This is quite an exciting moment for me as this is a rare Rick Nelson (he ceased the "Ricky" in 1961) album (though it has been released on CD) and it is the only Nelson album I don't have.
Also my copy is signed by Ricky … apparently … it only cost $9.99 on auction … so I have my reservations on the authenticity of that autograph.
It is also from a "genre" of music I like … the genre being: former rock and pop stars from the 50s recording more "meaningful", introspective and experimental music in the late 60s. Link Wray, Del Shannon, Dion, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Bobby Darin, Johnny Cash, Bobby Vee, Lou Christie, The Everly Brothers, Pat Boone and Gene Vincent all put out fine records in this style in the late 60s which were largely ignored by the record buying public.
It was a hard slog for most of them – they had to ditch their pop star status, contemporize their sound, make good music, and win over a new more cynical audience in a pretty packed field. Most of them could do the first three but very few could do the last. The exceptions were Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dion.
It's a pity.
from wikipedia: "Eric Hilliard "Ricky" Nelson, later known as Rick Nelson (May 8, 1940 – December 31, 1985), was an American singer, musician and actor. He placed 53 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1957 and 1973, including 19 top-ten hits. Nelson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987….Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, he was the youngest son of Ozzie Nelson, the leader of a big band, and Harriet Hilliard Nelson, the band's singer. Along with brother David, the family starred in the long-running radio and television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet from 1944 to 1954 on the radio, and 1952 to 1966 on television".
Rick was a avid Elvis fan and used his parents "Ozzie and Harriet" television show to promote his songs. The majority of his early records were Elvis covers or songs done in the Elvis style. He devleoped a laid back, otherworldly, soft rock sound which was, perhaps, a result of his locale (Rick was "Hollywood bred" where everything is slicker and less regional) and perhaps because he didn't have a great vocal range (so the producers and engineers worked overtime creating mood). He also had great musician sidekicks including James Burton who co-incidentally would later become Elvis's guitarist.
Rick's early music hit with the public and had significant impact on future musicians like The Cramps, Robert Gordon, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Chris Isaak, John Fogerty and apparently even Bob Dylan (according to his bio). He has also become something of a cult icon: qv: "Johnny Suede" etc. Also, not surprisingly, due to the fact he came from an acting background he was the only rock artist, apart from Elvis, to have a reasonable film career.
This album is from the "after the boom" period and is not what you would expect from Ricky Nelson and despite the fact that it is well played, sung, and generally a great late night soft rock folky album it sank without a trace. The change in style wasn't however a surprise. Nelson's hits had dried up by about 1965 and he had subsequently released a series (three albums) of slick (though enjoyable) country folkish rock albums between 1966 and 1967.
"Perspective" was released in February 1969 but had been recorded in mid 1967 or early 68 (apparently the record label had, quite rightly, little faith in it's chartability) and it generally follows the folkish theme of the album that came before it but strips back the polish a little and steps up the introspection a little.
In any event the record is not as slick as the ones immediately preceding it and it does lead nicely into Rick's comeback in country rock with the Stone Canyon Band in the early 1970s which put him at the forefront of the "California Sound" of country rock. That sound was slicker than its regional relatives and with emphasis on harmonies it was more radio friendly as evidenced by other acts like The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt etc.
What is most surprising is Rick's readings of other peoples songs (only one song is co-written by him – Rick was never a big writer) and his choice of material. He (or his producer) almost re-write the melodies of some songs which doesn't always work but at least shows they weren't just trying to do straight covers. Rick ultimately, apparently, wasn't happy with the results as he didn't think he put enough of himself in it. Also, a lot of the writers were relatively unknown here but became well know subsequently.
from allmusic, "Nelson did have good taste in selecting material, covering songs by Paul Simon, Richie Havens, Harry Nilsson, and Randy Newman, all of whom (except Simon) were little known by most of the public in 1967; indeed, Nelson covers five Newman songs in a row to end the album, creating the effect of an aborted Nelson Sings Newman concept record".
I assume his producer, John Boylan, had a bit of influence over Rick (or vice versa) as he ended up producing a lot of California country rock bands like The Pure Prairie League and cult country favourites The Dillards and Commander Cody as well as "creating" The Eagles . His brother is Terence Boylan (who I commented on … #41 ).
It's a pity this LP is not better known as it is a pleasant introspective MOR 60s pop rock album with folky overtones . Now that's a mouthful.
Tracks (best in italics)
- When the Sun's Shined Its Face on Me – Whitelaw – scrap what I said – this is an up-tempo soul song starts the album … it's the only up-tempo song on the the album though.
- Without Her – Nilsson – the great song by Flash Harry Nilsson. Rick sings it in a lower register than normal and though it's not as ethereal as the Harry version it's one of the best versions of the song.
- The Lady Stayed With Me – Boylan – written by the producer this is a very California pop folk tune akin to PF Sloan or a poppier Tim Hardin. I like both Sloan and Hardin. A winner.
- Three Day Eternity – Havens – the Richie Havens song – doesn't really do it for me.
- For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her – Simon – another great cover. A good song to start with. Rick turns in a version where the narrator is definitely more pained. Arrangements are by the great Jimmie Haskell.
- Stop by My Window – Boylan – pleasant but …
- Hello to the Wind (Bonjour le Vent) – Boylan, Nelson – a electric torch song … modern instruments, a bit of fuzzy guitar, smouldering lyrics, and a spoken French interlude. Definitely "out there" MOR. Turn out the lights, have a drink and turn this up. It works.
- Wait Till Next Year – Newman – The first of four Randy Newman songs – Rick's voice is too clean for Newman songs, well at least for this one.
- Love Story – Newman – This is Newman at his most weird … and that's saying something. Actually this one works on me.
- Medley: So Long Dad/Love Story (Reprise) – Newman – again , you need a Randy Newman type voice.
- I Think It's Gonna Rain Today – Newman – one of Newman's best songs and a great MOR "protest" song. Nelson puts in a credible version. The trouble is the there are many comparisons because the song as has been recorded by everyone. I like this version though my favourite is the Bobby Darin version. From wikipedia on "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today", "It has been performed by Cass Elliot, Eric Burdon, Joe Cocker, Katie Melua, Dusty Springfield, Nina Simone, UB40, Norah Jones, Bette Midler, Neil Diamond, Judy Collins, Bobby Darin, Barbara Dickson, Chris Farlowe, Joel Grey, Pete York, Rick Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Jools Holland, David Lasley, Cleo Laine, Mama Cass, Lyle Lovett, Helen Reddy, Houston Person, Tony Rice, Madeleine Peyroux , Kenny Burrell, Julie Christensen, Françoise Hardy, Sidsel Endresen and many others".
And …
Not the holy grail of Rick Nelson LPs but pleasant, and it grows on me. As if I wouldn't keep it anyway.
Forgive the bit-iness of the comments … it's very late
Sounds
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
attached
Hello to the Wind (Bonjour le Vent)
attached
attached
Other sounds:
Bio
Review
Website
Trivia
- I have seen a lot of 50s acts but I never saw Rick Nelson. He played at the Twin Towns Country Club in about 1985. No one wanted to come and see him with me – probably because The Trilobites or Huxton Creepers were playing. In any event I didn't go. Five months later he was dead in a plane crash. I have since gone our of my way to see all those 50s acts. The lesson, don't depend on others.
- Not that it counts for shit but in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Nelson #91 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
(Originally posted: 25/10/2009)
