Hooking up with the Band, specifically Rick Danko and their producer
John Simon, was one of the smartest moves Bobby Charles ever made. His
subsequent eponymous album on Bearsville not only gave him a bigger audience,
but led to the perfect production for his sly, subtle blend of New Orleans
R&B, rock & roll, and country. Partially, that's because the production
is fuller, richer than his sides for Chess, Jewel, and Paula, boasting
not just some grit, but a sweetness on ballads like "I Must Be in
a Good Place Now," a tune every bit as good as those from the singer/songwriters
who dominated the charts in 1972. This gives the album an earthier quality
than anything else he recorded; it also makes the album feel like a perfect
companion piece to other roots rock albums from the time like, of course,
the Band. Still, there's a special charm to this record, largely because
while it sounds contemporary, it retains Charles' mellow vibe and his
sharp songwriting. The songs come on slow -- "Street People,"
"He's Got All the Whiskey," and "Small Town Talk"
all slowly unwind -- but the slow build is friendly, welcoming you into
the song. This isn't lazy music, but it takes its time and it's better
for it; it's perfect music for a hot summer afternoon. It's a true hidden
gem of blue-eyed soul, Southern R&B, and early '70s roots rock (and
early-'70s singer/songwriterism, for that matter).
(by Stephen Thomas Erlewin, All
Music Guide)
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