Is this a Gary Lewis fixation?
… not quite … I bought a bundle of his albums cheap and I must admit I am getting off on them. It's pop rock and it's well done. Though as I have said in the past, a couple of wines adds to the groove.
In the past I have said on 3 occasions:
"Most of his albums were 1/2 originals( some written by him) and 1/2 covers of recent(ish) hits. Regardless, whether original or cover, Lewis seemed to have hit after hit. I suspect cause the records are well recorded, tightly played pop rock with a consistent musical personality throughout all …… Gary had a limited vocal range and was a bit gawky looking – like some sort of uber nerd but what he had was sass and good backing. He does what he does best, allows his voice to be pushed into the background or chorused with backing vocals or a multitude of instruments. The result is a romantic, lush pop rock with lyrics that are very mid 60s California – fun, sun, happy and optimistic"
This "romantic, lush pop rock with lyrics that are very mid 60s California – fun, sun, happy and optimistic" is the Lewis sound.
But here Gary is getting more involved. It's a Snuff Garrett "production" (again) and it's arranged by Leon Russell (again) but Gary Lewis and Dave Pell actually produced the album. Lewis also co–wrote a few of the tunes and at least one is one of the best tracks on the album! Maybe he always had the "goods" but they were buried under commercial considerations, or, maybe if you surround yourself with enough talent some will rub off. Either way this is probably the best all round Gary Lewis album I have heard thus far.
The sound is part US big pop, part British Beat and part 50s ballad. Gary was always pretty good at covering all these bases but it works especially well here. At worst on some of the tunes Gary and the Playboys sound just like a glorified cover band but more often than not the songs are arranged to Gary's mid 60s pop sensibilities and they are definitely toe tapping.
The album went to #71 in the US charts. "She's Just my Style" went to #3 in the US singles charts.
Tracks (the best in italics)
- She's Just My Style – Lewis/Russell/Leslie/Capps – one of the best tracks on the album. A ball tearer pop song. There's quite a bit of the early Beach Boys in there but the song holds its own.
- Lies – Randall/Charles – there's a bit of the Beatles in here mainly because this is a Knickerbockers song (#20 1966 US) and they did a pretty good Beatles impersonation, despite the fact they are from New Jersey. Lewis steers it away from the Beatles and puts his stamp on it … and eliminates some of the rough edges. He's a pop star after all.
- All I Have to Do Is Dream – Boudreaux/Bryant – The great Everly Brothers tune (#1 1958 US) – Lewis adds nothing to the original but the song fits in perfectly on this album.
- You've Got to Hide Your Love Away – Lennon/McCartney – hello, it's a great Beatles song. Lewis does not shame himself but then again how can you when the song is that good. Beatles purists may complain but their worth as knob–ends is substantial.
- I Won't Make That Mistake Again – Lewis/Leslie/Russell – Another co–write for Lewis and another winner. An excellent mid tempo ballad. Very mid 60s American and very safe but hard to resist.
- A Hundred Pounds of Clay – Elgin/Dixon/Rogers – the magnificent Gene McDaniels hit (#3 1961 US) has been totally reworked by Lewis (or Leon Russell) to suit his style.
- Run For Your Life – Lennon/McCartney – another great Beatles tune which Lewis again stamps with his own style and which he makes "dirtier" than the Beatles version.
- Take Good Care of My Baby – King/Goffin – Gerry Goffin and Carole King were songwriters par excellence and this track is certainly testament to that. A beautiful slice of teen melodrama from the early 60s. Frivolous and fun. This was a #1 for Bobby Vee in 1961 but was also covered by Dion, the Lettermen, Bobby Vinton and other popsters. It's the type of cover that suits Lewis perfectly. Oh, and did I mention The Beatles also covered it.
- Down in the Boondocks – South – Joe South's up-tempo ballad (a hit for Billy Joe Royal – #9 1965 US) about class distinction and a kid from the wrong side of the tracks doesn't really suit Lewis – musically or image wise.
- You Didn't Have to Be So Nice – Sebastian/Boone – the great Lovin Spoonful hit (#10 1966 US). Less folk rock and more pop rock but Lewis captures the romantic innocence of the original.
- Someone I Used to Know – Levitt/Pockriss – a throwback to the late 50s. Pleasant but not especially memorable.
- Heart Full of Soul – Gouldmann – Who would have thunk it – a credible version of The Yardbirds classic (#9 1965 US) written by Graham Gouldman (future 10CC)
And …
This is probably the best allround Lewis album I have heard thus far … 'm a keepin'.
Sounds
She's Just My Style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ntCcf9Ewk
Lies
attached
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
attached
I Won't Make That Mistake Again
Run For Your Life
Take Good Care of My Baby
attached
Other:
Beatles
Take Care of My Baby
Review
they agree with me (for all that's worth)
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jvfixqq5ldae
Website
Bio
Other Comments
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Trivia
- It seems that some of you have become Gary Lewis fans … this one you can get on a 2fer CD on Amazon …
(originally posted: 28/01/2011)
