Reviews (page 4 of 7)
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.
K-mart Johnny Cash, but there's some quality.
The vibe of this would make Neil seems pretty enigmatic, but it sounds like he was everyone’s friend/helped a lot of people get their start, and ultimately he really did love the dolphins. Some very good songs, and the voice is just something you don’t find in folk. Felt more like blues folk, I can dig that.
I like spotify's description of this guy: Moody, bluesy, and melodic. It was a nice listen, Johnny Cash vibe. This guy definitely went through some shit in life. 3.5 stars for me
Started off pretty slow for me but picked up some steam towards the end. Dude has a Nick Cave sound to his voice. Low 3
3/5
Sorry Fred. This ain't it (for me).
A strange welcomed change from the other stuff we have been hearing. Y'all make it to the end of the album? What?!
Loved it. Fred has a smooth yet raspy voice. I could listen to this again. Roadtrip music for sure.
I quite enjoyed this. I was shocked to discover that Everybody’s Talkin’ wasn’t a Harry Neillson original but was by this guy. I still prefer that version but you have to give credit to Fred Neil and the rest of the album was okay. It’s described as “folk” but I guess it’s an American folk. He has a country-singer type voice but the accompaniment is less twangy than country. I liked the instrumental at the end too.
Country based cocaine inspired sea shanty about our Dolphin overlords
An amazing voice and a great storyteller, Fred really delivered on this one. Very fun to hear some familiar songs I didn't know would be from this album. A great contribution to the earliest era of folk rock
Lyrique, incarné, une voix soyeuse et profonde. Par contre, ne m'a pas semblé très original pour un album de ce genre et de cette époque.
I don't think its super memorable and definitely not essential but I did enjoy it from front to back.
Interesting folk album. His vocals are incredibly chill, almost to a fault. It was easy to get lulled into a trance of sorts - very dreamlike. the lyrics were strong and the melodies were very nice. 7/10 only because it was too mellow at some points. i will absolutely check out some of his other work .
Two great songs on here, covered to much better effect by later artists. Good writing, but obviously from another era - no one sings like that or makes albums like this anymore. I liked the instrumental track.
Cool and relaxing album, but all the songs are the same
Otro gran desconocido para mí.
kind of a weird album, to be honest. the music is ok, the voice is kind of strange. having said that, it’s not awful and it’s nowhere close to the worst albums i have heard on here.
kind of a weird album, to be honest. the music is ok, the voice is kind of strange. having said that, it’s not awful and it’s nowhere close to the worst albums i have heard on here.
Competently sung and performed. Unfortunately, minus the nice baritone voice, it doesn't do a lot more to merit full focus. It's pleasant, but inoffensive. Favorite tracks: "The Dolphins", "Everybody's Talkin'"
Pretty chill music. Reminds me of a movie soundtrack. I don't think I have heard it before except for "Everybody's Talkin'", I will listen to this one again for sure.
Other than the disturbing album cover this is a pretty okay record. Its main issue is that a lot of it sounds the same, allowing the songs to blend together in your memory. It's worth a listen but probably wouldn't go back to this one.
I kind of like Badi-Da, Green Rocky Road, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
Classic country sound; quite nice. 1001 ????
Mellow, cocaine, jam at the end, lyrics driven, melodic, meditative, lush, guitar
Revisit… never heard of this before but pretty good
Just not my vibe. But silky voice.
When I see a cover like this, I assume it’s either going to be an unbearable experience, or at least something mildly interesting. Fortunately I can say that it is mostly the latter. Although I couldn’t really say I was expecting anything in particular. The title being Fred Neil leaves little to the imagination. This is in fact his second album. I’ve never heard of him before. That’s probably because he unfortunately gained very little notoriety. His songs were more well known for the covers other people did of them. And he spent most of the last portion of his life working with dolphins. But this album isn’t actually too bad. It feels like a pretty drab set of folk songs. Very quiet and slow. The most exciting thing you will hear is maybe a harmonica on a song or two. What keeps this album from feeling completely empty is the minute additions that make this feel like its own thing. The phaser used on the first song is strangely beautiful, and definitely feels ahead of its time for 1967. The last song also uses what sounds like a bike bell as a percussive element, which I was surprised by. Small things like that are what make this album feel a little bit more unique and above average. But that’s all this really is. A slightly above average folk album. Also, in the context of this list, I don’t know how well it really qualifies to the essential category. I can’t imagine this being very influential to anyone, since it’s not like other artists weren’t doing similar things at the same time. But thankfully this doesn’t feel like a completely worthless listening experience. Rating: 6/10
Good to know where "Dolphins" came from (Billy Bragg does a fine job with it and to hear the original “Everybody’s Talking at Me” to the bigger hit), and the closing raga is good. Otherwise the voice sounds stiff and musically it's all quite sub-fabulous.
first listen good sounds, but some poor recording sync? in one song, the upright bass is clearly misaligned from the rest of the band
Soft rock from the 70s.
‘66 acoustic summer songwriter album - it’s not too bad. Not a ton of standouts here, but a good voice to be inspired by.
folk rock, un poco rollo.
When the album started I thought not another miserable cowboy. However there were a coyple of great tunes in here and liked that famous one and the ragatime yeah man was ok
I liked his voice. The music itself was ok, but the concepts were generally interesting for the time. Not too enthusiastic about it, but deserves at least a 3.2/5 -> 3/5.
This was fine.
A nice, laid back style. Catchy tunes. No complaints, but not something that I feel I really need to go and show all my friends.
I branded 2 dozen steer and smoked a pack of Marlboro Red while listening to this album.
This was way better than what I thought a random, never heard before, country folk album from the late 60's would be.
Interesting music, not bad overall
its ait Everybody's Talkin' works better like this
Finally, a middle-aged white dude. Fortunately, The Dolphins will always be special to me because I was introduced to it as it played over a montage of Christopher Moltisanti tripping out on heroin during an episode of The Sopranos. And I love almost any version of Everybody's Talkin', as going where the weather suits my clothes is a hill I'm willing to die on. If I'm being honest I prefer Harry Nilsson's version used in Midnight Cowboy. But this guy actually wrote the song, which counts for something. So does that sweet photo on the album cover. Unless that's not his kid. Then it's just weird.
3/5. A solid collection of folk songs, and Fred's vocals are relaxing and nice to listen to. Although the songs can get lost in the haze, there are some that standout enough to make this a chill listen. A sadness and depression stays throughout the album, relying on the wrong things to keep you happy like other people's approval, regretting lost loves, and drugs. Best Song: That's the Bag I'm In, Everybody's Talkin, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
Decent folk album. I liked the jamming out on the last track.
A pleasant listen of unpretentious, laid back folk with 60's folk musician, Fred Neil. I previously had only heard one song, the original version of Everybody's Walkin' and it stands above the rest of the material. The rest of the record is good, but unspectacular and you can understand why he didn't become a household name or more popular. His voice isn't for all tastes and the songs might just be too laid back to leave a more admirable impression.
goofy in the best way Favourite: "everybody's talkin" "sweet cocaine"
Very interesting and unlike anything I've really ever heard before Favourite song:Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
Enjoyed but didn’t love
Was okay.
I had never heard of Fred Neil, so I started by looking at some of the reviews. And that was encouraging, sounding like the kind of album I would like. But it didn’t meet those expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it is not bad, just a bit uninspired and uninspiring. Neil has a voice more in the realm of a lounge singer, which isn’t ideal for these introspective folky songs. Sort of Andy Williams sings David Crosby. Neil’s rendition of “Everybody’s Talkin’” is the clear high point, but doesn’t match Harry Nilsson’s 1969 cover version, which is less of a dirge and has lots more soul in the vocals. Anyway, it’s fine, just fine. 3/5
Good song from midnight cowboy movie. Also reminds me of and older version of Orville peck meets slim Whitman
I like it.
Folk rock. Ni fu ni fa.
folk rock, un poco rollo.
Fred Neil is a troubadour lost to time. He’s like Bob Dylan or Paul Simon’s forgotten drinking buddy. He’s the best ‘60s songwriter you’ve never heard of. Neil’s songs are still present tense for singer-songwriters of multiple generations, and they stand the test of time, even though his aren’t the definitive versions of them. But they are worth hearing here in their native form with their voice of origin.
Never heard of Fred Neil before, but he seems to have influenced a lot of other musicians. It was a good listen but I probably won't come back to it.
I like it, definitely Elvis and 1950s inspirations which was unexpected but good. Slower in the middle of the album, also noticed some country and folk elements. Overall, I enjoyed it!
Everybody's Talkin' is an absolute classic song but the rest of the album doesn't quite live up to it. It's not bad at all, just a bit underwhelming and forgettable.
Blind album and artist. Gives me classic country mood with a more calm feeling.
Objectively I understand this is talented, but it was too one tone for me.
Enjoying it. Honestly had never heard of Fred Neil before it and doubt I would have. But there's pleasant looseness through it. Everybody's Talkin' made me immediately think of Campbell's "Gentle On My Mind".
Kind of depressing BUT great timber in the voice
Although old school, I enjoyed this. Plus the singer is from solid ancestral roots. :)
Rich baritone voice, I was unfamiliar of Fred Neil, but enjoyed these songs!
I had no idea who this was. But three words in, recognized his voice. It's a vibe.
Quite country but the guy has a nice mellow voice that’s quite pleasant and I quite liked the guitar. Not my thing but it’s okay. Apparently known for writing Everybody’s Talking from Midnight Cowboy. Listens: 1 Fave Track: That’s The Bag I’m In Rating: 3
Nice
Alright
Just reminds me of that Futurama episode where Zapp and Kif leave the DOOP.
Never heard of Fred Neil before getting this album on the list. I have, of course, heard the song, "Everybody's Talkin'", before but never associated this song with Fred Neil. This is a good folk-rock record with some good songs, but others are somewhat uninvolving. It's ok.
More folk country than folk rock, and while I liked the two bigger songs, the rest of it wasn’t very memorable
Kannen ahdistunut poika asetti alkuun ikävän pohjavireen, mutta kun pääsin siitä yli, niin onhan tää oikein kivaa musiikkia. Lämmintä ja kotoisaa, vaikkei ihmeitä saavutakaan.
This was an unusual folk album to me, I really thought it sounded almost timeless but couldn’t fully get into it. It seemed ahead of its time almost in some ways, and behind in others. The vocals were maybe too loud in the mix and not my type, and I wasn’t much going for the harmonica either. I read that Tim Buckley produced this and took a lot of inspiration from Fred Neil, and that makes sense. I didn’t really listen to the whole thing but the Dolphins and Everybody’s Talkin were pretty great songs imo, but the rest didn’t really interest me. For me it’s kinda just alright, I may or may not give it another chance.
И опять пердеды из шестидесятых. Не, ну качово движово, хочется стать изи питом и сидеть на крыльце на кресле качалке с бутылкой саспарилы не парится ни о чём. Но это не я.
Never heard of this guy. First impression is a hippy version of Elvis doing a country vibe. I imagine these songs working well in a David Lynch movie. The last song was an instrumental - kinda interesting. Reminded me of Jane’s Addiction. It’s fine. I’ll never listen again and likely won’t remember that I actually did hear of this guy.
Nr. 140/1001 The Dolphins 3/5 I've Got A Secret 3/5 That's The Bag I'm In 3/5 Ba-Di-Da 3/5 Faretheewell 3/5 Everybody's Talkin' 3/5 Everything Happens 3/5 Sweet Cocaine 2/5 Green Rocky Road 2/5 Cyncrust. Raga 2/5 Average: 2,7 This is just plain unremarkable and boring
Fred Neil's Presley-esque voice makes this record sound more country than it folk, and it's a lot better because of that. The music alone would have been unremarkable and way too similar to everyone else doing the same thing in the '60s, but the lack of a shaky, higher-pitched voice does a great job of elevating this album. Standouts are The Dolphins and Faretheewell (Fred's Tune).
I thought I’d want to cover my ears like this kid on the cover but it turned out not too bad. 2 middle songs and last song are dumb.
It's decent, last song is bad. Soft 3
I thoroughly enjoyed the outlaw country vibe and the instrumentation. Put me in a good mood!
Decent folksy album. I don't think I had ever heard the original Everybody's Talkin before.
Ain't my type of folk, however it's perfectly harmless and it was a nice enough listen. 2.5/5
Pretty charming, well produced, some great standards in there. A little straight up and down for my taste in folk but nothing to sniff at - a good office listen. Fave track: That's the Bag I'm In
Lots of elements that would make me love this sort of album, but failed to totally win me over. Can’t decide if it was too earnest or not earnest enough Two and a half. Fave track: I’ve Got a Secret
OK, SO THIS ALBUM KIND OF REDEEMED THINGS, BUT STILL THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE ALBUMS THAT I'VE BEEN GIVEN TO LISTEN TO. I WOULD NEVER SEEK OUT AGAIN. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF FRED NEAL BEFORE. IT WAS INTERESTING TO SEE, READ ABOUT OTHER ARTIST THAT HE INFLUENCED. Overall this moon was pretty good. And again here is where the ability do a half star would be really nice because I believe this is better than a three star but not a four star.
Folksy style, harmonicas, and just an indescribable 60’s sound come together on this album. I have never listened to Fred Neil before. I enjoyed his wide range of singing, from low guttural notes to high pitches that still sound crystal clear. This style of music reminds me of an old western soundtrack. Although it may not be the most exciting album to listen to nowadays, I still liked it and can appreciate it for what it is.
This was nice! Didn't blow me away but eased me into Monday. Had no idea Nilsson's was a cover.
Falls just short of a 4 for me. I appreciate the influence and it’s far from bad but none of the songs really spoke to me, even the big hit. Worth a listen. High high 3.
So this is supposed to be a pioneering folk-rock album; that makes sense. The classic folk-rock sound is definitely there, though I can't fully distinguish American folk-rock from early country. It's cool that traditional music mixes so well with modern instruments like an electric bass and a drum kit.
I was dreading this one going into it. Enjoyed it a lot more than expected. That cover art though
Agréable et ça sent le western mais pas un album que je reecouterai
Buen disco tranquilo con un par de canciones reconocidisimas, yo no sabía quién era hasta que escuché su everybody's talkin
was a little slow in places but thought it's aged well. Liked it overall, not quite enough to get to 4 though
Overall, it's a pretty good folk rock album. Sweet Cocaine - enjoyed the groove (reminded me of The Avett Brothers)
I'd say a solid 3.5, not quite a 4 on this list. I enjoyed some of the folky, rocky songs.
Whimsical and relaxing. It’s almost something I’d listen to over and over again, but lacks that attention grabbing factor.
The Dolphins // Everybody’s Talkin’ // 3.5/5
An album that really should have been an EP (if the format existed at the time). Side one is one long snooze-fest with boring melodies and awfully sounding guitarwork as instrumentation. Then side two hits you with 'Everybody's Talkin', a song about cocaine and a goddamn raga out of nowhere. Pretty unfocused, but at least not boring at all!
Fred Neil (the album) is at most times pretty generic. At other times it hits you with the wonderful “Everybody’s Talking”, a surprise raga and song pretty melodies. It’s not much. But what it is is rarely bad or boring.
This is a strange album in that Apple Music has it categorized as "psychedelic," and that's not wrong, exactly, but it could easily be categorized as folk, or singer/songwriter, with a heaping helping of blues. Fred's voice is unusual in that it's not exceptional, but it's very pleasant, and it works GREAT with his songs. The initial album is pretty OK. I didn't intend to listen to the second disk, but im glad I did, because the live performances are the highlight of the show for me. Overall, it's very 60s. Another highlight is hearing the sections where he's talking to the crowd and you hear that very stereotypical 60s/70s stoner accent. I'm ultimately pretty pleased I got to listen to this. Solid 3 stars.
folk rock, un poco rollo.
I have never heard of Fred Neil before, and I won't become a fan of his work, but no one can deny that this man had a deep and beautiful voice. It almost made me like this type of folk/country style, even just for a short bit. Interesting position on the list, but I won't be looking back at it anytime soon.
I almost get proto post-rock vibes from the last track. Some good stuff here, if you're in the mood.
This type of music really isn't my cup of tea. That said this has a heart and soul that a lot of the albums on the list lack. The opening track "The Dolphins" was really good and I was hoping it would build from there. Instead it stagnated. "Everybody's Talkin" was a highlight, but only because I didn't realise that the Nilsson version was a cover and I love learning new things. The psychedelia of the closing track was interesting but didn't quite flow.
Chill and smooth vibes but wouldn’t call it a masterpiece. [0079/1001]
I could hear so much of this singer's influence in future artists who clearly were listening to him. He's got a great voice, and I liked the album lyrically. It's just not really my type of music.
It was fine? 60's folk is not my favorite genre, but I didn't hate this album. I did kind of space out during a lot of it, which means it wasn't so bad that it was distracting, but it also wasn't good enough to hold my attention.
was surprised to learn everybody's talkin' was a cover. otherwise: fine. 2.5
nothing I particularly enjoyed but also nothing I hated
Solid country album but I found myself growing bored periodically throughout the listen, which I do find to be a major draw as it is only 39 minutes, it shouldn't feel that boring.
Interesting cover pic. Also interesting that Wikipedia says Fred didn’t achieve commercial success. Apparently, his songs are known for being recorded by others. Like “Everybody’s Talkin,” which is the only song I’m familiar with on this album. I’m not much of a folk music connoisseur, so I’ve never heard of Fred. But he has a good voice, and his music has blues and gospel undertones. It’s unfortunate he didn’t find success, but he also may not have wanted it since he apparently devoted a lot of his life to saving dolphins instead of performing. *shrugs*
Last song is weird as fuck
Interesting... But not deeply so. Calling it another 3.5 I suppose.
From memory this was a shocking hit for my colleage who hates folk... I dont get it. It's okay, very folky, I don't think it's bad but it didn't blow me away either. It's very much a 2.5 which I'll be nice and round up to a 3. The album cover made me laugh though
Soothing folk music. And you know, Midnight Cowboy.
It was good. Never heard before. Sticking with a 3 today but certainly deserves a second listen.
Solid album, enjoyed the sound, gave me a Johnny Cash vibe but earlier on. This may enter my rotation again down the road.
A few very nice, pleasant songs and a few I never want to hear again.
Kind of spooky n weird. Is this man on drugs? What the heck is up with the album art? Fine though
Most of the time, folk rock is basically rock but boring.
Dolphins and Everybody's Talking are classics and I quite like his voice and the sound but it's a middle ranking album for me.
Fred Neil was great. Very cowboy feeling