted on August 1, 1970 for 10 weeks). Also available as promotional 7-inch with A side on both sides. Also released as promotional 7-inch in the US (ABC/Blue Thumb, BT-276) with a mono version of the A side on the flip.
Satin Red And Black Velvet Woman (1970)
b/w Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave. Released on 7-inch on November 1970 in the US (Blue Thumb, 7117); reached #97 on the US charts (charted December 12, 1970 for 2 weeks).
Something To Make You Happy (1970)
b/w Next To You. Released on promotional 7-inch in 1970 in the UK (Probe, PRO-513) with a picture sleeve.
Waitin’ On You (1971)
b/w Just A Song. Released on 7-inch in January 1971 in the US (Blue Thumb, 7122).
DAVE MASON & CASS ELLIOT (1971)
Walk To The Point / On And On / To Be Free / Here We Go Again / Pleasing You // Sit And Wonder / Something To Make You Happy / Too Much Truth, Too Much Love / Next To You / Glittering Façade. Originally released on elpee in the UK (Probe, SPBA-6259) and the US (Blue Thumb, BTS-8825); reached #49 on the US charts. Original elpee featured a gatefold cover. Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2008 in the UK (Cherry Red, CRREV-255).
HEADKEEPER (1972)
To Be Free / In My Mind / Here We Go Again / A Heartache, A Shadow, A Lifetime / Headkeeper // Pearly Queen / Just A Song / World In Changes / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Feelin’ Alright. Released on elpee on February 1972 in the UK (Blue Thumb, ILPS-9203) and in the US (Blue Thumb, BTS-34); reached #51 on the US charts.
A Heartache, A Shadow, A Lifetime (1972)
b/w Can’t Stop Worrying About You. Released on 7-inch in 1972 in the US (Blue Thumb, 205).
To Be Free (1972)
b/w Pearly Queen. Released on 7-inch in 1972 in the Canada (Blue Thumb, BTA 209). Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1972 in the US (Blue Thumb, BTA 209) with A side on both sides.
SCRAPBOOK (1972)
Hole In My Shoe / Utterly Simple / Hope I Never Find Me There / Cryin’ To Be Heard / You Can All Join In / Feelin’ Alright / Little Woman / Vagabond Virgin / Just For You / Only You And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / World In Changes / Sad And Deep As You / To Be Free / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / In My Mind / Just A Song. Originally released on 2-LP in 1972 in the UK (Island, ICD-5) with a gatefold cover.
DAVE MASON IS ALIVE! (1973)
Live tracks: Walk To The Point / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / Look At You, Look At Me / Only You And I Know / Sad And Deep As You / Just A Song / Feelin’ Alright. Originally released on elpee on April 1973 in the US (Blue Thumb, BTS-54); reached #116 on the US charts. Repackaged as In Concert and re-released on elpee in Germany (ABC/Blue Thumb, 25.007ET).
IT’S LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT (1973)
Baby…Please / Every Woman / If You’ve Got Love / Maybe / Headkeeper // Misty Morning Stranger / Silent Partner / Side Tracked / The Lonely One / It’s Like You Never Left. Originally released on elpee on October 29, 1973 in the UK and Netherlands (CBS, S-65258), US (Columbia, KC 31721) and New Zealand (CBS, SBP-474148); reached #50 on the US charts. Original elpee featured a gatefold cover, as did some subsequent reissues. Re-released on elpee and cassette in the US (Columbia, PC/PCT 31721). Re-released on 180g vinyl elpee in the US (S&P Records, S&P-503). Re-released on CD in 1994 in Japan (Sony, SRCS-6363), in 1995 in the US (One Way, A-26077) and in 2005 in the US (Repertoire, RR-2320). Repackaged w. Dave Mason as a twofer CD on September 26, 2000 (DCC, 199), on October 29, 2002 in the US (S&P Records, SPR-705) and on March 13, 2007 in the UK (Acadia, ACA-8137).
Baby… Please (1973)
b/w Side Tracked. Released on 7-inch in 1973 in Japan (CBS/Sony, SOPB-262) with picture sleeve. Also released as promotional 7-inch in the US (Columbia, 4-45947) with mono version of A side on flip.
The Lonely One (1973)
Released as promotional 7-inch in 1973 in the UK (CBS, S-2153) with DJ Version on the A side and LP Version on the B side.
THE BEST OF DAVE MASON (1974)
A Heartache, A Shadow, A Lifetime / Only You Know And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Look At You Look At Me // Walk To The Point / In My Mind / To Be Free / Here We Go Again / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave. Released on elpee on June 1974 in the US (Blue Thumb, BTS-6013); reached #183 on the US charts.
Bring It On Home To Me (1974)
b/w Harmony And Melody. Released on 7-inch in 1974 in the US (Columbia, 3-100754) and the Netherlands (CBS, S-2947). Also released as promotional 7-inch in the US (Columbia, 3-10074) with A side on both sides.
Every Woman (1974)
Released as promotional 7-inch in 1974 in the US (Columbia, 3-1014) with mono version of A on flip.
DAVE MASON (1974)
Show Me Some Affection / Get Ahold On Love / Every Woman / It Can’t Make Any Difference to Me / All Along The Watchtower // Bring It On Home To Me / Harmony & Melody / Relation Ships / You Can’t Take It When You Go. Originally released on elpee on October 1974 in the UK and Netherlands (CBS, 80360), US (Columbia, PC 33096) and Japan (CBS, SOPN-102); reached #25 on the US charts (RIAA-certified gold record). Original elpee featured a picture innersleeve. Also released as a quadrophonic elpee in 1974 in the US (Columbia, PCQ-33096). Re-released on CD in 1992 in Japan (Sony, SRCS-6181) and on October 31, 1995 in the US (One Way, ONE-26080). Repackaged with It’s Like You Never Left and released as a twofer CD on October 29, 2002 in the US (S&P Records, SPR-705). Repackaged with Split Coconut and released as a twofer digitally remastered CD on November 25, 2008 in the UK (Beat Goes On, BGOCD-848).
All Along The Watchtower (1974)
Released as a promotional 7-inch in 1974 in the US (Columbia, 10469) with mono version of A on flip.
Show Me Some Affection (1974)
b/w Get Ahold On Love. Released as 7-inch in 1974 in New Zealand (CBS, 461616).
DAVE MASON AT HIS BEST (1975)
Released on elpee on March 1975 in the US (Blue Thumb, ABTD-880); reached #133 on the US charts.
SPLIT COCONUT (1975)
Split Coconut / Crying, Waiting, Hoping / You Can Lose It / She’s A Friend / Save Your Love // Give Me A Reason Why / Two Guitar Lovers / Sweet Music / Long Lost Friend. Originally released on elpee on September 19, 1975 in the UK (CBS, 69193) and the US (Columbia, PC 33698); reached #27 on the US charts. Also released as quadrophonic elpee in 1975 in the US (Columbia, PCQ-33698). Re-released on CD in 1994 in Japan (Sony, SRCS-6364) and on September 26, 1995 in the US (One Way, 26079). Repackaged with Dave Mason and released as a twofer digitally remastered CD on November 25, 2008 in the UK (Beat Goes On, BGOCD-848).
You Can Lose It (1975)
Released as promotional 7-inch in 1975 in the UK (CBS, S3641).
Crying, Waiting Hoping (1975)
b/w You Can’t Take It When You Go. Released on 7-inch in 1975 in the Netherlands (CBS, S-3674). Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1975 in the UK (CBS, S CBS 3893) featuring A side on both sides.
CERTIFIED LIVE (1976)
Live tracks: Feelin’ Alright / Pearly Queen / Show Me Some Affection / All Along The Watchtower / Take It To The Limit / Give Me A Reason Why / Sad And Deep As You / Every Woman / World In Changes / Goin’ Down Slow / Look At You, Look At Me / Only You And I Know / Bring It On Home To Me / Gimme Some Lovin’. Originally released as 2-LP on November 1976 in the UK (CBS, 88203), US (Columbia, PG-34174) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 40AP-205/6); reached #78 on the US charts. Original 2-LP featured gatefold cover and picture innersleeves. Re-released on CD on August 29, 1995 in the US (One Way, 26078).
LET IT FLOW (1977)
So High (Rock Me Baby And Roll Me Away) / We Just Disagree / Mystic Traveler / Spend Your Life With Me / Takin’ The Time To Find // Let It Go, Let It Flow / Then It’s Alright / Seasons / You Just Have To Wait Now / What Do We Got Here? Originally released on elpee, 8-track and cassette on April 1977 in the UK and Netherlands (CBS, 81984), US (Columbia, PC/PCA/PCT-34680), Australia and New Zealand (CBS, SBP-234998) and Mexico (CBS, CLS-5585); reached #37 on the US charts (RIAA-certified platinum record). Original elpee featured lyric innersleeve. Re-released on elpee in the US (Columbia, PC 34680), distinguished from original release by barcode on cover. Re-released on CD in the US (Columbia, 34680), in 2008 in Europe (SBME Special Markets, 724271) and in 2010 in Japan (Sony, SICP-2652).
So High (Rock Me Baby And Roll Me Away) (1977)
b/w You Just Have To Wait Now. Released on 7-inch in May 1977 in the US (Columbia, 3-10509); reached #89 on the US charts (charted May 28, 1977 for 3 weeks). Also released as promotional 7-inch and 12-inch in 1977 in the US (Columbia, 3-10509/ASF-308) with mono version of A side on flip.
We Just Disagree (1977)
b/w Mystic Traveler. Released on 7-inch on August 1977 in the US and Canada (Columbia, 3-10575); reached #12 on the US charts (charted September 3, 1977 for 19 weeks). Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1977 in the US (Columbia, 3-10575) with mono version of A side on slip.
DAVE MASON (1977)
Baby…Please / It’s Like You Never Left / Every Woman / You Can’t Take It When You Go / Give Me A Reason Why / Two Guitar Lovers // Take It To The Limit / Bring It On Home To Me / Pearly Queen / Show Me Some Affection / All Along The Watchtower. Compilation released as promotional elpee in 1977 in Japan (CBS/Sony, YAPC-86).
FOUR TRACKS FROM DAVE MASON (1977)
Only You And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Pearly Queen / World In Changes. Released as EP in 1977 in the UK (ABC, ABE-12009).
Let It Go, Let It Flow (1978)
b/w Takin’ The Time To Find. Released on 7-inch on January 1978 in the US and Canada (Columbia, 3-10662); reached #45 on the US charts (charted January 21, 1978 for 8 weeks). Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10662) with mono version of A side on flip.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (1978)
b/w Mystic Traveler. Released on 7-inch on May 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10749); reached #39 on the US charts (charted June 3, 1978 for 12 weeks).
MARIPOSA DE ORO (1978)
Don’t It Make You Wonder / Searchin’ (For A Feeling) / All Gotta Go Sometime / Warm Desire / Warm And Tender Love / Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow // Share Your Love / Bird On The Wind / So Good To Be Home / The Words / No Doubt About It. Originally released on elpee, cassette and 8-track on June 1978 in the US (Columbia, JC/JCA 35285), the UK (CBS, S CBS/40-82625), Canada (PC/PCT 35285) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 25AP-1064); reached #41 on the US charts. Re-issued on compact disc in 1994 in Japan (Sony, SRCS-6365). Re-issued on compact disc in 1996 in the US (One Way, A 26887). Re-issued on compact disc on April 4, 2010 in Japan (CBS Sony, SICP-2653). Re-packaged with Old Crest On A New Wave on 2-for-1 remastered compact disc in 2010 in the UK (BGO, BGOCD934).
Don’t It Make You Wonder (1978)
b/w Warm Desire. Released on 7-inch in 1978 in the US and Canada (Columbia, 3-10819). Also released as promotional 7-inch in 1978 in the US (Columbia, 3-10819) with mono version of A side on flip.
THE VERY BEST OF DAVE MASON (1978)
Only You And I Know / Pearly Queen / Just A Song / World In Changes / Sad And Deep As You / You Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Headkeeper / Waitin’ On You / Feelin’ Alright. Released on elpee on October 1978 in the US (ABC, BA-6032); reached #179 on the US charts. Re-released on CD in 1992 in Germany (Sony, 471839-2).
OLD CREST ON A NEW WAVE (1980)
Paralyzed / You’re A Friend of Mine / I’m Missing You / Talk To Me / Gotta Be On My Way / Save Me / Life Is A Ladder / Tryin’ To Get Back To You / Get It Right / Old Crest On A New Wave. Originally released on elpee in 1980 in the UK (CBS, 83828), US (Columbia, 36144) and Japan (CBS, 25AP-1883); reached #74 on the US charts. Original elpee featured a picture innersleeve. Re-released on CD in 1994 in Japan (Sony, SRCS-6366).
Save Me (1980)
b/w Tryin’ To Get Back To You. Released on 7-inch on July 1980 in the US (Columbia, 11289); reached #71 on the US charts (charted July 12, 1980 for 3 weeks).
Talk To Me (1980)
b/w Tryin’ To Get Back To You. Released on 7-inch in 1980 in Japan (CBS/Sony, 07SP-492).
THE BEST OF DAVE MASON (1981)
Let It Go, Let It Flow / So High (Rock Me Baby & Roll Me Away) / Show Me Some Affection / Will You Love Me Tomorrow / All Along The Watchtower / We Just Disagree / Paralyzed / Every Woman / Only You And I Know / Let It Flow. Released on elpee in 1981 in the US (Columbia, 37089) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 25AP-2033).
SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED (1987)
Breakaway / Fools Gold / Hold On / In Love With You / Strong Heart / Sour Grapes / Draw The Line / Walkin’ On The Edge / I Can See The Wind / I Love The Music. Released on elpee in 1987 in the US (Chumley, CHL-00101) and Canada (Maze, ML-018).
Breakaway (1987)
b/w Sour Grapes. Released on 7-inch in 1987 in the US (Marble, 75205-999).
I Love The Music (1987)
b/w In Love With You. Released on 7-inch in 1987 in Canada (Maze, MS 813).
TWO HEARTS (1987)
Two Hearts / Just A Little Lovin’ / Forever / Dreams I Dream // Something In The Heart / Ballerina / Fighting For Love / Replace The Face. Released on elpee in 1987 in the US (MCA, MCA-42086) and Japan (MCA, P-13602).
Dreams I Dream (1987)
b/w Fighting For Love. Released on 7-inch in 1987 in the US (MCA, 53205). Also released as a one-track promotional CD single in 1987 in the US (MCA, CD45-17412).
Something In The Heart (1987)
Released as a promotional 12-inch single in 1987 in the US (MCA, 33-17420) featuring the A side in two different mixes.
Two Hearts (1987)
Released as a promotional 12-inch single in 1987 in the US (MCA, 17541) with the A side on both sides.
LONG LOST FRIEND: THE BEST OF DAVE MASON (1996)
Baby… Please / Misty Morning Stranger / It’s Like You Never Left / Show Me Some Affection / Every Woman / Bring It On Home To Me / You Can’t Take It When You Go / Split Coconut / You Can Lose It / Long Lost Friend / We Just Disagree / So High (Rock Me Baby And Roll Me Away) / Let It Go, Let It Flow / Will You Love Me Tomorrow / Don’t It Make You Wonder / Save Me / Feelin’ Alright / Only You And I Know / All Along The Watchtower. Compilation released on CD on June 6, 1996 in the US (Columbia Legacy, 57165).
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME? (1998)
Baby… Please / Misty Morning Stranger / We Just Disagree / Crying, Waiting, Hoping / All Along The Watchtower / Will You Love Me Tomorrow / The Lonely One / Every Woman / Don’t It Make You Wonder / Seasons. Budget compilation released on CD in 1988 (Sony Special Products, 32823).
LIVE: THE 40,000 HEADMEN TOUR (1999)
Live tracks: Pearly Queen / World In Changes / 40,000 Headmen / Love Will Keep Us Alive / Sad & Deep / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys / We Just Disagree / Only You And I Know / Feelin’ Alright / All Along The Watchtower / Dear Mr. Fantasy. Released on CD on June 22, 1999 in the US (Receiver, 270).
ULTIMATE COLLECTION (1999)
You Can All Join In / Feelin’ Alright / Only You And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / World In Changes / Just A Song / Look At You, Look At Me / Walk To The Point / Sad And Deep As You (live) / Satin Red And Black Velvet Woman / To Be Free / In My Mind / Headkeeper / Baby… Please / We Just Disagree / Let It Go, Let It Flow / Two Hearts. Compilation released on CD on September 21, 1999 in the US (Hip-O Records, 545 086-2).
SUPER HITS (2000)
We Just Disagree / Let It Go, Let It Flow / Show Me Some Affection / Every Woman / Paralyzed / Baby… Please / It’s Like You Never Left / Split Coconut / Then It’s Alright / Seasons. Budget compilation released on CD on February 15, 2000 in the US (Sony, 66065).
LIVE AT PERKINS PALACE (2002)
Live tracks: It’s Just A Song / Stand By Me / Sad And Deep As You / Dust My Blues / We Just Disagree / Let It Go / Feelin’ Alright / All Shook Up / Every Woman / The Words / Bring It On Home To Me / All Along The Watchtower / Take It To The Limit. Released on CD on March 12, 2002 in the US (Pioneer, 5174).
LIVE AT SUNRISE (2002)
Let It Go, Let It Flow / Only You And I Know / World In Changes / We Just Disagree / 40,000 Headmen / Look At You, Look At Me / Dear Mr. Fantasy / All Along The Watchtower / Feelin’ Alright. Released on CD on August 27, 2002 (Image, 1245).
THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION (2006)
You Can All Join In / Feelin’ Alright / Only You And I Know / Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving / Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave / World In Changes / Just A Song / Look At You, Look At Me / Walk To The Point / Sad And Deep As You / To Be Free / In My Mind / A Heartache, A Shadow, A Lifetime / Headkeeper / Baby… Please / Show Me Some Affection / Every Woman / All Along The Watchtower. Compilation released on CD on August 29, 2006 in the US (Hip-O Records).
LIVE AT XM SATELLITE RADIO (2007)
Live tracks: Introduction / World in Changes / Only You And I Know / We Just Disagree / Dave Mason Interview / Look At You, Look At Me / Dear Mr.Fantasy / All Along The Watchtower / Feelin’ Alright / Take It To The Limit / 40,000 Headmen / Deaf, Dumb & Blind. Released on CD in 2007 in the UK (Friday Music, FRM-1059).
26 LETTERS 12 NOTES (2008)
Good 2 U / Let Me Go / One Day / Pink Lipstick / How Do I Get To Heaven / Ain’t Your Legs Tired Baby / You’re Standing In My Light / Passing Thru The Flame / That’s Love / El Toro / World of Hunger / Full Circle And Then. Released on CD on October 14, 2008 in the US (MRI).
FEELIN’ ALRIGHT LIVE (2008)
World In Changes / 40,000 Headmen / Only You And I Know / We Just Disagree / Look At You, Look At Me / Dear Mr.Fantasy / All Along The Watchtower / Feelin’ Alright / Let It Flow / Bring It On Home / 40,000 Headmen. Released on SHMCD on December 3, 2008 in Japan (Isol Discus Organiza, GQCP-59091).
