Fred Neil

“Fred Neil is the second album from Fred Neil, a pioneer folk rock musician.” In this one he captures an unwilling child for the photo shoot.

Nice voice, but his stylings are studiously lazy. Grating on the ears. Never heard “Fred Neil” by Fred Neil before, but I did know that Harry Nilsson was disappointed that Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’” was chosen for Nilsson to sing as the title song of “Midnight Cowboy”, rather than his own composition, “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City”. Nilsson’s version of “Everybody’s Talkin’” is much better. Lyrics utterly unpoetic. I remember seeing Fred Neil in the background of some old Bob Dylan footage, never knowing that Dylan actually got started in New York playing backup harmonica for Neil. Interesting reversal. The album “Fred Neil” doesn’t wow me now. I doubt it would have wowed me in 1966. 2/5

I thought this was a very good softer, quieter rock album, primarily with Western and folk themes but with some more exotic sounds towards the end of the album. A 4 star rating might not do this one justice, but I don't think it quite rises to the "absolute classic" level of a 5.

Something about the way this is recorded makes it sound extra nice. Folky in a good way, not like the mics used were bad or the instruments especially noisy, but that there was real warmth in the space it was being recorded. There is a great spectrum of songs, and a few of them are shining gems: The opener, Faretheewell, and the closing Raga. The other tracks are best when they utilize Neil's low register. There's something that doesn't quite cohere, though that might disappear after further listening.

Nick Cave meets Neil Young, with hints of David Gray, Johnny Cash, Eels, and St Paul & the Broken Bones, which (let's face it) is a pretty spectacular review. I didn't expect much from this seemingly little known 1960s folk album, but it turns out to be brilliant. A deep, soulful voice singing mournful querying lyrics with engaging, natural melody over evocative music is great. Does what it does perfectly. 4/5.

Chill classic country vibes, cool.

Comme vous le savez probablement, l'existence de ce générateur a pour unique finalité l'organisation de l'émission "Le Grand Quiz du Générateur" présentée conjointement en direct de Kiev par Nikos et Arthur. La préparation des candidats a déjà commencé avec la création de la playlist officielle sur Spotify. Sachez qu'à chacune de mes séries d'entraînement, le nouveau venu Fred Neil a été trouvé à chacune de ses apparitions. Et sans forcer.

Took me by surprise, a really great subdued and acoustically wonderful endeavor

I don't think I ever would have listened to this on my own, and I'm glad I did. There's a little country in there, and also hear Chris Isaak, which makes complete sense. And a couple of tracks that we know because of more famous singers recording them.

Now this is great example of why listening to the 1001 Albums is so worth it. I never heard of Fred Neil and I had no idea what to expect given the album cover, but I'm really glad this is on the list. Here's a guy who invited a young Bob Dylan on stage with him and who influenced Steven Stills, David Crosby, and Joni Mitchell. Wow. Really nice vibe on this album and his voice is outstanding. Great album from start to finish. Everybody's Talkin' became a hit when covered by Harry Nillson in 1969 for the movie Midnight Cowboy. I think the original version on this album is better. His voice is fantastic. Really liked the vibe on songs like I've Got a Secret, Faretheewell, and Green Rocky Road. The Dolphins was a nice chill opener. Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raja has a pretentious name, but it's a cool vibe to end an excellent album.

Oh yeah, I loved this - one of my favorite discoveries from this project so far. Mellow and smooth enough to blend into the background if you're not focusing on it, but rewards attention if you do. Strong opener with "The Dolphins". I'm a sucker for Elizabeth Cotton covers, so loved track 2, and then the quality holds up as the album keeps going, finishing with a psychedelic raga - great stuff! Fave track - "That's the Bag I'm In" for the relatable pessimism...

This is great. Really great. Some great originals, at least one true classic, and some great covers/traditional numbers. I’ve never heard of Fred Neil but his work clearly had a profound influence on Jerry Garcia who would cover many of the same songs with the Dead. This seems an important album in the evolution of folk away from its strict, traditionalist roots and into the realm of free-loving rock and roll. That, and I find Fred’s voice profoundly beautiful. And his original lyrics simple, sweet, and deep. This album has no fat. It carefully captures a watershed moment in the evolution of folk, rock, and Americana. This is one of my favorite discoveries yet.

Mediocre folk relic tho it's cool to see the original everybody's talking.

Alors que je rencontrais Fred Neil en 1966 peu avant la sortie de son album, voici quelques extraits de nos échanges: ---- Moi: "Eh Fred, comment ça va depuis que tu t'es fait larguer? T'es toujours aussi nul?" Fred Neil: "J'essaye de remonter la pente, et de m'améliorer autant que possible jour après jour" --- Moi: "Eh Fred, j'ai vraiment pas apprécié comment tu m'as parlé l'autre jour, viens un peu tâter de ma salade de coup de poings" Fred: "Je suis désolé je n'avais pas pour intention de te vexer, j'accepte ma punition" ---- Moi: "Eh Fred, t'es vraiment qu'un pauvre type, en plus regarde un peu ce bide, t'as avalé un trombone ou quoi?" Fred: "C'est vrai que je me suis un peu laissé aller recemment, il faut que je me me reprenne en main" ---- Vous l'aurez compris, cet album n'avait aucun caractère.

Did you know this guy fucked dolphins? 2.5 stars

A decent folk record for a rainy day.

Not my thing - overrated album in my view (for what *that's* worth). I often felt like the musicians were playing different songs at the same time. +1 because Fred has a pleasant voice. Oh and Harry Nilson did "Everybody's Talkin'" better.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil, what an unexpected delight! The nondescript eponymous title and slightly terrifying album cover would have ensured I kept on flipping if I found this in a record store. How wrong I was to judge Fred by his cover. His gravelly, soulful voice lends itself perfectly to the country-leaning folk instrumentals. The instrumental moments are some of my favourites, especially on the peculiar closer "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" and "Faretheewell (Fred's Tune)". An ode to Murphy's Law, "That's The Bag I'm In" is a cynical, yet humorous gem. Some light reading would reveal that this album was re-released 3 years on (1969) with the title "Everybody's Talkin'", a name befitting the hype this album deserved but likely didn't receive. Top 3: 1. That's The Bag I'm In 2. The Dolphins 3. Everybody's Talkin' Bottom 1: Sweet Cocaine Overall Score: 8.9/10 (rounded to five stars as I can't give this 4.5 stars and 4 wouldn't do it justice)

Fantastic…. and a strange link to the man being involved with The Dolphin Project in his later life is a strange link to what my son is interested in…

I had never heard of this guy before but knew a couple of the songs. Wonderful discovery. Thank you!

Oh man, this one hit the spot. I’m a big fan of Bill Callahan and Fred Neil carried that same dry wit delivery that draws me to his music. From the first track, The Dolphins caught my attention immediately, a truly beautiful tune. That’s the Bag I’m In is a top tier blues track, lyrics are just so clever. Excellent rock and twang album here, Neil’s relaxed vocals blend so well well with the skillful harmonica and guitar. This is an exactly the type of album discovery that keeps me excited to carry on with this experiment. 5 stars

Solid, quality, true record.

An unsung masterpiece. Got to know Fred Neil through two things: Nilsson's version of "Everybody's Talking" for *Midnight Cowboy*, of course, but also the use of "Dolphins" for a quite memorable scene in the arguably best TV series of all time *The Sopranos*--during which Christopher Moltisanti is high on heroin and tripping in a funfair at night. Those two tracks are the two highlights of the album for sure. But "Badi-Da", " Everything Happens" and "Sweet Cocaine" stellar as well. Such a huge talent, and such a perfect crooning voice. 5/5. Number of albums left to review: 470 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 252 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 120 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 156

I LOVE THIS!

this is the bag i'm in. best album i've never heard of that's come up on this list. Anton newcombe has listened to this album a lot of times.

This is one of those times that following this list pays off. I had no idea who Fred Neil was before, having always thought Harry Nielson wrote Everybody's Talkin' I spent the day listening to a few of his other albums and this on repeat

I was really enjoying this and then, oh!, there’s the song from Midnight Cowboy and that just made it better. This felt good.

Could've done without the raga at the end - but I feel churlish starting on a negative note, as almost everything else on this collection is sensational. Superb writing chops, judicious instrumentation and one helluva voice (one of the coolest I've heard in a while) elevate this to the top of tree. I like a lot of folk rock from this era - why hadn't I heard of this one before now? I would feel miffed, but that's overriden by the joy of a new discovery, one that really speaks to me.

Fuck Bob Dylan, this is where it's at. 0/5 album cover though

Excellent - Fred Neil's voice in combination with his fine guitar is mesmerising at times and always deeply soulful.

Super atmospheric and vibey. Fred Neil has a fantastic voice. Great folk record

I didn't know what to expect when I saw this cover, but it was NOT this. I can fully understand why the "hippie" artists loved this album. The OG version of "Everybody's Talkin" is far superior to the Nilsson one. If Fred Neil was 10 years younger, had long, flowing locks, and had completely changed the cover art, this album would have made him a huge star. 5 stars.

Suena a ponerle CBD al primer café de la mañana. 13 estrellas pachecas.

What a record! Like Dylan meets Lou Reed but they get a baritone to sing it.

On arrival me and my partner were nervous but once we saw the other doggers we felt at ease. The road was a bit noisy but other than that a great crowd. Thx Dai and Linz xx

Fred Neil performing the soundtrack to inside llewyn davis

starts off VERY slow and gets better as the album goes on. the last few songs are S tier and the final semi-experimental instrumental track is fantastic. album saved and will be listened to again

So good

Sí me dio el blues, en buen sentido.

A very interesting addition to the list, with some fun instrumentation throughout.

Good! I enjoyed it a lot.

Трек Everybody's Talkin' встречается в Борате, так что 5 из 5. Хотя... там другая версия, так что лишь 3 из 5. В прочем, подлинный оригинал то как раз тут, так что 4 из 5.

This album is pretty good. My favorite song was that pseudo-indian jam at the end. Nothing else really felt particularly compelling though.

Мне норм. Замечаю за собой, что мне все больше нравится такой вот блюзовый соул, или как это там называется. Ну, в основном из-за вокалиста. The Dolphins, Faretheewell, Sweet Cocaine — вообще балдеж, можно полежать позалипать. Да и в целом, тут даже какое-то какие-то эффекты на гитарах есть, панорама треков очень гармонично построена, что как будто реально окруженным музыкантами себя чувствуешь. Хорошо, хорошо, мне нравится, 8/10

Quiet but worth to listen

Really cool blues rock/folk record. Neil’s baritone voice reminds me of Johnny Cash. Somewhat staggering that this was released in 1966. It has that timeless quality that makes it sound like it could’ve been recorded yesterday. The Dolphins and Everybody’s Talkin’ are the two standout moments here, but really the whole record is strong overall.

Quiet and contemplative, Fred Neil sounds like he’s seen some shit but he doesn’t regret any of it. It’s a shame his discography is so small.

Fred could have chucked it in after co writing Roy's Candy Man, but fortunately for us he kept at it and produced Dolphins and Everybody's Talkin. As a performer he's good, no doubt he honed his skills endlessly playing coffee houses and that baritone is just superb, a great voice. He reminds me a lot of Jake Holmes in terms of song writing, and he has a good sense of melody. Dolphins is both a beautiful melody and a lovely lyrical metaphor. And like House of the Rising they all did Green Rocky Road, and I absolutely love Fred's arrangement here, just what that song needed. This is a good record with a couple of absolutely brilliant highlights. Harry N is the ultimate interpreter of other peoples work, Fred and Tom Evans and Pete Ham in particular. That said I've always love Fred's version, the lyrics are incredibly moving, there is a poignancy and a pathos there that really cuts through. One of my old fart laments is that nobody writes great lyrics anymore, has anyone written anything as powerful as this in the 21st century, I don't think so. He references some old folk tune with the line about his clothes suiting the weather (and the times), but the rest is truly original, his meditation on wanting to be somewhere else, something we all want at various times in this rich pageant, it is deeply emotional.

A few amazing songs on here. Definitely worth exploring a few times more.

I have never heard of Fred Neil but Everybody’s Talkin’ has always been a favorite! Nice performance here.

I have Neil’s first 2 solo albums on vinyl. This is the second of them. I just played them both & found them to be equally entertaining. One thing that really struck me was just how much Tim Buckley’s voice was like Neil’s. Buckley may have used it slightly differently & his music was certainly funkier than Neil’s folk-influenced tunes, but their voices are very similar. On the previous album John Sebastian featured heavily on harmonica, but on this album it’s Canned Heat’s Al (Blind Owl)Wilson with those duties & he’s great, particularly on That’s The Bag I’m In, Sweet Cocaine & particularly on the last track with the crazy name, an 8-minute instrumental described as a piece of raga rock. It’s unlike anything else on the album. Neil’s signature tune, Everybody’s Talkin’ opens Side 2, marginally slower than the version by Harry Nilsson, who had the big hit with it after it was used in the film Midnight Cowboy. The album has no duds on it. Still a great listen.

so far this is a great folk album. the bass is so pleasing. his voice just tears through the tracks yup. upon research it is a double bass and a sexy one at that. very much enjoyed. the last track is sick almost delves into jazz territory

"They'll probably drop the atom bomb the day my ship comes in" - badass line in "That's The Bag I'm In" I know "Ba-Di-Da" from the excellent Mark Lanegan cover. Really enjoyed this record. A bit Cash-like in some ways. Definitely see the Mark Lanegan connection. Great record.

Cool album, really enjoyed it

This was really good! Also fun to see some old (maybe even original?) versions of songs I know from other places

Chill

Really enjoyed the sad 60s folky vibe. Spotify recommended a playlist called “sad 60s“

Dolphins

This sounds like Smog but 30 years earlier. Nice blend of genres and surprisingly soulful. The Indian influence on the last song was an unexpected twist.

Lots of interesting styles going on here. Hard to pin down to just “folk”. Country and blues in there and eastern vibes on the last track. And of course Everybody’s Talkin’ is a great tune.

Pleasant

A great album by one of the most influential US singer-songwriters.

Great to listen to the album that bought us 'Everybody's Talkin', not normally my kind of music but the instrumental finisher, 'Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga' was fantastic, like a classy spaghetti western soundtrack

i’m always in for some 60s folk but this felt kind of bland. better than a full cover album but not as good as the top tier of folk from the time

Great album nice and chill, will listen again

good solid folk rock sounds!

Buen álbum la verdad me gusto mucho que su nombre sea el nombre del álbum jajaja esta como para escucharlo con un escoses como los grandes capos de la mafia.

I’ve come home late from work tonight. It’s around 9pm, a single street lamp with a yellowish glow shines out the window, and I’m sipping on a cup of tea. The record player is switched on and I piece through the vinyls, looking for something that fits the mood. All of a sudden I come across this album, unlistened to for the past 6 months, sandwiched between some of the other castoffs. It’s a nice night, and the songs soothe me after a long day. However, as we near the end of the album, that feeling of loneliness starts to creep in. Who is there to hold me tonight? Is my life progressing the way I dreamed it would? How have things changed since I last listened to this album? Loneliness turns into sadness. I dispose of the tea bag, place the mug by the sink, and shuffle off to bed. As the shades are closed and the bedside lamp is switched off, I stare into the black of night. I can’t help but sense around me this sensation: pure emptiness. That, that is what I feel inside.

Laid back and earthy with resonant vocals and nice hints of psychedelia. Surprisingly spicy finish. Fave Songs: I've Got a Secret (Didn't We Shake Sugaree), The Dolphins, Faretheewell (Fred's Tune), That's the Bag I'm In, Everybody's Talkin'

How have I never heard of this guy?

Some good old fashioned bluegrass folk. Free flowing album where each track had a similar edge, but different enough to make it feel unique. Enjoyable.

Terrific! Didn’t realize he wrote “fare thee well” or “everybody’s talkin”. Two songs I love from other artists. Time to watch Midnight Cowboy again

Very special, unknown but beautiful

I like his voice.

Any album with the original Everybody's Talkin' on it is worth a listen. I like the integrity and sincerity plus there's a bouzouki! Good easy listening. Forgot the whistling, harmonica and finger clicking too.

the early songs are like a country Elvis the very end is bad but thats fine

Good👍🏼

Old, classic folk. Acoustic sound, can hear as a source of influence for later eras of the genre

I never heard of this album, or of Neil. This record is fantastic, it straddles multiple genres. His voice reminds me of Glen Campbell, Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits.

Nice album. Back story is also quite interesting how he essentially retired in his 30's, and before that he was more of a writer for others than a solo artist.

No mentiré, estaba cansado y trabajano y como que me empezó a dar sueño la mayor parte del disco. El mood no me favoreció esta vez para apreciar bien el disco digamos. De todas maneras, me gustaron mucho Ba-di-da, Sweet Cocaine y esa última pieza en la que folk gringo meets india y cuyo nombre larguísimo no pienso replicar aquí. Mood: Hickory sticks

Wow, what a sleeper. Had never heard of this but props for writing "Everybody's Talkin'" and recording a version that I imagine very few people have heard. In his voice, you can hear an affectation that would re-emerge in an unfortunate manner in the 00's in bands such as Creed. However, he does it so sincerely that I must forgive it. I'm taken with the simplicity of the production, with just a few instruments, nothing more than necessary. If you want a trip, listen to Randy Travis and then come back to this - remarkably similar.

Solid album, but the last song really makes it for me. It's a journey on its own

Tranquil country songs with tasteful accompaniment helping to broaden the soundscape. Something of a forgotten classic

Fred Fneiltstone

I found Fred’s vocal style a bit distancing - is theatrical the word? But there are lovely melodies here. Some put me in mind of the eponymous Velvet Underground album, in terms of the musical approach rather than the lyrics. Some were more of the Andy Williams kind of vibe, or maybe more Neil Diamond.

How have I never heard of Fred Neil? Guy writes pretty great music and this is the first I've ever heard of him. I'm disappointed in myself. I only get one star.

Not normally what I listen to but I really liked this album. His voice is great.

A very pleasant slice of seemingly forgotten American folk.

Relaxing album, even if I was eaten by flies while listening.

Never heard of him and thought neilson wrote everybody's talkin. Everyday is a school day. Really liked this

Fred shmeil

i enjoy the songs and the unassuming nature of the record

A completely fine piece of ‘60s folk rock. When it works it’s exceptional and it does that more often then not. Why hasn’t Wes Anderson used this on a soundtrack yet? It’d be perfect.

Two deeply beautiful songs in 'The Dolphins' and 'Everybody's Talking' and a very good folk record throughout.

4.25

Wild story about the guy. Dolphins? Still, pretty good album.

Good stuff.

Hard to put my finger on why but I really enjoyed this.

Never heard him prior to this. Interesting listen.