Cds showcase under-appreciated talent
|
 | |
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Once upon a time Rhino Records was the recording lable that had cornered the market for re-issues and new compilations. Now, ShoutFactory has that honor of being the leader in bringing artists back from the shadows and into the limelight they deserve with either new recordings or re-issues of great older albums.
The company has recently released two highly enjoyable collections from two performers whose only shared characteristic is their independence.
Last of the Jewish Cowboys: The Best of Kinky Friedman
Kinky Friedman is a singer, songwriter, author and currently a candidate for governor in Texas. He has a long history of irritating people, as well, and his new "best of" album will either delight or offend you.
Some people might view Friedman as a sort of novelty act. After all, his band is called the "Texas Jewboys" and much of Friedman's schtick is playing on the idea of a Jew in the role of a westerner.
Friedman is clearly a Texan, through and through, although he is a minority Texan. His songs, while technically country and western, are pointed commentary about the American experience. His "Sold American" was actually a C&W hit, but the people who bought that tune probably didn't appreciate his parody on the country standard "Okie from Muskogee " his version was "A****** from El Paso."
Randy and confrontational, Friedman's masterwork "They're Not Making Jews like Jesus Anymore" is a no holds-barred look at racism.
Although Friedman is best known today for his series of mystery novels, and his political ambitions, this collection brings back his musical roots.
Secret Agent Man: The Ultimate Johnny Rivers Anthology 1964-2006
You might have the same reaction listening to this new two-disc collection as I did. As song after song played on, I realized just how many great tunes Johnny Rivers has contributed to the rock and roll world.
Rivers's greatest hits include "Memphis," "Mountain of Love," and, of course, "Secret Agent Man." This collection shows the depth of Rivers's talent. He writes his own material and cannily selects songs by other writers, but he also can interpret hits by other artists.
That can be a daunting proposition, but Rivers makes songs such as "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Help Me Rhonda" his own. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys even contributed background vocals on Rivers's version.
Rivers is still recording and touring and the collection includes songs from his 2004 album "Reinvention Highway" and two songs that were recorded this spring. "Rollin' Stone" and "Let It Rock" both show Rivers in fine voice and his ability to rock as hard as he did as a young man.
An under-rated performer, Rivers's new CD should be part of any serious rock and roll collection.
For more information on both of these CDs, log onto www.shoutfactory.com.
|
|
