The Scrap Heap

Pet_Sounds · 03-10-2016, 09:48 PM

Jim Sullivan - U.F.O.
Nationality: American
Released: 1970
Genres: Singer-songwriter, baroque pop
Average RYM rating: 3.73
Recommended by: Farewell

Track listing:
Jerome
Plain as Your Eyes Can See
Roll Back the Time
Whistle Stop
Rosey
Highways
U.F.O.
So Natural
Johnny
Sandman

I haven't had energy or time to write for a couple weeks, but I'm back on track now. Hopefully interest hasn't died down too much.

"Jerome" sounds very cool--like a mix of '60s pop, classic country, and folk rock. There's some subtle orchestration--mostly strings and woodwinds--and laid back acoustic guitar picking. Very short--not even three minutes.

Imagine the Doors going acoustic and adding a bass player. That's what "Plain as Your Eyes Can See" sounds like, with electric piano piano reminiscent of "Riders on the Storm." It's also short and sweet--only 2:27.

"Roll Back the Time" is folk rock all the way. Think early Simon and Garfunkel (minus the harmony) or Bob Dylan. Sullivan has a unique voice--not weak per se, but certainly... hmm, I guess sparse would be the first word I think of. Let's go with that. Sparse vocals.

That iconic '60s organ makes its first appearance in the intro of "Whistle Stop." I'm loving this album so far. It's the perfect blend of several styles, and the songs' lengths only make it more enjoyable. Again, this is under three minutes. Bob Seger. That's whose voice I'm reminded of. But not quite, his is rather annoying, while Sullivan's isn't.

"Rosey" is the first song over three minutes. His voice is closer to Seger's now, as is the whole style.The orchestration reminds me of early Moody Blues. There are some funny rhythmic pizzicato strings tweaking in the background, and I think I hear a piano too.

"Highways" was Farewell's recommendation. Man, the orchestration is perfect. Unlike that of many records from the same era, it's not overdone, and it's unconventional enough to be interesting but not enough to be abrasive.

Layered strings, flute, and what might be a glockenspiel are the backdrop for the title track. I haven't talked much about the drumming yet. That's usually a good thing--when you don't notice it, the drummer is doing his job. Once again, under three minutes.

"So Natural" feature organ and acoustic guitar once again. The former sounds churchlike, and given the lyrics are about a funeral, that's probably intentional. Oh, I'm noticing the drumming now, in a good way. Nice fills.

I'm getting a dark country vibe from "Johnny." The drumming sounds almost like a modern hip-hop beat--very cool. Once again, great orchestration, although I'm getting a little bored by the lack of variety. It's time to shake things up a bit. This is the longest track yet, at just over four minutes.

"Sandman" has a lightweight country feel--almost like Johnny Horton, or maybe Jimmy Buffett. It's heavy on acoustic guitar--there's a nice solo in the middle--and what might be a standup bass. The melody has a jazzy, almost show tune feel to it.

Nice album overall and a great combination of styles, but I felt it never really got out of gear. Still, it's good enough to earn a 4/5. I would have been interested in hearing what Sullivan did next had he lived.

Farewell · 03-11-2016, 12:49 PM

Nice review of Jim Sullivan. Glad you enjoyed his UFO album. The reason I suggested a song from Jim Sullivan's UFO album is because the legendary Wrecking Crew (specifically Earl Palmer, Don Randi and Jimmy Bond) played on the album. Which is why it has that vintage sound with nice arrangements strewn throughout the album.

Like your MB handle, Pet Sounds the album had the legendary Wrecking Crew all over it, so I figured you might enjoy Sullivan's UFO album for the same reason.

Pet_Sounds · 03-11-2016, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farewell

Nice review of Jim Sullivan. Glad you enjoyed his UFO album. The reason I suggested a song from Jim Sullivan's UFO album is because the legendary Wrecking Crew (specifically Earl Palmer, Don Randi and Jimmy Bond) played on the album. Which is why it has that vintage sound with nice arrangements strewn throughout the album.

Like your MB handle, Pet Sounds the album had the legendary Wrecking Crew all over it, so I figured you might enjoy Sullivan's UFO album for the same reason.

Welcome to the Scrap Heap, Farewell! Thanks for stopping by.

I noticed that when I was reading some background on the album. The Wrecking Crew played on so many of my favourite records.

The Batlord · 03-11-2016, 07:51 PM

I don't know what pansy ass **** you're both talking about, but Overkill is the only real Wrecking Crew.

Pet_Sounds · 03-24-2016, 09:42 PM

A run-down of stuff I've been listening to lately:

A ton of classical, especially solo piano like Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition."

I revisited this album earlier today and liked it better than I'd remembered. Might have to try more by the band.

And of course, I've been prepping for the upcoming Brian Wilson Pet Sounds concert.

Happy Easter!

Pet_Sounds · 05-08-2016, 11:18 PM

Seeing more and feeling less
Saying no and meaning yes
This is all I ever meant
That's the message that I sent
I can't give everything
I can't give everything
Away

Zhanteimi · 05-08-2016, 11:36 PM

Yes. Those lyrics.

DeadChannel · 05-26-2016, 03:06 AM

When did Pet_Sounds disable his account?

grindy · 05-26-2016, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadChannel

When did Pet_Sounds disable his account?

About two weeks ago.

DeadChannel · 05-26-2016, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindy

About two weeks ago.

Anyone know why?

03-10-2016, 09:48 PM	#151 (permalink)
Pet_Sounds Remember the underscore Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The other side Posts: 2,488	Jim Sullivan - U.F.O. Nationality: American Released: 1970 Genres: Singer-songwriter, baroque pop Average RYM rating: 3.73 Recommended by: Farewell Track listing: Jerome Plain as Your Eyes Can See Roll Back the Time Whistle Stop Rosey Highways U.F.O. So Natural Johnny Sandman I haven't had energy or time to write for a couple weeks, but I'm back on track now. Hopefully interest hasn't died down too much. "Jerome" sounds very cool--like a mix of '60s pop, classic country, and folk rock. There's some subtle orchestration--mostly strings and woodwinds--and laid back acoustic guitar picking. Very short--not even three minutes. Imagine the Doors going acoustic and adding a bass player. That's what "Plain as Your Eyes Can See" sounds like, with electric piano piano reminiscent of "Riders on the Storm." It's also short and sweet--only 2:27. "Roll Back the Time" is folk rock all the way. Think early Simon and Garfunkel (minus the harmony) or Bob Dylan. Sullivan has a unique voice--not weak per se, but certainly... hmm, I guess sparse would be the first word I think of. Let's go with that. Sparse vocals. That iconic '60s organ makes its first appearance in the intro of "Whistle Stop." I'm loving this album so far. It's the perfect blend of several styles, and the songs' lengths only make it more enjoyable. Again, this is under three minutes. Bob Seger. That's whose voice I'm reminded of. But not quite, his is rather annoying, while Sullivan's isn't. "Rosey" is the first song over three minutes. His voice is closer to Seger's now, as is the whole style.The orchestration reminds me of early Moody Blues. There are some funny rhythmic pizzicato strings tweaking in the background, and I think I hear a piano too. "Highways" was Farewell's recommendation. Man, the orchestration is perfect. Unlike that of many records from the same era, it's not overdone, and it's unconventional enough to be interesting but not enough to be abrasive. Layered strings, flute, and what might be a glockenspiel are the backdrop for the title track. I haven't talked much about the drumming yet. That's usually a good thing--when you don't notice it, the drummer is doing his job. Once again, under three minutes. "So Natural" feature organ and acoustic guitar once again. The former sounds churchlike, and given the lyrics are about a funeral, that's probably intentional. Oh, I'm noticing the drumming now, in a good way. Nice fills. I'm getting a dark country vibe from "Johnny." The drumming sounds almost like a modern hip-hop beat--very cool. Once again, great orchestration, although I'm getting a little bored by the lack of variety. It's time to shake things up a bit. This is the longest track yet, at just over four minutes. "Sandman" has a lightweight country feel--almost like Johnny Horton, or maybe Jimmy Buffett. It's heavy on acoustic guitar--there's a nice solo in the middle--and what might be a standup bass. The melody has a jazzy, almost show tune feel to it. Nice album overall and a great combination of styles, but I felt it never really got out of gear. Still, it's good enough to earn a 4/5. I would have been interested in hearing what Sullivan did next had he lived. __________________ Everybody's dying just to get the disease Last edited by Pet_Sounds; 03-10-2016 at 11:19 PM.

03-24-2016, 09:42 PM	#155 (permalink)
Pet_Sounds Remember the underscore Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The other side Posts: 2,488	A run-down of stuff I've been listening to lately: A ton of classical, especially solo piano like Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." I revisited this album earlier today and liked it better than I'd remembered. Might have to try more by the band. And of course, I've been prepping for the upcoming Brian Wilson Pet Sounds concert. Happy Easter! __________________ Everybody's dying just to get the disease

05-08-2016, 11:18 PM	#156 (permalink)
Pet_Sounds Remember the underscore Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The other side Posts: 2,488	Seeing more and feeling less Saying no and meaning yes This is all I ever meant That's the message that I sent I can't give everything I can't give everything Away __________________ Everybody's dying just to get the disease

03-11-2016, 12:49 PM	#152 (permalink)
Farewell Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 845	Nice review of Jim Sullivan. Glad you enjoyed his UFO album. The reason I suggested a song from Jim Sullivan's UFO album is because the legendary Wrecking Crew (specifically Earl Palmer, Don Randi and Jimmy Bond) played on the album. Which is why it has that vintage sound with nice arrangements strewn throughout the album. Like your MB handle, Pet Sounds the album had the legendary Wrecking Crew all over it, so I figured you might enjoy Sullivan's UFO album for the same reason.

05-08-2016, 11:36 PM	#157 (permalink)
Zhanteimi Mord Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Tokyo Posts: 4,873	Yes. Those lyrics.

05-26-2016, 03:06 AM	#158 (permalink)
DeadChannel Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 1,259	When did Pet_Sounds disable his account?