what Frank is listening to #205 – MICKEY NEWBURY – The Sailor – (ABC) – 1979
Hey, I've done 3 other Newbury albums so a fair chunk of the below is a rehash (from what Frank is listening to #146 – MICKEY NEWBURY – Heaven Help The Child – (Elektra) – 1973) … but it's all still accurate.
I have commented on a couple of other Mickey albums in the past and have always been impressed. He is perfect Sunday morning listening …though not religious, there is a peaceful spirituality in the music.
I commented on Newbury back in "what Frank is listening to #78" in relation to his "His Eye is on the Sparrow" album from 1978
I said this back then:
It is Newbury's subtlety and thought that put him at the forefront of "progressive country". "Progressive Country" roots lie in traditional country, roots music, folk, Americana, regional rock n roll and was largely comprised of younger country songwriters writing country music with naked honesty, which is no mean feet as country music generally is "nakedly honest" ( think Hank Williams, Patsy Cline). What they did do was write incredibly personal songs much like their "singer-songwriter"relatives in the pop field with an ear to the past. The other thing they did was sing their own material regardless of the quality of the voice. Consequently, they have put out many albums and are well respected but their songs are often associated with other singers. Think Townes Van Zandt, Danny O'Keefe, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Terry Allen, John Hartford, Billy Joe Shaver, Butch Hancock, Gene Clark, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Guy Clark Dennis Linde, etc. Some of those artists moved into the more up-tempo "outlaw country" whilst the rest continues on and eventually became the cornerstones of "alt country" in the 80s and 90s.
Newbury, born 1940 in Houston Texas (D: 2002) put out his first album in 1968. This is his 9th album.
This album though recorded in Nashville is more singer-songwriter than his other albums I have heard. Though of course the singer-songwriter "lives" in the country not in the city so that's always going to come through.
I also said back in comment #78:
It is Newbury's subtlety and thought that put him at the forefront of "progressive country". "Progressive Country's" roots lie in traditional country, roots music, folk, Americana, regional rock n roll and was largely comprised of younger country songwriters writing country music with naked honesty, which is no mean feet as country music generally is "nakedly honest" ( think Hank Williams, Patsy Cline). What they did do was write incredibly personal songs much like their "singer-songwriter"relatives in the pop field with an ear to the past. The
Newbury was sharp as he takes from all American musical traditions of all era's and creates an album of individual songs though with one mood.
Newbury isn't daunted by musical trappings that may kill other artists off. He has used sound affects, pop stylings and obvious singer songwriter to great effect. To him the message and the mood across the album are paramount. Here he uses strings and backing vocals in the best country schmaltz tradition. On a superficial listen this is dross. But, if you know where Newbury is coming from or are willing to listen there is a lot going on behind the frills.
The best point of reference for contemporary listeners looking for a Newbury comparison (on this album) is Lambchop with strings. The songs are atmospheric, thoughtful and either quietly happy or melancholy.
Again (like Lambchop) he draws on many styles of American popular music as he always does. Here it's: popular jazz, country pop, singer songwriter, lounge balladeer.
Having said that, this is totally different from the other Newbury albums I've heard. It is a smoky midnight smooth lounge album. Charlie Rich mined this field in the 70s (and Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard would in the 80s) to great success so I assume Newbury may have had one ear on commercial success. That is not to deny him anything though as all these influences are apparent on his other albums though not as up front as they are here.
I'm not sure what the album title is about as there is naught a nautical song to be heard so I assume he is some sort of a "sailor of life". Either that or he was trying to ride some Jimmy Buffett waves.
Tracks (best in italics)
- Blue Sky Shinin' – you can hear Tony Bennett singing this.
- Let's Have a Party – as confessional song as you are likely to get
Well at times I feel I need the rain
At times I need the sun
Pleasure is a thread of pain
When it is undone
At times I need the sun
Pleasure is a thread of pain
When it is undone
Moments of insanity
Are never like a chain
I only know that I'm not free
The nights when I am sane
Are never like a chain
I only know that I'm not free
The nights when I am sane
- There's a Part of Her Still Holding on Somehow – pure smooth Nashville.
- A Weed Is a Weed – a look back at a wild youth from someone who has wised up. John Mellencamp would go on to write 100 songs like this.
- Let It Go – a country weepie ballad.
- Looking for the Sunshine – a gentle country stomper ( if that makes sense).
- Darlin' Take Care of Yourself – a song of an old (but not forgotten) love.
Well nobody loves you like I love you
I will always be wishing you well
Honey I know you've have more than your share of sorrow
So darlin' take care of yourself
I will always be wishing you well
Honey I know you've have more than your share of sorrow
So darlin' take care of yourself
Yes I know you've have more than your share of sorrow
So darlin' take care of yourself
So darlin' take care of yourself
- Long Gone – a straightforward but unashamedly emotional song about a broken marriage. In other words, perfect country material.
- Night You Wrote That Song – a slightly obscure song about country music ….it could be a Bob Dylan country tune.
And…
Ultimately, I cant deny the song writing but I don't prefer this albums to some of the other Newbury albums I have heard. Still, he's good. I'm keeping this.
Chart Action
US
Singles
1979 Blue Sky Shinin' Country Singles #81
1979 Looking for the Sunshine Country Singles #82
1979 Looking for the Sunshine Country Singles #82
Album
nothing
England
nothing
nothing
Sounds
Blue Sky Shinin'
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Darlin' Take Care of Yourself
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Others
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Other Comments
what is Frank Listening to #79
what is Frank Listening to #122
what is Frank Listening to #146
(originally posted: 17/04/2011)
