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From the Vault...
07/20/2008
#1108 |
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info
Dr. Hook
"Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show"
© Columbia Records
Year of Release: 1972
Rating:
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track listing
Sylvia's Mother
Marie Lavaux
Sing Me A Rainbow
Hey Lady Godiva
Four Years Older Than Me
Kiss It Away
Makin' It Natural
I Call That True Love
When She Cries
Judy
Mama I'll Sing One Song For You
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WSVNRadio Archives
Dr. Hook related sites:
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Dr. Hook "Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show"
Dr. Hook's most popular hit was "Cover Of The Rolling Stone," a more
novelty-sounding song, with Dr. Hook's (Ray Sawyer) "Wolfman Jack" vocals.
Their 1972 release, Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show, features another
"Wolfman Jack" vocal tune, "I Call That True Love," a song that I discovered
on a Various Artists 3-LP vinyl album, The Music People from Columbia
Records. (Unfortunately, when I found this 3-LP record at a garage sale, only 2 of
the 3 LPs were in the record sleeves. Luckily, I was able to find another copy of
the complete 3 records from an internet store.)
Of course, trying to find the original albums from the songs on Music People
was virtually impossible, I was able to find the self-titled Dr. Hook album, which
contained "I Call That True Love." There are some other "Wolfman Jack" sounding
tunes on this album, and some songs that would be considered Pop or even Soft Rock.
One song that would be another hit for Dr. Hook is on this release, "Sylvia's Mother."
Although a huge hit for the band, I thought it was boring, a hit-or-miss.
The "Wolfman Jack" novelty tunes are quite entertaining, such as "Marie Lavaux,"
a song that Country's Bobby Bare would reach #1 with. Although Bare's version is much better,
(and also novelty sounding), Dr. Hook's "Wolfman Jack" vocals is the highlight.
The two songs just mentioned also has a hillbilly style, and there are other songs having
that same quality: Both "Hey, Lady Godiva" and "Four Years Older Than Me" have
a comedic quality as well. Even "Makin' It Natural" has those same features, as these
songs can bring a chuckle a two, while listening.
Then there's the Pop-sounding songs, like "Sylvia's Mother": Sing Me A Rainbow,"
and "When She Cries" could easily fit the Pop/Lite Rock formats; even the last track,
"Mama, I'll Sing One Song For You" also has the Lite Rock style, with a bit of a Rock
hook towards the end. "Judy" has a traditional Rock sound, identifying Dr. Hook, and
"Kiss It Away" has a soulful, Van Morrison-ish style.
As you listen to Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show you're trying to determine if
Dr. Hook is a Country Rock band (which is obvious), or a Pop Rock band, in the case of songs
such as "Sylvia's Mother" Both of these styles can easily define Dr. Hook's music,
yet his Pop sounding songs are what made his career popular. Yet his novelty-sounding songs
are the standouts on this release, both styles are a good mix.
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Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
Columbia Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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