Reviews (page 4 of 8)
The original Everybody's Talking, and some lesser country/folk stuff. Plus a weird freakout. Not bad.
A calm, gentle country(-ish?) album - it actually started to lull me to sleep. Maybe a little too laidback. Faretheewell (Fred’s Tune), Everybody's Talkin’, Green Rocky Road 3.5
Fred has some decent songs on this album. I appreciate it’s shortness.
At least it wasn’t an hour long
A pleasant listen but nothing particularly remarkable either 3.5*
2 1/2 stars. Not bad. I’d listen to it again.
3,5
I'm somehow not familiar with Fred Neil, and after reading about him that surprises me. I remember reading that Dylan used to cover "Shake Sugaree," though it doesn't sound familiar to me. And of course I know "Everybody's Talkin'." I now see that Dylan wrote in Chronicles about getting up onstage with Neil when he first got to NYC, but I read that book like 20 years ago and that detail didn't stick with me.
Eh not bad
Early folk-rock/Americana. It’s fine. Good voice, well recorded. Nice little songs. Seems like it was influential but you wouldn’t know it by the sound of it. Not a masterpiece or even very interesting.
★★★½
This album of folks at a certain time and place in music history. He has an interesting voice and his impact on musicians is amazing. This was an enjoyable lesson for what it was and I understand why it is on this list.
Better than expected, but no need to listen to ever again.
This is music for SERIOUS hippies, not your garden variety types. It's also the kind of record that the BIG folk artists would point to as inspiration, despite never really getting over himself.
Not bad at all Fave: The Dophins Least: Ba-Di-Da
5/10 - I would like to re listen to this on a weekend where I have more time to examine the lyrics. On first listen, there isn’t much to bring me back.
It took me no time at all to determine that Fred Neil was not Fred Schneider from the B-52s.
Good bluesy and folk rock record. Interesting instrumentals
The very definition of an average album. Good voice, not great. Decent songs, nothing amazing. Average length even. Just average. Right down the middle. Nothing special.
Pretty fine album. As a whole it was fairly subdued and stripped down, but there were a few flourishes and intricate moments to add something to it. I liked his voice and the overall sound he got here; the mostly acoustic instruments with a bit of gruffness to the vocals gave it a powerful quality despite the understated style. I found the last half better than the first half, with tracks 6 > 7 > 8 being the part I liked best. There wasn't much I disliked other than to say it was a bit boring and bland as a whole. My main issue is that I didn't see much special about it. Even the parts I liked I wouldn't say were more than OK/good. It's solid, but not more than that for me. Overall: 2.8/5
Good voice. Reminds me of Chris Isaac.
The album cover is quite distressing, but I enjoyed the album and learning about his influence. Everybody's Talking is a classic. I'm giving it a 3 based on one listen, but it could grow on me with some time.
very good vibe
Kind of like a bad Merle Haggard album which is to say an above average album 3.5
Pretty standard folkie stuff. Not remarkable but not terrible. Was going to give it 2 stars but "Everyone's Talking" is worth an additional star
Hard to go wrong with a 60s psychedelic album, and this one was a solid listen. I instantly recognized Everybody’s Talkin which was a nice surprise, and Sweet Cocaine was a straight up banger. Fred Neil had a cool, laid back style that fit the era perfectly. The wild card was Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga. That was a pretty unhinged way to end the album, but honestly it added to the charm.
I guess that was kind of cool. The best song was the one everyone knows, though.
Apart from the last track, which is like going on an acid trip with Scott Walker and a Maharishi, this album is Scott Walker without the Theatre School melancholy. And as if Fred Neil has ever been within 50ft of cocaine!
1966. I enjoyed the folksy bluesy tones with a dash of psychedelic jamming in there
Folksy acoustic singer songwriter stuff with a nice, kind of jazz, backing band giving it a bit of nice oomph. The country leaning stuff is great - approximating Johnny Cash and incorporating a bit of slide and twang. The the blues leaning stuff and the really slow ballads are pretty boring and predictable. The raga at the end is really amazing, gives the acoustic guitar a real workout on some mesmerizing psychedelic drones. Favorites: Everybody's Talkin', Everything Happens, Sweet Cocaine, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
I genuinely think he has a nice voice. But it's the kind of nice voice I've got no desire to listen to. This isn't something I'd choose but I can't deny his voice. I see the appeal for (now deceased) grandpas. It's a good album to be fair.
Brushes of simple profundity enmeshed in otherwise corny lyrics. He sounds really beautiful when he’s not trying too hard to sing. Also, that’s not a raga.
Þessi plata rann bara ljúflega í bakgrunni án þess að það hafi eitthvað staðið upp úr nema Everybody's Talkin' sem maður þekkti undir eins. Mun líklegast gleyma þessari plötu fljótt en ekkert að henni samt
Never heard of this before. Surprisingly good!
Nick Cave and the bad seeds heard this and said, I’m about to make this my entire personality. It’s fine, kinda grungier western rock, doesn’t make much of an impression though.
Very listenable album and I had no idea that he wrote Everybody's Talkin. Always cool to discover folk rock songwriters from the Cafe Wha scene that got completely overshadowed by Dylan. He's no Dylan, but he's good.
Not bad Fred. Simpsons: No
Liked it, didn’t love it. Wouldn’t listen again.
Not sure why this is so influencing for other musicians. Does have 1 iconic song but the rest was pretty boring
I really enjoy his voice and there is a lot of soul in his singing. To me the songs are varied though,. some really good and others I would rather skip past. A lot of albums have a time and place when they are best listened to and I know I will return to some of these songs when the mood sets in.
Meh. 2.75 Stars
Folky with a 60's rock vibe. Lyrics are very 60s folk. No shortage of vocal reverb or tremolo-tinged clean electric guitar. 6 and 12-string acoustic, harmonica, maybe some sitar in there too. Some bluesy songs too. Also now I've got Midnight Cowboy in my head.
I've made no secret folk music isn't my thing, but combining it with rock makes it more palatable. Still, not my favorite. Folk typically has a lack of excitement and is too simple for me. Fred Neil is no exception. His original "Everybody's Talkin'" isn't as engaging as Harry Nilsson's cover. But the final song grabbed me and is the reason I'm giving this a 3. Indian music in the Western world in the late sixties was very common, but "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" is different--I think because of the absence of the sitar. The song is a jam session with the name contains the six (presumably) white men that crafted it, but I remain intrigued.
Arriving in the late 60s somewhere between country and folk, this album was likely an inspiration for the folk rock of the 70s. To my surprise, there wasn't too much 60s psychedelia on this album, save for the final track. "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" skirted the line of psychdelic-country-folk, clearly playing with that Eastern world sound that was so popular in psychedelic music at the time. Also, a bit of a sidenote, but I'm particularly amused that Fred Neil was thorough enough to credit himself (or get credited) for "mumbles" and "finger snapping" on this album. I'd probably put this at about a 2.5, but found myself okay with rounding it up to a 3.
Fine but another uninspiring entry to this list
This was fine. I enjoyed hearing the original version of Everybody's Talkin'.
Quite good.
Enjoyed a few of them, excited to listen to more of Fred Neil. Didn't blow my socks off tho. But a good vibe.
Dejlig arbejdsmusik.
Ive never heard of Fred Neil before so it's interesting to find out that he was this important influence on folk rock. That said I don't think it's a fantastic album, but it's alright, and that's an experience I have with a lot of these albums that pave the way, usually the truly great albums comes after the way has been paved and the concepts have been refined Standouts The Dolphins Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga 3/5
Better than what I thought it was going to be.
For how influential this album is, it felt pretty mediocre and middle of the road to me. It’s an early folk rock record with some blues influences. I think it was the sound of his voice and his singing style that didn’t really click with me. It’s not bad by any means, but it didn’t have anything that stood out or felt particularly unique.
An awesome collection of songs to have written or be closely associated with. These versions are solid but often aren't my absolute favourites. I love "stones" by a boy called Doris. When I was younger I'd never heard dolphins so I assumed that refrain was entirely original rather than a reference - I still expect to hear sweet harmonica when that line is delivered.
I kind of liked the folk rock production on dolphins with the tremolo guitar and drums, etc. i’m not sure why he would sing that he’s going to heaven in a split pea shell but I kind of like that 12 string warbley guitar.
Smooth and deep voice, country sound. Would listen again but would listen to other things first.
I liked the bluesy folk songs at the front half of the album. It felt like it derailed at the instrumental songs. As a result of the disjointedness, the album felt much longer than it actually was.
Really high highs. The opening track The Dolphins and the final track, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga are really good, it feels like a lot of filler in the middle to be honest. There is a good mix of timbre throughout though, which kept me engaged. The tracks are better when they're a bit more experimental, but only because they are lightly and cleverly experimental, which leaves the 'filler' tracks feeling a bit bland really. Lyrically it's great.
Decent album, perfectly good folk rock. Some good songs - everybody's talking is a classic, though like many I know Harry Nilsson's cover better. It's good! That's all I have to say.
pretty alright i suppose
Always crazy hearing the original versions of songs I didn't even know were covers (Everybody's Talkin')
This was fine. It was a nice, folly chill album that I enjoyed well enough. Just didn’t really feel like essential listening.
Relaxing Very yeehaw blues vibes Nothing really stood out Good album cohesion
I like folk.
Bel sound e voce profonda, non è però il mio stile al 100%
Its finee
A good late 60’s singer songwriter, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, but less dark and bleak. A bit of melancholy but more of a nostalgia feel.
A good album, though not a lot more than that. I personally do believe this album could have been left out of this list, since there are many better albums like this one on the list already. Fred Neil has a pleasant voice to listen to and the music itself is also pretty good, it just does not stick out at all in this list. 3/5
Everybody’s talking at me… Otherwise a good outing of the time.
Some really solid freak folk, reminded me of Love
A little too plaintive for me. That being said, I am giving it a listen openly. It has its moments--I think I just want more of them. No vocals very engaging.
I’d never heard of this bloke before even though he was allegedly a pioneer. His voice was pleasant enough and the album felt very much of its time. It’s probably a 2.5 - everything felt a bit tonally similar but I didn’t mind it.
The whole time this album played I was waiting for a song to come on that I recognized. Neil's voice was so familiar, but I couldn't quite place why. Then "Everybody's Talking" came on and there it was! There was something soothing yet edgy at work here, and while the record rates more like a 3.5, I'm not quite at a 4. Good album, and by my count, that's three versions of "Cocaine" we've heard thus far.
At least it's different than most folk albums of the time but still nothing that wowed me.
I enjoyed a handful of songs, but the compilation as a whole- was a meh for me.
There were parts that were jam bandy and I liked those a lot but overall would I listen to this album again? Probably not
not bad
This album is so great at times that it hurts me to feel that some songs were bland and uninteresting to me. While listening to it my internet decreased until the last song, which was pretty nice. So, I liked it, but the album has many aspects that doesn't make me love it.
### In-Depth Review: *Fred Neil* (1967) **Released:** 1967 **Label:** Capitol Records **Producer:** Nick Venet **Engineers:** John Kraus, Pete Abbott **Genre core:** Folk-blues / proto-folk-rock with light psychedelia ### 1. LYRICS & THEMES - **Interior, not exterior, politics:** Neil avoids the protest-song vogue of the mid-’60s. Instead he writes about **alienation** (“Everybody’s Talkin’”), **addiction** (“Sweet Cocaine”), **rootlessness** (“The Other Side of This Life” – not on the LP but cut at the same sessions) and **quiet resignation** (“That’s the Bag I’m In”). - **Nature as refuge:** “The Dolphins” uses the sea as an escape metaphor; Neil later devoted his life to dolphin-protection projects, so the image is autobiographical. - **Economy of language:** Lines are short, almost conversational. John Sebastian recalled that Neil made lyrics feel “like they just fell out of your mouth… you hadn’t labored over them,” a style later echoed in the early songwriting of Tim Hardin and Jackson Browne . - **Sources:** He re-works Libba Cotten’s folk-blues “Shake Sugaree” into “I’ve Got a Secret,” illustrating the living “folk process” inside a commercial studio . ### 2. MUSIC & ARRANGEMENTS - **Baritone gravity:** Neil’s cavernous voice sits in the same range as later singers such as Scott Walker or Mark Lanegan; it gives even mundane lines gravitas. - **Blend of acoustic & subtle electric:** Electric guitar, bass and brushed drums are added but never swamp the intimacy—an approach Richie Unterberger calls “perfectly balanced electric instrumentation” . - **Modal folk-blues progressions** (“Green Rocky Road,” “Faretheewell”) sit beside **country two-beat** (“That’s the Bag I’m In”) and the **raga-flavoured drone** that closes the record. - **“Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga” (7½ min):** A loose, improvised drone that anticipates the eastern-tinged jams soon popular in San Francisco ballrooms. It is the clearest nod to emerging psychedelia and is routinely cited by listeners as the album’s biggest sonic surprise . ### 3. PRODUCTION - **Producer Nick Venet** (also early Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt) keeps the sound warm and uncluttered. Close-miked acoustic guitars and a light room-reverb give the impression you are sitting a few feet from the band. - **No stereo gimmicks or radio-friendly sweetening;** this may explain why the original LP stalled commercially even though two of its songs became hits in other artists’ hands. - **First-generation analog tape, recently remastered** for Qobuz/HD downloads; the 2021 reissue retains the original dynamic range (no loudness-war compression) . ### 4. INFLUENCE & LEGACY - **“Everybody’s Talkin’”** – Harry Nilsson’s 1968 cover shot to #6 after its use in *Midnight Cowboy* (1969). Nilsson himself admitted he “tried to sing it like Fred” but added pop sheen . - **Peer recognition:** Bob Dylan, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian and Tim Buckley all cited Neil as a key influence; Dylan’s first paid NYC gig was playing harmonica behind Neil at Café Wha? . - **Direct musical tributes:** Jefferson Airplane’s “The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil,” Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Coconut Grove,” and multiple covers of “The Other Side of This Life” and “The Dolphins” by Tim Buckley, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg & Beth Orton . - **Cult stature:** Because Neil refused to tour after 1969 and let his albums go out of print for decades, he became a “songwriter’s songwriter,” a name-checked ancestor of the 70s singer-songwriter movement without the superstar baggage . --- ### 5. PROS & CONS **PROS** - **Vocal timbre:** One of the deepest, most soothing male voices in 60s folk; many listeners discover the record for that alone . - **Song quality:** “The Dolphins,” “Everybody’s Talkin’,” “Faretheewell,” “That’s the Bag I’m In” are all staples of the late-Village canon. - **Atmosphere:** A coherent late-night mood—several reviewers use the word “floating” . - **Historical importance:** Demonstrates how folk could absorb electric textures and Eastern drones without surrendering intimacy—an influence audible on early Tim Buckley and Tim Hardin records. - **Concise running order:** 10 songs, 38 minutes; no filler, ends on an experimental note that invites replay. **CONS** - **Uniform tempo:** The languid pace can feel samey; some listeners call it “studiously lazy” or “sleepy country-folk” unless you are in the right head-space . - **Lyrically sparse:** If you favor dense poetic imagery (early Dylan, Cohen) Neil’s plain-spoken style may seem under-written. - **Sonic modesty:** Low-key production means no big sonic “wow” moment for casual listeners accustomed to psychedelic extravaganzas like *Sgt. Pepper*. - **Limited commercial immediacy:** Lack of hooks or pop push meant the LP never charted and remains less visible in classic-rock narratives. - **Cover overshadows original:** Nilsson’s glossier “Everybody’s Talkin’” is so ubiquitous that Neil’s earthier take can feel like an alternate version rather than the definitive one to newcomers. --- ### 6. BOTTOM LINE *Fred Neil* is a quiet cornerstone of 1960s folk-rock: musically unforced, emotionally direct and—because of Neil’s self-imposed exile—untainted by over-exposure. Its influence is measurable through the artists it shaped (Dylan, Airplane, Buckley, Nilsson) and through the durable standards it introduced. The album rewards close listening but demands patience; its refusal to grand-stand is both its virtue and the reason it remains a cult item rather than a household classic.
Decent folk, with a jazzy side. Didn't seem like anything special. I did enjoy the raga at the end.
Very eclectic album. I don't know how often I will revisit Fred Neil but I enjoyed the instrumentation.
Fav Song: Everybody's Talkin'
Nostalgic , my grandparents kind of music, enjoyable.
pleasant album. strange cover.
60s Singer Songwriter is not my favourite realm of music in the world, but this had some real charm to it.
Solid album but the one that stood out to me was Everybody Talkin'. I thought it was a Harry Nilsson song but nope, turns out it was a cover. Fred Neil's version has a different vibe that while it won't be the version I think of, it's a nice contrast to switch things up. Hell of a song to write in a short moment and record in one take though. Favorite track: Everybody Talkin'
Neil's chroming baritone was a welcome reprieve from ACDC yesterday, nothing to write home about for me. Favorites: everybody's talking, that's the bag I'm in
Solid stuff, not really my thing and I probably won't be revisiting this at all. But, I don't have a negative thing to say about this, it's just not my jam.
Not bad. A little same-y. Pleasant guitar work. “Green Rocky Road” was way different from the Van Ronk version.
Cool, but nothing I would listen to again
I will need to revisit this album
Hadn't heard of Fred Neil before and wasn't sure what to expect. I quite liked his voice but apart from Everybody's Talkin' not much stood out to me.
Appreciate this one for what it is.
9/18/25. Will need a couple more listens, but a cool folk album with a lot of electric elements. I enjoyed the different chord progressions and lyric choices, as well as the choice in different instrumentation.
Some folksy tunes right here.
It was nice, nothing special.
Fint folk album.
Actually kind of enjoyed this one. Compared to many of the albums on this list, it’s nothing special. Just some easy going music. His voice reminds me a bit of Glen Campbell but deeper and less range. Fine listen.
sounded like bob dylan, it was decent, some good tracks
Not really for me but I respect the hell out of it.
I liked parts of this! Guy has a crazy voice! Enjoyed "That's The Bag I'm In" "Everything Happens" and "Sweet Cocaine" the most.
One listen really is not enough is it. Sounded like I might love it, but going with a nice, safe, cosy three stars.
Bit Johnny Cash, genuinely never heard of Fred Neil! Not really my thing to be fair but great voice
Some ok songs
Standard singer-songwriter fare. Not bad for what it is - but not more than that either.
He has a great voice, the music is alright, but too much of the same.
Should revisit - I did think there were really good songs like "Sweet Cocaine" but it was too distracting for me to focus on homework. That is why it needs a revisit.
ещё один про которого я не знала но оказывается одну песню всё же знала) вокально не увлёк, местами слишком расслабленно, местами слишком кокаин
I don't know how I feel about the vocals on this one. On one hand Fred Neil is clearly very talented but his over the top vibrato really felt like a pisstake. Was prepared to give it a 2 star but then we get "Everybody's talking" which I thought Harry Nilsson wrote. It is a very good track. I also enjoyed "Sweet Cocaine". I think those 2 tracks make it just squeak in to a 3 star review.
I didn't care much for this album until the mysterious Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga came on. The open tuning, Indian vibes and and dissonant harmonica captured my attention like not many other songs do. It was quite unexpected and out of place, but I really dug it. On it's own it's a 4 star track, although not quite enough to push the whole album into 4 star territory.
Приємний фолк, декілька пісень собі зберіг. Як ціле альбом видався занадто рівним.
Доволі дефолтний, але приємний фолк.
distinctive voice, could sub in for some road trip lists
This was a decent album not anything really to write home about but it was good not bad, not great!
This was a pretty enjoyable journey for an album, ending with the instrumental at the end. The tone was definitely quite bluesy but also more on the raw side which makes it easy to just kind of lose yourself in listening to it. While there weren't any clear standout songs, it was consistently good all throughout and as such will receive a 3.5/5 which will be bumped down to a 3 as it doesn't quite hit enough to make it to the threshold of the next rating.
Love the mixing and use of panning. I’ve Got a Secret and Faretheewell are beautiful. Neil’s voice is very strong and carries the melody very effectively. A few songs sound a little too similar to each other but it doesn’t detract from the listening experience. Very enjoyable listening of an album I otherwise may have never heard.
More 60s stuff.
Relaxed, ontspannen folk. Kan er wel naar luisteren op de achtergrond bij een cafe, maar niet gewenst
Great vocals, calming music
Was this ground breaking for 1966? Like the acoustic and electric mix. Never heard of Fred Neil. Really love the sound.
Stämningsfullt och grym röst. Kul att höra originalet "everybodys talkin" (som man hört med Harry Nilsson). Det höjer sig dock inte över "helt ok". Saknar flera låtar som skickar albumet över tre.
Ingen dålig platta men ingen som riktigt sticker ut heller. Hans röst är cool, jag gillar det instrumentella och Everybody’s talking är grym, men skulle behövas ett par ytterligare låtar av den kalibern för ett högre betyg. Trevlig och njutbar lyssning rakt igenom dock och en stabil trea.
Blandade skurar. Everybody Talking är fantastisk. Vissa av de bluesigare numren riktigt bra. Men det finns gott om svaga spår. En trea (mest för Everybody Talking)
Sweet Cocaine is a bop, man. Otherwise a pretty meh album.
We take refuge from the wind (biting the big apple until it’s all exposed core), diving into a dimly lit bar; somewhere unspeakable, somewhere in the village. Unspeakable because what could be said was said already – Frank and his oranges, Alan and his angel-headed hipsters – and maybe sometimes a bit of quiet helps, you know? (“The Dolphins” has that feeling about it; a quiet song that’s really a labyrinth for thought to get lost in.) Where was I? Oh yeah, the energy here; we’re on the eve of something. And if Fred’s a known quantity what he’s playing isn’t – it’s pushing against things, moving things around to make space. (And oh the space! It’s in the space it all makes most sense!) Anyway I hear the harmonica player’s doing some stuff later, maybe he’s up to something good. But first, one more time through “Everybody’s Talkin’”, please.
Indifferent on this one. Good music, well made and refined blues/americana. Tinges of Country Western and Swing. But, unless Im missing some context it just comes across as run of the mill for this time period. But then that 8 minute closing track which is a massive homage to Western movie soundscapes. Simultaneously this closing track sounds like a horse race, cattle drive, bronco breaking, cart robbery scene all in one. Bumped it up a star for sure.
This was a different album for me. I'd never heard of Fred Neil. His cover of Everybody's Talkin' felt thicker and more resonant than Nilsson's original. The whole album seems to dance between folk and country and jazzy blues. The last track "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" is a weird Indian sounding thing that was good but felt like it was just a flex on his talent. It didn't feel like it belonged with the rest of the album, and felt like it was filler to pad out the album. My Rating: 3/5
Decent little folk rock album. It didn't really blow me away, but I enjoyed most of the songs on it and would listen again some time. 3/5
Not much to say about this one. Decent folk album, but I'm not super folk lover. Still, very listenable. 3/5
I liked a lot of this, a few parts that dragged but balanced out by highlights such as the long psych jam at the end.
Excellent singer-songwriter album with some country twang. The highlight is Fred Neil’s wonderful, deep vocals. His voice is striking. You have to turn your head and listen to him when he sings. The songwriting sounded great from a first listen too. 3.5
Slightly folk-Elvis-y, slightly Tim Hardin-y. There's a lot of nice ideas on this album. I really enjoy the band and instrumentation in the first track "The Dolphins". There are little mistakes that are left in (mostly in the drums), and I appreciate it so much as someone who really pays attention to that stuff and is inundated with perfect quantization that occurs in today's music production. A good listen! Not sure if it would be on everyone's 1001 list, but it is what it is.
Fred going crazy on that yayo. This was great from an artist I’d never heard about and it’s aged very well (3.5/5)
Un poquillo Boring
Partly ok, especially the blues stuff. But the rest not so exciting.
A little slow and no standout songs, but pretty enjoyable. Kind of fits in with the modern folk/acoustic/country crossover genre that I never know what to call.
Fred Neil was previously unknown to me. I found the first sounds of the album promising. But that soon changed. Overall, I didn't particularly like the album. I was surprised that I knew Everybody's Talkin'. It was nice to hear that again. But that won't happen again any time soon. 3/5
Some cool stuff in here with some unique, haunted folk. I liked his Everbody’s Talking better than Nilson’s. There was a proto-Nick Cave vibe at times as well. Strongly disliked the final track which bumped this down from a four to a three.
Un album intereante, empieza a lo Sinatra y termino a los Beatles yendo a la India
Very laid back. Almost calming in a lot of places. The songs aren't anything revolutionary, but this was 1966 and sounds fine for that era. Some of the guitar tone, to me, sounds like David Gilmour may have taken some inspiration. Or maybe there was limited gear, idk.
It's nice easy listening but idk this kind of folk vibe is always a little boring to me.
This album was pretty ok. I guess I can understand how influential he was as a songwriter but I don't understand why this, along with many other albums in this list, are being included as "must-listen" albums.
good folk album..3.5/5
é o tipo de música que me agrada, não tem nem como fugir menção especial pra sweet cocaine que tem uma gaita MUITO safada
bem mais agradável do que achei que seria folkzão numa pegada até mei country as vezes, com um vozeirão bonito fi. chique demais
Highlight Song/s: Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga Not for me. I just feel this folk-styled music has been done so many times before, that it just all sounds the same to me. The exception to the monotony of this album is the last track, which is a 8 minute instrumental that sounds really unique.
Better than expected, but still boring to me
It was fine. Nothing special and not memorable, but I liked the songs as they were happening
High highs and low, forgettable lows. 2.5*
A new discovery for me. Country folk is not really my bag - but he does have a lovely baritone voice and it was an enjoyable listen.
I really wanted to love this album. I really did. But, it didn't speak to me in the way I hoped it would. I was left feeling underwhelmed and wanting. I asked myself why? Was it the songwriting? No, it was excellent. The singing? No, it was solid. Was there too much harmonica? Maybe, but I'm a big harmonica guy. So why didn't I love it? I have no idea. I decided to give it another chance. We're not there yet...but we're getting closer. I wonder if this album is like that person we all know, the one you didn't hit it off with right away but who, over time, you've come to cherish and love deeply. Time will tell.
I had never heard of this guy but I did some reading of his Wikipedia page, and now I understand why. I liked this! I doubt I’d listen to it again but it was fairly decent folk rock.
It was fine, but I didn't care for most of it. Decent instrumentals and vocal work.
25/1001. I don't think I've heard about Fred Neil before. I thought this was his debut, but seems like rhe 2nd album. A bit blueay and more folky, psychedelic influences are there, hip and beat vibes all around. I file this to the same category with Tim Buckley, also by rating: I don't mind listening to this, but it didn't really become an instant hit with me either. So a 3.
This is a good album, some very strong writing (Everybody's Talkin'!), and clearly influential. But, I don't love the mid-60s troubadour singing style (later borrowed and developed by Tim Buckley). Definitely some great moments, but I struggle too much with singing to love it.
Decently enjoyable, but also forgettable. "The Dolphins," "Everybody's Talkin'," and "Sweet Cocaine" were the best songs, but many just sort of blended together. This album was just a little too same-y for my liking.
Pretty decent straight down the middle folk record. Nothing great, but nothing super exciting either.
I was between a 3 and a 4 on this. There were some very good songs. The 8 minute sitar jam got it the 3.
A great 3, but still a 3. A nice, short listen. Relaxing in a way. Like folk-cowboy music. Interesting.
Very soft and sweet but it was not love even though I listened a couple of times. It felt like it was too long but it's just around 40 min.. I don't know I feel like I'm doing it dirty but it's not the right moment for us.
Not so bad, last track was a nice surprise. But I can’t say it really with me
It's alright, but still pretty inoffensive.
Nothing that will stay with me, but still a great melancholic folk album that I enjoyed.
Eh. Perfectly pleasant listen. No impact.
Never judge a book by its cover. Absolutely no way I’d have spun this up without it being on this list. Lovely 60s warm recording. Music itself is solid good, without ever really taking off. It’s held back somehow…. Solid 3
My reviews have been getting too long. I need to go back to the old days of not writing much about albums, and this is a good candidate to do that with. This album's alright. There's nothing particularly bad about it, but it's not special in any way. Fred Neil's writing is okay. Not outstanding, but not bad. The style is simple but pleasant. The album's not too long. This is an album that doesn't really need to be on the list, but not because of anything bad about the album itself. It's just that there are many albums that do similar things to this one but better. Fred Neil's okay, but not amazing. 3/5.
This is when this whole thing is worthwhile! An album from an interesting artist I’ve never heard of. OK it’s not a game changer but it was a good listen and hearing the original Everbodys talking at me was fun.
Decent folk album, love his voice.
Errs on bland, but when it's good it's really good. The final track is 8 minutes of gorgeous instrumental composition - maybe if Freddy did more of that I'd have heard of him before
Someone made the conscious decision to tremolo all the things, and for that they deserve their judgement day.
5.5/10 One of those that I’m not exactly sure why it’s here. Actually I guess I am - the final 10 minutes or so where it takes an unexpected turn into a psychedelic swirl. Before that it’s fine but just not amazing - folk or country rock that is well executed but not brilliant. Sub Johnny Cash. Best: Ba-Di-Da
Норм душевно
Great voice, nice sound throughout. Everybody's Talkin' is a great song. Nice listen
What an odd opening track. Threw me off balance. Dolphins. The instrumentation is good tho. That continues for me, I'm not a fan of most of the lyricism and something about his voice is just off for me. Enjoyed the harmonica whenever it popped in. Everybody's Talkin caught me by surprise as I didn't expect to recognize anything. Overall nice production. Has a warmth to it.
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would
Not bad - I've added The Dolphins to my playlist
Not bad, just kind of boring...
Nice.
Folk pioneer turned protector of dolphins - I'd never heard of Fred Neil before. This was nice, he had a great voice.
never heard of the guy - just middle of the road for m
Solid blues album.
A solid folk album with a standout song ‘Everybody’s Talkin’.’ I enjoyed this album listen but I’m not sure if it is one that I would pick up again. But I would recommend others to give it a listen if you are a lover of folk music!
The cover and name didn't make me want to listen. The voice absolutely did. 'That's the bag I'm in' was a great track.
As far as folk and folk rock albums go, this is one of them. I jest, slightly. But it's difficult for me to really parse out just how important this album is to its genre(s) because I know so little about the genres as a whole. I love Dylan, like some Neil Young, some CSN(Y), and adore Simon and Garfunkel. But beyond that I'm a little lost. So I suppose I can look at this as an album both contemporary to and preceding those artists. Through that lens, I can see some influence and importance. But I also think there were artists doing it better at the time. Not that this is bad; it very much isn't. I just think this is one case where, having no idea who the artist is going into an album isn't helpful because I'm forced to make comparisons that are largely unfair. In the end, it's a fine album and I'm happy to give it three stars. I just wish I had more to say... Standout Tracks: That's The Bag I'm In, Ba-Di-Da, Faretheewell (Fred's Tune), Green Rocky Road
On the low end of it’s okay. Mellow, easy to listen to. Not going to be a go-to album or artist for me.
It is 60s music of the 60s music variety. It was ok. Standout track: Everybody's Talkin'
Out of nowhere this album hit me, in a way when music clicks. Will probably never listen again unless stumbled upon, it was good while it lasted.
What a voice. Really enjoyed 'The dolphins'.
2.7 2x catch up 4/14
Folk Pop Album mit Soul, Blues und starkem spirituellem Einschlag. Ganz nett zu hören insbesondere „Everybody‘s Talking“. Insgesamt aber zu wenig prägnante Songs und zu (Feed) good.
He’s very talented but the selection is too long. Why not just pick an album instead of a compilation of his entire career?
I am Meh about Fred Neil. I get this kind of vibe that he decided that he wanted to be a singer/ songwriter and he put himself out there and did it. He does not have a distinct voice or style, he doesn't tell stories like some folk musicians out there, his lyrics are fair to middling. He has a song that is not really a one hit wonder per se but it is among my favorite singles songs of all time. Nevertheless for me, he never quite otherwise escapes a kind of mediocre trap. I am kind of glad I put a name to that one song, but otherwise I would not say it is essential listening or anything like that.
Could have gone my entire life without hearing this. Did not do anything for me but its still fine music.
2.5/5
Nice.
Good old school folk/western. Nothing amazing that makes me remember clearly how the hooks went, but still a good listen. Probably too long to repeat the whole album
Better than most folk on this list. His voice is the saving part. Compared to Tim Buckley for instance Fred is so warm and full. Weird jam session at the end though.
Interesting, eclectic album with some rich albums.
Better than expected. Neil has a strong voice and I enjoyed some of his lyrics. Most of all I appreciate the varied music throughout. I was expecting just acoustic guitar, but there's more present than that. I'm not saying it's a favorite, but I wouldn't mind listening to it again.
Well there’s a corner of folk history I didn’t know existed. It might be heresy, but I prefer Nilsson’s cover of Everybody’s Talking (although I’m not a massive fan of the song at all). I did like the first and last songs on the album better. All in all an nice album, would listen again.
Meh, some daily middle of the road sixties country/baroque pop, not sure of the exact genre but I am sure it left without a trace as soon as the album finished. Also, this is the third version of Everybody's Talking I've heard on this list, and it's still not a good song!
Very cool folk album I had never heard before.
Definitionally inoffensive ‘60s New York folk scene stuff, both in its simplest moments [aka the majority of this record] and its most avant-garde [aka the closer "cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga"]. It’s the type of thing you find in a $1/$2 bin outside of an overpriced record shop in Williamsburg as soon as you exit the Bedford Ave L station, and you consider purchasing simply to have a reason to walk inside, despite the fact that the sleeve is busted, split at the seams, and has noticeable ring wear, water damage, and coffee stains all over it, but then your friend texts you that she’s getting off the G now and you have to make your way down to Metropolitan Ave to pay $75 just to catch up on each others’ drama since you last saw each other. It’s totally fine, I like it, but it’s inconsequential and evaporates off my ears once it’s over. In many ways, it's so blasé that I have to imagine there was a better, or even more impactful, record from the scene to include over this. Not that I hate it, but it's really nothing special, even when it tries its hardest to be. But if I wasn’t meeting my friend for brunch, I’d grab a copy for a $1, maybe even $2, and play it every so often just while I’m doing some Sunday cleaning. But more likely than not, I’d forget I even own it and never touch it again, so I’m better off just leaving it in the bin. Either way, regardless of what decision I make, I'll still end up spending my life savings on vegan eggs and a marg’ pitcher.
All I can think of is Chrissy laid out on that park bench, drugged out of his mind...
For how influential this album is, it felt pretty mediocre and middle of the road to me. It’s an early folk rock record with some blues influences. I think it was the sound of his voice and his singing style that didn’t really click with me. It’s not bad by any means, but it didn’t have anything that stood out or felt particularly unique.
Pretty good country/folk album. I enjoyed Everybody’s Talkin’ and Cynicrustpetejohn Raga.
It was fine. Decent songwriting, but nothing really special in my opinion.
Interesting folk album, but feels a little dated for many songs.
The guy's got a good voice, but that's about the only thing interesting going on here.
I’ll give it a 3. I enjoyed the album, it was nice and relaxing, and Fred Neil’s voice grew on me as the album progressed, but there’s not a whole lot to write home about. Strange ending though, almost like they were trying to fill the remaining wax.
I was surprised that I liked this as much as I did. I think it has more to do with the nostalgia factor as it very much reflects the changing winds that were blowing at that time and it reminds me of the type of thing I might have heard as a pre-teen. Neil has a great voice which at times reminded me of Merle Haggard. The final instrumental sounded like something the Doors could have done.
Nichts Besonderes. Aber in Ordnung. Nur der letzte Song war ziemlich seltsam.
The vibrato effect on the guitar is nice. Flappy. Not a bad album. Has some highlights. 3 out of 5.
Lidt kedeligt folket singer/songwriter. Ikke rigtig noget der står ud. Okay som baggrundsmusik
Much better than I feared. Didn't care much for Fred's voice but the tunes were interesting. The chord selection sometimes felt like something Beck would play.
I enjoyed this, had some good variety and nice sounds.
I had a go and found it neither exciting not offensive
pretty, but kind of forgettable
I think the first half of this is where the strongest parts are, the instrumentals and Fred's voice are really nice and so is his voice, the way he takes from folk, country, blues, etc and melds in so well in the album plus the dark sort of feel is great, but I think it just loses steam towards the middle when the music gets slower and just more lowkey in a way that doesn't stand out to me anymore. It picks back up in the last two tracks with the final track's raga influence leaving more of an impression on me, but on the whole I don't totally love this album which sucks because I really enjoyed the start.
Good songs and mellow music. Kind of sad but okay
Perfectly enjoyable. Maybe not something I'd add to my rotation, but I wouldn't turn it off if I heard it in the wild.
never heard of the guy before but a incredibly soothing voice. The opening track really had a Pink Floyd feel (similar riff to Breathe (in the air). the rest are mostly campfire rock ballads
Not bad. Oddly I liked Ba-Di-Da, and didn't like The Dolphins.
I'd never heard of Fred Neil before, although I recognized Everybody's Talkin'. I liked his rich baritone voice. Not my type of music, but appreciate the influence that he apparently had on his contemporary and later artists. The country-ish raga was an unexpected end to the album, although a stark reminder that this was the mid sixties.
Had never heard of him, though I did recognize Everybody's Talkin'. Better than I expected.
pleasant. Not a big fan of the stereo mixing here- why is it almost only the bass in the right ear?? Unfortunately, none of the songs really stuck with me. Again, pleasant. Last song rips tho.
Moody, almost cowpokey, frontieresque music with a man who can’t finish a sentence without it turning into mumbles. 6/10
OK
Some nice slow jams for the afternoon
Always loved Dolphins
I really enjoyed pieces of this record. It was raw and truthful. Some songs came off as too “country” for me. However, some of the more folky leaning songs were very soothing. Favorites: The Dolphins, I’ve Got A Secret, Faretheewell
Pretty middle of the road but I do like Everybody's Talkin'
Good voice, nice twang, it’s just… a little dull. It’s a 3 for me.
This is a folk/blues/country album. Kind of reminds me of Gene Clark. This album is definately back loaded (once the song Everybody's Talkin' comes on the album gets so much better). This is not bad, but nothing to get too excited about. I never knew that Fred Neil wrote the original version of Everybody's Talkin'. I remember Harry Nilsson's version being used in Midnight Cowboy, and Hangover 3. Solid song. Favourite songs: Everybody's Talkin', Sweet Cocaine, Everything Happens, Green Rocky Road, That's the Bag I'm In Least favourite songs: The Dolphins 3/5
Meh
Sometimes I just don't understand this list. You leave Bill Withers, Squeeze, The Turtles and host of other bands off to make room for this.
Day394 - you wonder why some make it and some don’t. dude writes his own songs and then they only get popular when someone else covers them. he even kinda sounds like merle haggard
Helt ok, passar som roadtrip-album men inte mycket mer
Just a decent album. Nothing else to say. 3 stars
Some really unique sort of folk blues with some psychedelic elements. Enjoyed Dolphins a lot, whole record was great
3.0
Ok
Interesting. Cool guitars and low vocals
I really liked dolphins and that’s the bag i’m in, rest was ok
Ok background music. Not great but not terrible.
This was fine.
Everybody’s talking at me, plus similar stuff
Old school folk, big hit with Everybody’s Talkin, song from Forrest Gump
I've never heard of Fred Neil but have heard a couple of his songs done by other people. This feels like a rainy day kind of album. Nice voice.
downloaded 5,7,8,9. easy listening
"I’ve been searching For the dolphins in the sea And sometimes I wonder Do you ever think of me?" ..... Sure Fred we all have..
Neil has a strong and rich voice that works well for these tunes. Enjoyed. Highlight: Everybody’s Talking
This was okay. I like his voice, and some of the songs were pretty good. It got weird at the end, and I didn't like that so much.
Everybody’s talking about simpsons
It's a pleasant folk rock album, goes by smoothly. I do quite like the final song on the album more. A bit more prog than the rest, quite interesting.
Would listen again. Folky old jams
I enjoyed this up to a point, and I really like his voice. It definitely drifts quite significantly, and I'm afraid I found the final song a total chore to get through. However, a lot of the instrumentation feels quite ahead of its time, despite being rooted in the Western and folk traditions. His Everybody's Talking suffers in comparison to Nielsson, because, y'know, everyone would.
Nice chill almost countryish music
While I appreciate the music, and knew a song or two, the album was a 3 for me. Maybe it's bc Dylan is what folk should sound like to me but this didn't give me the same feeling as BD.
Decent folk, the last song was especially fun, reminded me of some Velvet Underground stuff, and this was even a year before that!
2.9 meh, nothing special faves: everybody's talkin
Sure it's good, sure it deserves a place on this list since Fred Neil was so influential. But it didn't do much for me personally. Honestly it is a little hard to enjoy with that unhappy little kid staring at you. Does he want help? Is he mad at me for something? Are plots being hatched?
Alright like
Schön zu hören, folkig. Angenehme Stimme. Texte müsste ich mir mal in Ruhe anhören. 3/5
Good tunes. I definitely know the one that Harry Nilsson covered but idk where
норм, но очень по-американски. напомнило ред дед редемпшн 2
An alright album, no real standout songs.
doors meets nick cave meets.... 3/5
Not sure who this is. Opening track sounds cool. This seems like an odd mix of Johnny Cash and Elvis, if they were a bluesy-americana thing. Interesting. Not really my bag here, but it's pleasant enough to vibe the album. Fred is my dad's name, so he gets a point there. Cool ending song. This was good, but middle of the road to me. 3.
It was alright
Strong voice, relaxed country. Decent
Everybody's Talkin' is great, but Harry Nilsson carries the note in such an incredible way—mesmerizing! This album was just okay. I can see the influence on the NY scene, but otherwise, it's meh.
I know he was influential on a lot of influential people. The instrumentation is good enough throughout the album. And he wrote one of the best songs of the sixties. Unfortunately the reason that song matters - it was done far better a few years down the line by Harry Nilsson. And maybe thats the problem. Neils voice isn't so much bad as not terribly expressive and there too many problematic phrasing choices to count. His voice never blends with the music. Four stars for brining Everybody's Talkin' into the world. One deducted for it before my an inferior version.
Leaving aside the absolute sixties hippie shitshow that is the last track, this is a fascinating curio. Dolphins and Everybody's Talking are top songs, and great to hear the originals. But not much call for a revisit. 3.5, rounded down to 3 for the raga-out.
Solid blues/country album. Fred Neil has a good voice. I love the Harry Nilsson cover of Everybody’s Talkin’, and it was cool to hear the original. Standouts: The Dolphins, Ba-Di-Da, and Everybody’s Talkin’.
The sound and feel of this album is good but there was just no stand out songs for me
Alright i guess
Sounds like what Clint Eastwood listens to. Makes me wanna get a poncho and smoke a cigar whilst riding a horse into the sunset.
Not really exciting, unfortunately. The two big songs of his seem to have had their definitive versions recorded by other artists. Still, nothing to actively dislike here.
3.5 stars. Decent folk rock. I like "Everybody's Talkin'" but far prefer Harry Nilsson's version that popularized it. "Faretheewell (Fred's Tune)" and "Green Rock Road" are also good.
At first I thought I would hate this album with that droney folky voice. As I listened on, I found it more and more interesting and wondered about its place in music history. He definitely had some artiistc chops and seemed to be on the cutting edge of what was happening at the time.
I actually really liked his voice. It was the songs that just sounded a bit bland for me I knew Everybody's Talkin' although I hadn't heard this version of it before 3 ⭐️
Now I know where Tindersticks came from.
Not enough here to warrant any sort of revisit or recommendation. Nothing that deters in the simplistic riffing, noodling and mellow story telling.
The last track was plenty strange - other than that, pretty unremarkable, I felt.
Fred Neil is not someone I am familiar with. It has a slight psycdellic vibe to it with hints of Jim Morrison in the vocals. Stand out tracks: - That's the bag I'm in - Faretheewell - very different take on this song than I'm use to too. -Everybody's talkin' - Sweet cocaine
Soothing but not really my cup of tea
Interesting
Every track is pretty much the same. Safe, tame middle of the road jangly pop that harmonises and offends no one.
Nice mellow folksy feel
Bog standard 60s folk/singer songwriter, good but nothing super outstanding
I don't think I knew the name Fred Neil before, but I've of course heard that cover of Everybody's Talkin'. This was a good listen, didn't blow me away but I can see why it's considered a classic.
Hmmmm... It wasn't bad. Would not turn it off of I was in the mood, but would not listen again on purpose. Looking at the cover I was not expecting songs about dolphins and cocaine. (That would've been a good album name.) Three stars.
another unknown - country/blues from the 60s
This is pretty good!
3/5
This feels like it should be more up my alley than it is, I think the main problem is that there’s little to distinguish Fred Neil from the rest of the Folk Rock set crowd that he inspired. He’s not an outstanding guitarist, lyricist, melodist, or singer. That’s not say that he’s bad at any of these things, but unlike a Bob Dylan or a Paul Simon, there’s not that generational defining talent. That being said, it’s interesting to see how this was influential on the scene I do enjoy, and it’s not as if Fred Neil was without it’s charms. Everybody’s Talking is one of my favourite songs, so it was interesting to hear the original, and the Raga jam at the end was fun, but not enough to make me consider the album entirely essential
So this is an album with the original versions of songs that other musicians covered with better versions? Its not bad, but its kinda hipster-y to include on a list of albums that everyone must hear. 3/5
Pretty good.
I liked it better than I thought I would. Like a psychedelic, less grim johnny cash. I can definitely see how he influenced many artists.
Based on the blurb about him being part of the Greenwich village folk scene, and the album cover, I did not expect much from this album. I thought it would be just a guy and a guitar playing boring folk songs. I was wrong, and was pleasantly surprised by this. This guy is unique. I won’t say it’s my favorite music, but I love that he did his own thing and kept it interesting. Definitely worth a listen.