Fred Neil “Fred Neil”
From the clatter of the Greenwich Village 60s folk scene came a voice that was inspired, authentic, and extraordinarily deep. Freddy Neil had one of those unmistakable voices, a baritone that could rumble your brain and leave cracks in your spine. Add to that the skills of one of the better blues-folk songwriters; his songs were covered by Karen Dalton, Harry Nilsson, Jefferson Airplane… anybody who knew their stuff.
Released in 1967, Fred Neil is moody, soft, and dark, but shimmers in beautiful electric sound. It lives within the pinnacle of styles from which Freddy would draw his influence: Brill Building chops, cold hard blues, good old folk song, and raga spiritualism. The ten original compositions heard here are masterpiece quality pens. “Everybody’s Talkin'” would put the voice of Nilsson forever in popular knowledge thanks to Midnight Cowboy; Fred refused to sing for the movie and his unornamented version is a refreshing listen. Neil harbored a genuine love for dolphins, championing their causes throughout his life, and recording his dreamy ode to open the record. I harbor a specific love for the bluesy standard, “That’s The Bag I’m In” and songs like “Faretheewell (Fred’s Tune)” are too precious for my description.
Neil was a father figure to many integral players in the folk, blues, and rock movements, cited as an influence by folks like David Crosby and Bob Dylan. Go grab this essential LP if it isn’t already in your collection.
“The Dolphins”
Original Vinyl | 1966 | Capitol | search ebay ]
CD Reissue | 200 6 | Water | amazon
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Great selection – a true classic!
As y’all probably know, Tim Buckley (if I remember correctly a big fan of Fred Neil’s work, and, by my lights, still criminally under-appreciated) covered Dolphins on his Sefronia album.
And by the by, I’m the guy who raved about this site to our mutual friend Odie. So, howdy. Thanks again for all the excellent posts.
The Dolphins was used to perfection in a Sopranos episode , it was one of the best pieces of music put to a drug scene ive ever seen.
Billy Bragg does it justice as well on “Don’t Try This At Home” from the early 90’s.
I can clearly remember the first time I heard “The Dolphins” on the radio (most likely KMET in Los Angeles). I pulled over to make sure that I didn’t miss hearing who the artist was. Neil’s voice was perhaps the best ever. His life story would make for a great book.
Dead Can Dance’s Brendan Perry’s version of “Dolphins” is pretty close to definitive for me. But I think he does it as more of a tribute to Tim Buckley than to Fred Neil. Worth seeking out ’cause Brendan’s voice is amazing.