Willy Mason, 1

One hit? I wonder.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3BCRsuQmQA

"Oxygen" got Willy Mason the Big Break: several times. When someone who was just passing through Cape Cod heard him play it live on the radio, and hooked Mason up with Conor Oberst. When a BBC dj saw him play it at SXSW and put it on the radio. And most of all, when people all over the world heard it on his first album "Where the Humans Eat" in 2004.

It's a song that opens doors. And maybe a song that defines a musician, for better or worse. Mostly better, I guess. It's certainly a good song, but it's *not* the only good song that Mason's written. The two albums that Mason's released have lots of others, like this one from "If the Ocean Gets Rough" (2007):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLiqZ7BdpAI

But, well, that second (and so far, last) album came out in 2007--ages ago, in the "pop market" terms beloved of his label(s) EMI UK/Virgin UK. So, what's up?

Well, if this little slice of life is any indication:

http://vimeo.com/1899737

Willy is doing just fine. In fact, based on this other one here--and the fine song he sings----

http://vimeo.com/5611740

I'd have to say, "better than fine".

Let's go see him, next time we get the chance, and find out for ourselves.