Overture/All The Time/Dylan Thomas/Wanderlove/She’s Gone Away/Here Am I/Classical Gas/Long Time Blues/ Baroque-A-Nova/The Prince’s Panties/Life Song/Surrender
Texan musician Mason Williams short lived commercial breakthrough came with the ingenious instrumental hit Classical Gas for which he won a Grammy. Reaching No. 2 in the US and No. 9 in the UK it boosted the sales of the accompanying LP Phonograph Record. Future releases were much less successful. (US:14)
"Mason Williams does not have a distinguishable voice or a singer's feel for his own music, which may well be why his instrumental pieces are his 'biggest hits'. Second, his songs work better when sung by more than one person, which is why they work so well for The Smothers Brothers. Third, producer Mike Post served neither the singer nor his songs well on this album. But if this is your one chance to own a copy of Classical Gas, then that is reason enough."
"Producer Mike Post and composer Mason Williams packed all sorts of experiments into this listening experience called The Mason Williams Phonograph Record. Although there are some interesting moments from the clever singer, it is the instrumental masterpiece Classical Gas that displays the highest level of creativity. It won a Grammy in 1968 for composition, performance and Mike Post's arrangement."
"The instrumental Classical Gas is fantastic. There are a couple other songs that sound similar without being quite as grandiose. Some are folkier. Some are short and silly."
"This album features Classical Gas, one of the top singles of 1968, and a staple of oldies radio. It's a pretty sweet song. Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn't so memorable. It's a mish-mash of styles and genres, not many of which are very listenable. No need to seek this one out."
"Classical Gas is one of the finest singles ever released. It's extraordinary that it is so rarely heard these days. The remaining tracks are mostly songs and are a unique tribute to the style of the day. Both lyrical and whimsical they pay tribute to an age that was innocent."
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