Tuesday 11 June 2019

Barrel - LEE MICHAELS***

Mad Dog/What Now America/Uummmm My Lady/Thumbs/When Johnny Comes Marching Home/Murder In My Heart (For The Judge)/Day Of Change/Think I'll Cry/Games/Didn't Know What I Had/As Long As I Can

Barrel continued the commercial growth of singer songwriter Lee Michaels, helped out again by his drummer sidekick Frosty. He is remembered for his virtuosity on the Hammond organ. (US:51)

“I find it hard to categorize this music. It's closest to singer songwriter, but with a more 60s vibe. If you can imagine the barrelhouse keyboard player in a saloon in the old west playing occasionally funky, mellow 60s music with piano, Hammond organ and harpsichord, you get the idea.”

“Lee had a real talent for writing nice melancholic ballad tracks and he continues here with What Now America and I'll Think l'll Cry. However the best song for the newcomer is the Hammond organ driven Day Of Change, which is probably the easiest track to latch onto.”

“The rock duo of Lee Michaels and Frosty on drums are back. This is by far the best album the duo ever put out, with great songs like the radio friendly Mad Dog. Another song that meets the great category is the anti-war What Now America, a love song any woman would like to have sung to her.”

"Day Of Change was prophetic in that the music culture was sitting at the precipice of change when this recording was hitting American streets. The song is haunting and driving at the same time. It makes us remember what it was like to actually be entertained by the music we bought, interesting to listen to, as well as making a statement.”

“This is a classic 60s hippy record. For those familiar with Lee's hits and are curious for more, this is the pinnacle of his career and should not be missed. When you listen to songs like What Now America and the stories it tells, I can almost feel my (long gone) freak flag flying one more time.”

“Not many people have heard of Lee Michaels. However, he is a very talented musician, his piano playing is great. In this album, he puts in a few funky rhythms, which really get things moving. Mad Dog is a classic. It's solid. If you like piano, or the Hammond organ, or just classic rock, you'll like Lee Michaels.”

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