Stranger In A Strange Land/Of Thee I Sing/Its A Hard Rain Gonna Fall/Crystal Closet Queen/Home Sweet Oklahoma/Alcatraz/The Ballad Of Mad Dogs & Englishmen/It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry/She Smiles Like A River/Sweet Emily/Beware Of Darkness
Shelter People from rock guitarist Leon Russell features many of his own compositions plus no fewer than five Dylan covers. It was regarded as one of his best releases. (US:17 UK:29)
“It’s the Dylan cover that really sells this album, and a few other tracks where Leon's energy and the strength of the backing band make up for a lack of composition. Intense rock riffing on Alcatraz and Beware Of Darkness make up the highlights for me. Moreover, Russell's version of Hard Rain is definitive.”
“Stranger In A Strange Land is the best song on this, Leon Russell's best record. Go to the last minute of that song and start there. If Leon's gospel style whelps and calls grab a hold of you, then you are a potential addict.”
“Russell alternately brings feeling and energy to the songs on this amazing album. There are tracks you can kick back to, and others you will want to turn up. The musicians along for the ride are stellar. This guy should have been a huge star.”
“This is Leon Russell at his best. A great selection of songs including five Dylan compositions and half a dozen Russell originals. Every song is played with zest by Leon, his band and professional musicians. This album is a must and it is refreshing to hear a great artist do justice to his and other artists' songs.”
“The laid-back styling coupled with the enormous confidence and competence of the musicians permeates all the tracks. It causes the performances to have a recorded live in the studio feel.”
“This sound is very indicative of the era but still holds up today. It's one of those albums I return to over and over again. My favourites are Stranger In A Strange Land and Of Thee I Sing because while there's a message its wrapped up in Russell's superb piano playing and distinctive voice. With the Shelter People it takes on the flavour of a gospel choir. At times acoustic and at times electric, this entire collection does not disappoint. This is the Leon Russell album to have even if you don't acquire anything else.”
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