Reviews (page 7 of 8)
I had never heard of Fred Neil before. He was apparently a pretty prominent artist in the early 60s folk revival scene. The tunes on here are ok in my opinion. I'm not too high on his baritone voice, but the songwriting is alright. I think many psych bands took inspiration from this record, namely the almost 8 minute raga jam that finishes off the record. That has to be my favorite track on here, and bumps this score up by 1 star.
Good folk-rock album. I like his voice though musically overall it isn't as interesting apart from the last few songs. I can hear how his music and singing style influenced Tim Buckley's.
😴
Wasn't too fond of this, but also didn't hate it.
Yawn.
Bit of a snoozer.
Great album nice and chill, will listen again
A great album by one of the most influential US singer-songwriters.
The music is almost as weird as the album cover.
Album 141 of 1001 Fred Neil - Fred Neil Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : Everybody's Talkin' I like the folk thing. Aside from the shared song, he reminded me of a more folksy Henry Neilson. Expect that I'll put this one on again, at some point. If you want something different, this could be it.
It must be quite painful to be known for other people's versions of your songs. I didn't recognise the name, so looked him up after listening. He seems to have been an important, influential figure. So it was a shame I found this so dull. 'Everybody's talking' is clearly the standout song, but even that is nowhere near as good as the Nilsson version. It also sounds really rough - not in a 'it captures the raw essence' way, but in a 'sounds like he messed up that guitar take and couldn't be bothered to do it again. Compared to his contemporaries, everything felt very pedestrian and dull. With other albums I've not liked, I've at least understood why they were on the list. This one? I'm at a loss.
Mostly meh, very tedious last song.
An unsung masterpiece. Got to know Fred Neil through two things: Nilsson's version of "Everybody's Talking" for *Midnight Cowboy*, of course, but also the use of "Dolphins" for a quite memorable scene in the arguably best TV series of all time *The Sopranos*--during which Christopher Moltisanti is high on heroin and tripping in a funfair at night. Those two tracks are the two highlights of the album for sure. But "Badi-Da", " Everything Happens" and "Sweet Cocaine" stellar as well. Such a huge talent, and such a perfect crooning voice. 5/5. Number of albums left to review: 470 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 252 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 120 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 156
He's got an Elvis sound to his voice, but without the up beat songs to go with it.
I liked this but I didn’t love his voice tbh
Country. Aburrido
Ok
No, not listening
Not sure if this was the same album Apple provided as apples version was 2.5 hours. Either way the first portion of the album which I assume is the right one was very old school folky with a country influence. This is pretty much just Fred Neil singing and causally Playing the guitar. This is like my last album with the big band music. It’s good and isn’t bad to listen but unless you really like this genre it’s unlikely you’ll want to revisit this one. 6.1/10
Very pleasant Fred
It's like if Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed had a very mediocre baby.
A very interesting addition to the list, with some fun instrumentation throughout.
A historical curiosity but not that interesting overall. 2.5/5
Troisième album d'affilé avec une force influence country, mais plus orienté folk. Style singer/songwriter avec guitare. Ce n'est pas mauvais et j'ai l'impression ça a dû avoir un impact considérable sur ces scènes musicales. Pas exactement mon genre mais je peux reconnaître la qualité du matériel. 7/10
Pleasant
Good! I enjoyed it a lot.
This was alright, nothing too remarkable.
Not a bad little album.
this is a nice 60s roots folk country land of deep man sings a song album. big style in this era, has bright moments in its melancholic material. i enjoyedddd.
This one gets a solid 3 stars I love his voice actually. The ‘middle-eastern’-ish digressions in the guitar are very interesting. He’s finding a groove between Dylan, Nick Drake, similar-era country stuff like early Johnny Cash/Merle Haggard, maybe Roger Miller….. I dig it
okay
I think I quite liked this. Wasnt sure at first, but the more it went on the more I enjoyed it. Very folky, I think, but then also occasionally weird and almost psych at times. I think. Everybodys talkin was the only one Id heard before, think I enjoyed Sweet Cocaine or the last track that I cannot spell the most. Not sure there’s much more to say. It’s canny. Glad I heard it, probably wouldnt return.
Never heard of Fred Neil. An old-school American singer-songwriter, bit Johnny Cash. Went along nicely in the background but can't say anything jumped out. Can't tell if I recognise everybody's Talkin' or it just reminds me of another song I cant quite remember (something by David Grey maybe?).
I listened to this on the way back from the centre, as a counterpoint to the NWA album, and the journey flew by. He has a melodic voice, but it was a very forgettable album. Thanks Fred.
Liked this more than I expected because I'm not into folk music. It was fairly enjoyable as mellow background music, however, I don't think I'd listen to it again.
Never heard of this guy before. Everybody's Talkin I knew, but not this version, which is the original it turns out.... Think the Harry Nilsson version is actually better though, sorry Fred. Thought dolphins was good too. I didn't mind this at all, but none of it quite grabbed me.
Two big songs (Dolphins and Everybody’s talking). But not enough for me.
Fullt godkänd.
Inte så pjåkigt.
This album is pretty good. My favorite song was that pseudo-indian jam at the end. Nothing else really felt particularly compelling though.
i’m always in for some 60s folk but this felt kind of bland. better than a full cover album but not as good as the top tier of folk from the time
Nothing to write home about, but nothing overly offensive to the ears either.
Neutral: this was the most forgettable 40 mins of my life and I just don't remember anything from it. Wouldn't listen to it again and have literally nothing else to say about it.
Dolphins
Didn't hate it, but nothing got me going here either
Ok - not interesting really
Disc de folk rock amb tonalitats fosques i la veu greu i pastosa de Fred Neil com a principal protagonista. Dos grans clàssics neixen aquí, 'Everybody's Talkin'' i 'The Dolphins'
AJ: Townes without any poetic talent. Cash with nothing to say. Weird album cover. I didn’t like this guy at all.
I like it. But I got a lil bored halfway through. Need to pay attention to the lyrics more, next time.
Great to listen to the album that bought us 'Everybody's Talkin', not normally my kind of music but the instrumental finisher, 'Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga' was fantastic, like a classy spaghetti western soundtrack
I have never felt so bored and uninspired
Gammel folkrock, country, Singer/songwriter, akustisk guitar, mangler lidt energi
Mais um disco de folk que não lembrarei.
Started off with some strong Scott Walker energy but descended into nothing much at all
Echt niet boeiend.
Sort of like a bright Johnny cash?
When you listen to a cover and hear the original, a lot of times the original is better. This is not one of those times. Kinda like Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower" is better than the original, Neil's version of "Everybody's Talkin'" pales to Nilsson's. But they rereleased this to coincide with "Midnight Cowboy," what did they expect would happen? The rest is standard fare for the most part. The last piece was an interesting bit. When I saw it was eight minutes I was a bit worried it would be an eight minute vocal piece. He can play a guitar pretty well, I will give him that. More of that last track next time, please. Hearing this right after a L. Cohen's album it was interesting. The two were not as dissimilar as you might thing. I appreciated the Cohen album more after hearing this one actually. I wonder what others would do with Neil's songs...
I dunno. Is this album bad? Not really. Is it noteworthy? I can't figure out why. I guess Fred Neil was a pioneer of folk rock but the Byrds were already on the scene for a few albums, as was the master Bob Dylan. So it's not as if this album was a turning point for that genre, just another example of the emerging genre... and a so-so example in my opinion. With his warbles, Harry Nillson's version of Everybody's Talkin is more memorable. I don't think this album is a 2, but 2.5 stars might be more appropriate. I'm rounding up for some reason.
Now this is great example of why listening to the 1001 Albums is so worth it. I never heard of Fred Neil and I had no idea what to expect given the album cover, but I'm really glad this is on the list. Here's a guy who invited a young Bob Dylan on stage with him and who influenced Steven Stills, David Crosby, and Joni Mitchell. Wow. Really nice vibe on this album and his voice is outstanding. Great album from start to finish. Everybody's Talkin' became a hit when covered by Harry Nillson in 1969 for the movie Midnight Cowboy. I think the original version on this album is better. His voice is fantastic. Really liked the vibe on songs like I've Got a Secret, Faretheewell, and Green Rocky Road. The Dolphins was a nice chill opener. Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raja has a pretentious name, but it's a cool vibe to end an excellent album.
A folk album with a big single in Everybody's Talking. its pleasant for sure but I am not planning on revisiting this. Why was there a point in the mid 60s where everyone thought it was a good idea to end an album with like a 10 minute raga?
Ok i guess. A little whiny. Reminded me of Morrissey if he was in the 60s
A low 3 for me - some great, powerful country-western guitar on a few tracks made this listenable, it’s just the shockingly bland songwriting that lets the LP down.
Had nevet heard I'd this guy before, but enjoyed a lot of this. Its an interesting mix of genres and he has a great voice, remeniscent of Scott Walker. I also really like a lot of the guitar playing. Only downside I have is that after two listens, several of the songs aren't particularly memorable. I think the raga at the end was a bit of a strange choice too, but it's not terrible.
Meh
Whilst listening to the albums I'm trying to read about them to get a feel for the context. With albums like this it's really helpful because I knew nothing about this artist at all before. Of course, the big songs - Everybody's Talkin' and Dolphins - I've heard but only as covers. Here's the thing. The covers are better. As an album, I enjoyed listening to it but I think much of that enjoyment comes from knowing that context, hearing the covers, listening for the influences on later, better, music. The last eight minutes of instrumental weirdness were certainly unexpected though!
I like his voice. Deeper voices are generally harder to make grating sounds with, maybe. Not bad.
a little bit boring if i’m being honest but that long instrumental at the end was kinda cool
Quiet and contemplative, Fred Neil sounds like he’s seen some shit but he doesn’t regret any of it. It’s a shame his discography is so small.
Whose child got kidnapped for the making of this album
Pretty normal album but I liked it - high 3
This is great. Really great. Some great originals, at least one true classic, and some great covers/traditional numbers. I’ve never heard of Fred Neil but his work clearly had a profound influence on Jerry Garcia who would cover many of the same songs with the Dead. This seems an important album in the evolution of folk away from its strict, traditionalist roots and into the realm of free-loving rock and roll. That, and I find Fred’s voice profoundly beautiful. And his original lyrics simple, sweet, and deep. This album has no fat. It carefully captures a watershed moment in the evolution of folk, rock, and Americana. This is one of my favorite discoveries yet.
I liked Dolphins. Nothing else caught my ear, sadly. That said, I'm going to listen 5 more times, probably so I can discover that Charlie was right and it's a keeper. 2/5
Good album, nice background
Sorry, this is boring. It's now caricature, maybe that's why it's on the list (so 80s megaband, so baaaad, it's good?). I'd happily listen to David Lee Roth, but not this. I give it a slot as "80s obscure /do they have big permed HAIR/ in the video game "air guitar hero"? Thin reedy lyrics. Huge O v E R d O n E drum kit presence. Big guitars. And tiring stereo effects that go on forever. And zero groove. Droning forever. Oh my.
Fred could have chucked it in after co writing Roy's Candy Man, but fortunately for us he kept at it and produced Dolphins and Everybody's Talkin. As a performer he's good, no doubt he honed his skills endlessly playing coffee houses and that baritone is just superb, a great voice. He reminds me a lot of Jake Holmes in terms of song writing, and he has a good sense of melody. Dolphins is both a beautiful melody and a lovely lyrical metaphor. And like House of the Rising they all did Green Rocky Road, and I absolutely love Fred's arrangement here, just what that song needed. This is a good record with a couple of absolutely brilliant highlights. Harry N is the ultimate interpreter of other peoples work, Fred and Tom Evans and Pete Ham in particular. That said I've always love Fred's version, the lyrics are incredibly moving, there is a poignancy and a pathos there that really cuts through. One of my old fart laments is that nobody writes great lyrics anymore, has anyone written anything as powerful as this in the 21st century, I don't think so. He references some old folk tune with the line about his clothes suiting the weather (and the times), but the rest is truly original, his meditation on wanting to be somewhere else, something we all want at various times in this rich pageant, it is deeply emotional.
I have Neil’s first 2 solo albums on vinyl. This is the second of them. I just played them both & found them to be equally entertaining. One thing that really struck me was just how much Tim Buckley’s voice was like Neil’s. Buckley may have used it slightly differently & his music was certainly funkier than Neil’s folk-influenced tunes, but their voices are very similar. On the previous album John Sebastian featured heavily on harmonica, but on this album it’s Canned Heat’s Al (Blind Owl)Wilson with those duties & he’s great, particularly on That’s The Bag I’m In, Sweet Cocaine & particularly on the last track with the crazy name, an 8-minute instrumental described as a piece of raga rock. It’s unlike anything else on the album. Neil’s signature tune, Everybody’s Talkin’ opens Side 2, marginally slower than the version by Harry Nilsson, who had the big hit with it after it was used in the film Midnight Cowboy. The album has no duds on it. Still a great listen.
Spare, beautiful, sad. Great voice, great guitar picker. It's got Everybody's Talkin' on it. I'm not a massive 60s folk fan, but I can admire this. (The folk/blues raga is a bit strange)
The parts where he doesn't sing are great!
Some good old fashioned bluegrass folk. Free flowing album where each track had a similar edge, but different enough to make it feel unique. Enjoyable.
Green Rocky Road would comfortably sit on a Led Zeppelin album. Weird.
dolphins on cocaine? with _my_ reputation?
A few amazing songs on here. Definitely worth exploring a few times more.
Was wel oké
So we have an album cover of a man holding a child who looks terrified. And on said album there's a song called Sweet Cocaine (which is one of the worst songs in the history of civilization). If that isn't a red flag, I don't know what is.
Vile but chill
I had a good nap to this
was not feeling it at the start but it is definitely growing on me as it progresses. It sounds extremely dated (not sure if that is a good or a bad thing to be honest). I love songs/albums (mainly from this time i guess) that only use a few instruments but utilise them really well like this album. Ok now my interest is fading with each track. Everybodys talking is a banger that ones my favourite. Interesting title on the outro track. It is pretty good background music as I unwind and plan out my day tomorrow but I'm not sure I would ever sit down to solely listen to this album. Notes as I was listening ^^^
so far this is a great folk album. the bass is so pleasing. his voice just tears through the tracks yup. upon research it is a double bass and a sexy one at that. very much enjoyed. the last track is sick almost delves into jazz territory
I didn't really understand why this was on here until "Everybody's Talkin'" came on, and after that I still didn't. 2.5 stars
A unique blend of folk and country with some more foreign influence as well. Not bad, but hard to stand out from the many similar artists from these genres.
Enjoyable folk album that certainly was a bit of a pioneering work and hasn't lost its relevancy since then
Prima album. Ik had hem sochtends aanstaan bij de hond uitlaten, daar is het echt prima geschikt voor. Verder vond ik het niet heel bijzonder. De stem herkende ik ook ergens van, maar ik weet niet van wat. Ik heb er in ieder geval nog nooit van gehoord.
Nothing special
Chill and good
This one kind of went in one ear and out the other. Everything is good, but sounds very of the time.
At first I wasn’t sure but it grew on me
Terrific! Didn’t realize he wrote “fare thee well” or “everybody’s talkin”. Two songs I love from other artists. Time to watch Midnight Cowboy again
Not bad but quite unneventful, how many albums are out this list just because of bland music like this?
Boring
Kinda boring 2.5/5
Solid album, but the last song really makes it for me. It's a journey on its own
Very mediocre
Nice album. Back story is also quite interesting how he essentially retired in his 30's, and before that he was more of a writer for others than a solo artist.
An interesting listen and I certainly learnt something, as I didn't realise he was the original "Everybody's Talkin'" guy!
This was really good! Also fun to see some old (maybe even original?) versions of songs I know from other places
It was okay. Nothing special, and some weird things.
Dolphins
Fred Neil, you picked the wrong day to come up as a suggestion. I've never heard of you or your music before. I did not have the patience today. Something like Merle Haggard, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen was mixed together for this album, but only the bland parts. "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" (the last track) finally provided something different with is indian elements, but one track could not save this album.
Wow, what a sleeper. Had never heard of this but props for writing "Everybody's Talkin'" and recording a version that I imagine very few people have heard. In his voice, you can hear an affectation that would re-emerge in an unfortunate manner in the 00's in bands such as Creed. However, he does it so sincerely that I must forgive it. I'm taken with the simplicity of the production, with just a few instruments, nothing more than necessary. If you want a trip, listen to Randy Travis and then come back to this - remarkably similar.
This sounds like Smog but 30 years earlier. Nice blend of genres and surprisingly soulful. The Indian influence on the last song was an unexpected twist.
Nice folk and glad to listen to a new name, but didn't do anything else others have done better, IMO. Kind of came and went.
This is one of those times that following this list pays off. I had no idea who Fred Neil was before, having always thought Harry Nielson wrote Everybody's Talkin' I spent the day listening to a few of his other albums and this on repeat
I just cannot get into these crooners from the 60's. Felt like this album was trying to sing me to sleep but not in a nice lullaby kind of way. What is even going on in the last song and how do you pronounce that title?! The album cover kind of creeps me out a bit if I'm being honest. 2/5
Very special, unknown but beautiful
Laid back and earthy with resonant vocals and nice hints of psychedelia. Surprisingly spicy finish. Fave Songs: I've Got a Secret (Didn't We Shake Sugaree), The Dolphins, Faretheewell (Fred's Tune), That's the Bag I'm In, Everybody's Talkin'
Yeah cool, it didn't grab me or anything and I wasn't sure what or who I was listening to until Everybody's Talkin came on. I feel like if I find the time to do a bit of backstop and looking up lyrics then I might have a fresh set of eyes to listen to it, and perhaps a few extra stars
Everybody's talking is super, as is the last track.
Not to be confused with Fat Neil
I would call this vanilla: reliable, not bad at all, yet fails to incite any form of zeal in my already malnourished and hollow bowels. But I like vanilla, so I'm going to allegorize 'Fred Neil' to chocolate instead, vanilla's more popular counterpart. Bit counterintuitive, but life's a little boring when void of petty disarray, don't ya think?
I’ve come home late from work tonight. It’s around 9pm, a single street lamp with a yellowish glow shines out the window, and I’m sipping on a cup of tea. The record player is switched on and I piece through the vinyls, looking for something that fits the mood. All of a sudden I come across this album, unlistened to for the past 6 months, sandwiched between some of the other castoffs. It’s a nice night, and the songs soothe me after a long day. However, as we near the end of the album, that feeling of loneliness starts to creep in. Who is there to hold me tonight? Is my life progressing the way I dreamed it would? How have things changed since I last listened to this album? Loneliness turns into sadness. I dispose of the tea bag, place the mug by the sink, and shuffle off to bed. As the shades are closed and the bedside lamp is switched off, I stare into the black of night. I can’t help but sense around me this sensation: pure emptiness. That, that is what I feel inside.
I'm so tired of living. The joy I used to garner from writing my reviews has been rendered obsolete as the endless drumming of life continues, matching the beat of the expoitative world mankind has formed as it tramples that which preceded it. Much like life and my depressive episode it's a solid 3, and I can appreciate its briefness.
Did you know this guy fucked dolphins? 2.5 stars
Boring. I always though Everybody’s Talkin was a Harry Nilsson original, so now I have to live with that too.
I liked this more than I was expecting. I was already very familiar with Beth Orton's version of The Dolphins, and it's one of my all-time favorite songs. I was also very familiar with Everybody's Talkin' of course, which is also a very good song. The other songs were interesting and had enough variety to keep me into it. Overall, very good. 3 stars.
Fred Neil is easy listening by Fred Neil. Nothing remarkable to write home about. 2.
Pleasant, vanilla, bluesy folky stuff. Pretty voice, nice gentle guitarwork behind it, but not cutting in any way, doesn't really say much, until he goes amusingly off the rails for the last few tracks of the album. 2/5.
Que boring! I’d like to point a finger at The The’s rendition of Dolphins, which (unlike this one) is magnificent.
I'm not usually crazy about Folk Rock. This one was less folk and more easy listening, so I enjoyed much better than expected. Favorite Tracks: Everybody's Talkin', The Dolphins 3/5
I enjoyed this while listening, and immediately afterward I forgot all about it. Best track: Everybody's Talkin'
How have I never heard of this guy?
áhugavert
p86. 1966. 3 stars. Classy 60s singer/songwriter. Great voice and production. There is a direct line from this to Tim Buckley and "Grace". The only thing missing are more standout songs. Good stuff.
Very slow folk that just isn't for me. I can appreciate the last track trying something interesting but considering it was a quarter of the entire album it needed to really impress for me to change my opinion
Who is this guy, and what is up with that album cover? So many other artists that did this genre better at the time. Nothing particularly stands out here. This isn't bad, it just isn't essential to me. 1 = bad 2 = average 3 = good 4 = great 5 = outstanding
I like his voice.
Folk rock. Ni fu ni fa.
Any album with the original Everybody's Talkin' on it is worth a listen. I like the integrity and sincerity plus there's a bouzouki! Good easy listening. Forgot the whistling, harmonica and finger clicking too.
How have I never heard of Fred Neil? Guy writes pretty great music and this is the first I've ever heard of him. I'm disappointed in myself. I only get one star.
I had a bit of trepidation going into this. Mid-60s folk/rock act... sheesh, those usually do nothing for me. But this guy is really a lot more country/blues than folk. I think Sweet Cocaine was my favorite. Solid album.
Well there you go, i thought H Nilsson wrote Everybody's Talkin'. Never heard of this guy. Not that fond really. Not keen on his voice and preferred Nilssons Everybodys Talking. Didnt like the 10 minute raga thing at the end Underwhelming
the early songs are like a country Elvis the very end is bad but thats fine
Good folk music.
Loved some, indifferent to others, but generally good to me
Not my cup of tea
It's good but not something I find myself looking for or going back to
1960’s folk crooning pretty cool. It’s good but some of arrangements feel kind of thrown together. A lot of the guitar parts are kind of noodely. I dig the vibe but feel the recordings could be more interesting. Everybody’s Talking is a great song. Definitely prefer Harry Nilsson, stevie Wonder and tedeschi trucks versions.
I almost love this record. I love the tones and production. The reverb on the vocals sounds amazing and the guitars sound so good. The arrangements seem a little lacking but still achieves a cool vibe. Sometimes I love his voice and sometimes it really bothers at me. Everybody’s talking is a great tune, I thought Harry Nilsson wrote it
He sounds like a cross between Sturgill Simpson and Brian Elmquist (The Lone Bellow). This was fun to listen to.
Something missing
A bit of folk, bit of country, bit of blues, lots of smoky saloon vibes...until the last track whisks you away to the Tangiers, to sit beside William Burroughs in an opium stupor.
Not my favorite, but the cocaine song stuck in my head.
It was very chill late 60s stuff.
5/10 pretty uninspired, it starts out fine but ends up a bit grating bc it is so monotonous throughout.
6/10. This was nice, but not very memorable.
A real snoozer with a bit of country twang. 5/10
Starting a little too close to old country. The music is good, but the singer is a bit loungy/country. It's labeled as a founder of folk rock, which I can hear. However, it's just a bit too old school for me.
big snooze fest, honestly. It was just boring and his voice dragged along and put me to sleep. Not the worst ever, but certainly not good.
While I appreciate the fact that he was a big influence on many greats from the late 60s/70s, and wrote some classics including the excellent "Everybody's Talkin'" (...which I actually like Nilsson's version better...) .. I don't really like the album. And it's almost entirely his voice. It's not bad, really. He occasionally approaches a bit of Gord Lightfoot and someone else of the era that I just can't put my finger on.... yet it seems to always in my mind deteriorate into almost a campy tent revivalist style. I half expect him to start singing at me either about my soul or some elixir he's trying to sell me. I'mma pass on this one and actually pick up on some of his covers instead. 3/10 2 stars.
Pas mauvais, bon compagnon de route. Je ne savais pas que c'était lui qui avait fait Everybody's Talkin'!
Good stuff.
Boring and schmaltzy. Had a tough time finishing it.
Couple nice songs.
I thought the last track with the sitar was cool but wasn't into this otherwise.
Fred Neil is another artist I’ve never heard of. I’m barely into the 1001 Albums book and have already discovered so many new musicians already! This is proving to be such a fun project. Songs I already knew: Everybody’s Talkin’ (although it was a different version to what I was familiar with) Favourites: Everybody’s Talkin’, Sweet Cocaine This is a prime example of music that I enjoyed, and yet doubt I’ll ever return to. It was fun to hear it for the first time, I liked his voice, the instrumentation kept me interested - but not interested enough to have me hooked. I can’t quite hone in on why that is either, other than maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood, or maybe it’s just not my kind of music. Regardless, I am happy to have discovered this album even if it’s not likely to stay on rotation.
A very pleasant slice of seemingly forgotten American folk.
Slow folksy acoustic with a bit of an old school country fee to some of it. As far as slower background music goes, I kinda dig it. I feel like it might be one that I like better on another listen.
I didn't care for most of it but the last song alone bumps this up. It wasn't bad from start to finish either, not my style though.
It was OK, not much to dislike.
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Everybody's Talking (5) 2 - That's the Bag I'm In (3) 3 - Sweet Cocaine (7)
solid in it's field i'm sure. appreciated.
All the songs are kinda samey, singer has a decent voice though. Some songs I knew from hearing their covers. Nothing I'd get excited about.
Folk - rock; nice discovery
Two deeply beautiful songs in 'The Dolphins' and 'Everybody's Talking' and a very good folk record throughout.
3.8 - Blues-tinged singer-songwriter folk rock with a baritone croon, most notable for "Everybody's Talkin'", the theme from the film "Midnight Cowboy." Other highlights include "Cocaine Blues", "The Dolphin" and the exceptional raga that's the last track and approximates traditional Indian instruments with harmonica and guitar.
Ah, Fred Neil, I’ve never heard of you before, you poor bastard. But I sure have heard of Harry Nilsson. Maybe if you chose a less creepy album cover you coulda been someone worth knowing. Alas, this unenthusiastic 2 star review shall be your fate.
Have never heard of Fred Neil, didn't know he wrote "everybody's talking" but I really enjoy that song. Unfortunately the rest of the album didn't really connect for me
i enjoy the songs and the unassuming nature of the record
Not for me, for the Everybody talking and Cocaine one a 2 star, not a 1
The dolphins-👍 I've got a secret - good vibes That's the bag I'm in - bluesy vibe 👍 Ba-di-da - another good vibe,, especially at end👍 Fare thee well - quite dull Everybody's talkin' - good melody, solid song👍 Everything happens- quite standard song Sweet cocaine - don't do cocaine kids😡 Green rocky road - meh Cynicrust Pete Fred john Raga- weird Indian inspired instrumental Definitely a pleasant album to listen to with smooth singing. Just a bit pedestrian for me now. 3/5
A slightly trippier off brand version of Bob Dylan. I didn't hear anything that I thought was revolutionary here. Decent album, but I don't need to revisit it anytime soon. Best Songs: Everybody's Talkin, Everything Happens, Sweet Cocaine Worst Songs: The Dolphins, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
Enjoyable. Nothing here blew me away, but I’ll probably listen to it again. 3/5
Fred shmeil
Tranquil country songs with tasteful accompaniment helping to broaden the soundscape. Something of a forgotten classic
Fred Fneiltstone
A completely fine piece of ‘60s folk rock. When it works it’s exceptional and it does that more often then not. Why hasn’t Wes Anderson used this on a soundtrack yet? It’d be perfect.
not a fan at all
There is some rock, blues and folk music. I was familiar with Everybody's Talkin', but I did not know he wrote and sang it first. The album is relatively short. I don't care for folks music. I will not be revisiting this album.
Very my Dad music, good but pretty simplistic, not something I'd listen to too much of my own volition
I found Fred’s vocal style a bit distancing - is theatrical the word? But there are lovely melodies here. Some put me in mind of the eponymous Velvet Underground album, in terms of the musical approach rather than the lyrics. Some were more of the Andy Williams kind of vibe, or maybe more Neil Diamond.
When this started I was thinking it would be a hard listen. At least I had "Everybody's Talking" to look forward to. It ended up being a decent listen especially the second time through. His voice has a velvety tone that beautifully moves up and down the scales and he has a way about him that makes him an excellent storyteller
He has a rich voice and wrote a famous song that got used in a famous movie but other than that, I don't hear anything that makes this a standout album.
This was better than expected, folksy but not too folksy and thankfully not very country either. Everybody's talking is of course the stand-out track here, a really simple but lovely song. He goes against the folk stereotype and gets a bit experimental with Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga.
Rare example of pure country music I found pretty engaging the whole album
Has a couple of good songs, particularly Everybody's Talkin was a welcome surprise. The only other good things I liked about this was Fred Neil's vocals and the guitar tones. Everything else can be left at the door.
Relaxing album, even if I was eaten by flies while listening.
Not normally what I listen to but I really liked this album. His voice is great.
Hard to put my finger on why but I really enjoyed this.
4.25
Listened Before? N I have never heard of Mr. Neil before. This was an interesting listen. Started out soulful and somewhat innocent in the beginning. Imagine my surprise when, by the end of the album, we had a song about cocaine and an 8-minute jam session including sitars. Who knew? Added to Library? N Songs added to Playlist - That's the Bag I'm In
Wild story about the guy. Dolphins? Still, pretty good album.
Interesting album, didn’t really grab me
It sits on the margins of folk and country/western. The instrumentation drives the music forward, and the vocal delivery seems to take cues from country singers rather than the contemporary folk scene. Neil's voice is the focal point, and is well controlled and powerful when it needs to be.
I was expecting something a bit dated given the time period but the songwriting feels pretty fresh and I loved the final song it ended off with. It's interesting to see the musical branches coming from this artist and where this fits in the music canon, too. I feel like this will grow on me but for now, I think it's decent.
Johnny Cash+Pink Floyd+Spanish and Middle Eastern guitar for a focused Frankenstein monster of an album Would rate higher if it wasn’t the new standard for a 3
Never heard him prior to this. Interesting listen.
J'aime bien la reprise de "The Dolphins" par Tim Buckley
la dernière track j’ai soufflé fort
Já já, allt í lagi plata en ekki minn tebolli.
Genre: Folk Rock 3/5 Fred Neil, someone who I thought would be a total Bert Jansch, is a folk artist who never quite hit the big times until after some of his songs had big time artists cover them. He left the music scene, hating the grind of the road, and never returned to the biz, even after some renewed popularity. This album, aptly named Fred Neil, is pretty darn good for what it's worth. It's none too exciting musically throughout, except for a few interesting sonic choices, but the crown jewel that is Fred Neil's beautiful, chocolatey baritone voice outshines any of the obscene blandness. There are some real folk gems on here: melancholic, sparse, but passionately performed and expertly executed. That's the Bag I'm In and Sweet Cocaine, two song titles that are so obvious as to what they point to that there's no real point getting into it, are wonderfully led by Neil's powerful lead vocals and mellow blues feel. The real wild time here though is the outro, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga, a 7+ minute Rock Raga (an ode to Eastern classical music) that is a real sonic detour with no purpose being here, but certainly gives this its own unique stamp amongst the wider folk landscape. There are some other decent tracks here, enough to keep listening to the album as it plays out, but they don't separate themselves from any other tunes you may hear in the genre, even with Neil's unique vocal stamp. A decent album overall, though! Will certainly revisit my favs from this.
Never knew he was the originator of "Everybody's Talkin'". I'd only heard "Dolphins" before, which was quirky but a good listen. Overall I enjoyed!
I know I can’t change it after I rate it, but on first listen it didn’t leave much of an impression. Want to give it a 2nd try down the line, I was vibin’ to the raga rock at the end of the album
It was okay. Kind of boring. Harry Nilsson's version of Everybody's Talkin' is better, but Fred's is still a decent version.
Folk, country, blues. I prefer the covers by Nillson and The The of Everybody's Talkin' and Dolphins.
A nice moody album with a flourishing finish. The Dolphins is a great opener, There's The Bag I'm In is relatable, Everybody's Talkin', well huh, who know it was about sailing, or is it another euphemism for cocaine?
What a nice surprise
It's nice to be reminded now and again that there were more folk-rock singer-songwriters in the mid 1960s than Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. Fred Neil is one such artist, whom I'd never heard of until now. His self-titled album isn't necessarily the pinnacle of its genre, but it flourishes under a consistently mellow mood, as well as enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The most famous track here (and possibly the sole reason the album made the 1001 list) is the original "Everybody's Talkin'", later made famous by Harry Nilsson. It's interesting to hear Neil's version, but what's perhaps more interesting is that it's by no means the standout track. It's perfectly good in a way most of the rest are: no more, no less. Neil excels at melancholia. His smooth and rich baritone voice has much more character than, say, James Taylor (whose album I had just after this one). His lyrics are introspective and often wryly dark: "You know they'll probably drop the atom bomb the day my ship comes in" is a wildly doomed line and I'm all for it. The strongest tracks for me have a lovely yearning, stripped-back quality, like "The Dolphins" and "I've Got a Secret" (originally by Elizabeth Cotten, who I'd now like to check out). But the best by atmosphere alone is the beautiful rendition of old standard "Faretheewell", a gorgeous exercise in restraint punctuated by some bouzouki of all things. There are some nice instrumental touches to keep things going: the tremolo effect on the guitar in "The Dolphins". The whistling at the end of "I've Got A Secret". The harmonica which crops up throughout many of the tracks. But it's all topped off by the closer, an 8-minute instrumental raga (titled "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga"). It is glaringly out of place and almost derails the whole set. In some ways, I'm not sure Neil was the man to attempt this kind of feat- what was he thinking? Still, credit to him for shaking things up in the home stretch. Overall then, I'm a fan of this album: a hidden gem (to me at least) of mid 60's folk. Not an essential listen, but a good one.
Couldn’t quite get into it. Not unpleasant, but just not all that memorable of songs. I will say Fred’s voice is awesome though, as he switches between a sort of soft/breathy and then deep and rich. 4/10
Never heard of him (had heard covers of his songs, of course.) Rich, sonorous voice coupled with rather unimaginative arrangements. I’m guessing that there’s something here I’m not seeing - perhaps one had to be there to get it. Anyway, imho a rather undistinguished album…
I found the first song, Dolphin, unlistenable but the rest of the album was an a-ok listen and I'm glad I didn't turn it off. I hadn't realized that Everybody's Talkin' was by Fred Neil and not Harry Nilsson
Interesting, not super catchy or exciting, but pretty pleasant and enjoyable. The Dolphins and Everybody's Talking were my favourite tracks
surpreendeu
Tja... It's ok folk music. I wouldn't get annoyed if it played somewhere in the background. But I also wouldn't be intrigued to listen to more of it. His original is at least better than Nillsons version.
First impression: what the hell? Creepy album cover with songs about dolphins and cocaine? Listening to album: Wow, this is surprisingly good.
Best Song: Sweet Cocaine. Absolutely did not expect a love letter to cocaine in the back half of this album. That alone is worth the price of admission. Worst Song: Bad-Di-Da. A bit of a forced melody made worse by the ancient mixing which threatens to blow out your speakers with each "di-da". Overall: This album's alternate title is "Old Man Cowboy." I'm not even sure if that's derogatory. Also, a bit strange that the whole album foists this okay-ish voiced Rootin' Tooter to the fore to sing ballad after ballad, but then the album ends with this long and meandering instrumental desert jam. I actually liked that bit better than anything else here.
Definitely an artist to know, but how influential he has been I can’t say. I hear lots of subtly layered playing, two great songs I’m glad to know the provenance of (I’ve always loved Billy Bragg’s version of “Dolphins” and think I prefer Neil’s original “Everybody’s Talking at Me” to the bigger hit), a wonderful jammy raga to close, and distinctive (if heavy, blocky) voice. This feels like a period piece, though, again, a good one to know. 3.2 for 3.
I liked George Jones better
Хорошая музыка, ноты дикого Запада
Bom.
No Van Ronk, but the harmonica is to die for.
An very enjoyable listen. A masterpiece? Not sure about that.
Love the old folk music. He has a nice voice and the songs are pretty good. I will come back to this album some time. Favourite songs: - Sweet cocaine
legalzinho, tipo um elvis sem grife do folk
Este tipo de música a medio camino del folk y algo country me gusta. Ya conocía «The Dolphins» y por supuesto «Everybody's talkin'». Aunque el disco no brilla mucho más allá de estas dos.
Mediocre, I want to like it. Solid 3
the left/right separation of instruments made this an uncomfortable headphone listen
When it started I almost don't like it, but after the first songs, I kind of liked this folk album with a strong voice. I'll probably not be a fan of it, but it was good to know a new folk artist beside the clichês around.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: The dolphins
4, awesome album, but not much happens really. And I mean that must be one of the sexiest albumcovers yet.
Cool folk album. Went pretty hard.
Great voice, he sounds like the Righteous Brothers and he was hugely influential amongst the Greenwich Village cognoscenti - but although the songs are OK and obviously Everybody's talkin' is a fantastic song, but it isn't a great or even particularly good album.
Forgettable
proper country, rich but not hitting the spot for me
Pretty dull. Fred's voice reminds me a tad of Waylon Jennings sans southern accent and charisma. The best song on here was performed much better by Harry Nilsson. There's really not much to praise. I'd give it 2 stars but then that last song went on forever and pissed me off. I hate those kinds of songs.
Presleyian but enjoyable
Pretty strange - uninspired old school ballads, then a song about cocaine, then more boring, then a weird Greek sounding tape-loop driven closing jam track.
Meh on the album, but it generated a good station.
Just okay.
Feeble start but strong finishing track.
Not my thing specifically but I left it on repeat so can't complain
Despite the unsettling cover art, this is one of those surprising finds because it isn't something that I would generally gravitate toward. Though I can't entirely describe what I like about this album, it does remind me of a folksy Johnny Cash, Lou Reed album from another dimension.
“The Dolphins” isn’t just the opening song on Fred Neil’s self-titled second album. The dolphins are also what Neil spent much of his adult life focused on rather than music, co-founding the Dolphin Research Project. Along with “The Dolphins,” Neil’s music often sounds more country and western than the folk it is labeled as, but I can hear the adaptation of the C&W style into something more folk rock-influenced. Neil has a rich and classic voice, but the vocals and instrumentation is subdued and chill.
A low end ***. I could listen to that album again, but that last song. Whew, it ambled sideways. Seems like Fred had it tough in love. He was married several times, each ending in divorce after not very long. Then later on he accidentally ran over his girlfriend and killed her. Yikes!
Took me a minute to warm up to it but I dig it. Definitely didn’t know the origin of some of these tunes.
So good
Pleasant throughout. Bluesy at time, folksy at others. Some sweetness here too. Very nice album. Cute cover art. Last track was actually my favorite, felt psychedelic and full of ominous energy. If I were escaping the country while hiding on a train, this song is what I'd play.
Very country and Western Sounding, didn’t really appeal to me as it was quite samey Throughout the album
Never heard of him before - not consciously anyway - but I think Harry Nilsson made "Everybody's talking" his own. Great song on an album with few standouts.
Solid easy listening. Respectable man-with-a-guitar old school country music.
Pleasant listen, it didn't really standout much or grab my attention, but it was easy to listen to. Really enjoyed the chord changes and progressions of some of the songs like Ba-Di-Da. Favourite Tracks: Ba-Di-Da, Everything Happens
This album seems like it should be my style but something isn't really clicking for me. Sweet Cocaine and Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga are top picks.
Oh yeah, I loved this - one of my favorite discoveries from this project so far. Mellow and smooth enough to blend into the background if you're not focusing on it, but rewards attention if you do. Strong opener with "The Dolphins". I'm a sucker for Elizabeth Cotton covers, so loved track 2, and then the quality holds up as the album keeps going, finishing with a psychedelic raga - great stuff! Fave track - "That's the Bag I'm In" for the relatable pessimism...
The music is 3* I would say (of course, the famous song is 5*) but -1 for the vocals, which I did not like so much.
Never heard of this artist, but recognised the song Everybody's Talkin'. Laid-back folk/country/blues you can play in the background, but it did not exactly make a lasting impression.
Never heard of this dude but liked his style, nice laid back vibe and nice tunes
Wow. Did not know that Dolphins was a cover by Billy Bragg. Great voice. Bit psychedelic at the end.
Un bon album folk rock qui secoutait bien en bavkground. 3.5
Kinda cool country folk songs
Primer cop que l'escolto. Àlbum agradable, que voreja el folk i es fa interessant gràcies en bona part a la veu del cantant. Conté el seu gran èxit "Everybody's talking", que es faria famós anys més tard gràcies a "Midnight Cowboy".
Wasn't really in the mood for it. but not bad
Okay folk-rock album. Favorite song: Everybody's Talkin' Relisten? No
Spare, melodic, surprisingly contemporary in places. The raga at the end dates it, though.
Snoozeville
This old world ain't never change the way it's been And all the ways of war can't change it back again I've been a-searchin' for the album that's folksy And sometimes I sing, "Everybody's talkin' at me"
Bit too much crooning and a bit dated for me.
Enjoyed this one a lot sounds a bit like Dylan and a good album for the time. As the album went on it got a little more annoying.
this is the bag i'm in. best album i've never heard of that's come up on this list. Anton newcombe has listened to this album a lot of times.
I find myself wanking about Fred Neil most afternoons. His voice just lights up my world and I can't help myself. I've wanked on a school bus, I've wanked in a library, a courtroom, a bouncy castle, a phone box, on a ferris wheel, in Nando's, in a primary school, in my gran's bathtub, in a tree, during a hurricane, in a desert, on a jet ski and during a jewellery heist.
Kind of boring. I listened to it about half an hour ago and can't really remember it, but hey maybe that's my memory failing me. Nearly 37, so pretty much on my last legs. My top 5 Freds are: Fred (Man Utd) Fred West Fred the Weatherman Fred Flintstone Fred the Red (Man Utd) My top 5 Neils are: Neil Morrissey Neil Armstrong Neil Diamond Neil Morrissey (again) Neil Morrissey (a 3rd time)
Folky rock, not really my bag but a pleasant enough listen. Didn't realise this was the original recording of "Everybody's Talkin'"
“Fred Neil is the second album from Fred Neil, a pioneer folk rock musician.” In this one he captures an unwilling child for the photo shoot.
3.6
Second listen. Still enjoying it. 3/5
Just like the Grateful Dead album I had before this, it was easy listening. No standout amazing songs but no songs that I hated. I have nothing else to say about this album except that it got very weird in the last song compared to the rest of the album. Fav song: everybody’s talkin
Excellent - Fred Neil's voice in combination with his fine guitar is mesmerising at times and always deeply soulful.
27. Fred Neil - Fred Neil 10 tracks too many. The music in this album is as imaginative as the title. It's bang average old-style droning Crooner meets Country with some really basic guitar strumming & the occasional mouth organ. It's really not good. 2/5.
I had mixed feelings about this one. I liked parts of it and found other parts of it to be a bit repetitive and annoying.
Probably worth 2.5 stars but felt like it was too good to deserve just 2
Felix reklam type beat. Inge vidare
3.3 Was awesome to hear Everyone's Talkn and I enjoyed the other tracks on the album.
didn't get on with it
Never heard of him and thought neilson wrote everybody's talkin. Everyday is a school day. Really liked this
2.5 | Que disco tan... neutro. Su voz barítona bien afinada suena muy correcta, casi como me la imagino que sonaría mejor cantando country que folk. Las canciones bien, la música agradable, a ratitos medio blueseada , las letras correctas (excepto por Sweet Cocaine... suena a adolescente que te quiere convencer de que hace cosas malas, de verdad que casi me da risa, que le crean los delfines que a esos si se siente que les canta con sinceridad). Mi problema es el tenerlo aquí... es un disco agradable... y punto... de verdad demasiado neutro, no tiene nada realmente malo pero nada que llame la atención. ¿Está aquí por eso de que una de sus canciones salió en Midnight Cowboy? Se me haría una razón muy ridícula pero en realidad a pesar de no tener nada malo que decir de él tampoco veo nada interesante o que le distinga de manera particular. Disco bastante agradable pero que jamás volveré a escuchar ni extrañaré ni recordaré quizá en un mes.
No fue música mala, simplemente muy olvidable. Creo que lo escuché tres veces y no sé decir gran cosa del disco. Por ahí la rola de "Sweet Cocaine" resalta como curiosidad por el descaro completo de hablar de eso sin tapujos, pero incluso la que se supone que es famosa, "Everybody's Talking" no me parece tan interesante. Ya anecdótico es que leí un poco de Fred Neil y resulta que prácticamente abandonó su carrera musical por dedicarse a salvar delfines.
Surprised to not like this all that much given its status as early folk rock, but didn't find this all that compelling. Cool that this dude completely abandoned his career to protect and conserve dolphins though lmao Saved: The Dolphins, That's The Bag I'm In*
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Ba-di-da Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Fred Neil by Fred Neil has not made a Fred Neil (the music) fan of me, but after reading up on his wiki I am now a Fred Neil (the man) fan.
It was decent. Will listen to again but probably need a bit of context with this album.
Folk pop, it seems frankly pretty lightweight. My perspective in the value of this kind of thing has become jaundiced as I watch this bad old world age.
Kind of Leonard Cohen-esque. But nothing really jumped out to me. Perhaps that's why I've never heard of the guy before.
Resonating deep voice… good songs especially the hit everybody’s talkin
Wasn’t a fan, I know I listened to the album a few days ago but can’t remember any of it