Leon Russell – Carney (1972/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Leon Russell – Carney (1972/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 37:29 minutes | 1,55 GB | Genre: Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Capitol Records

Leon Russell’s third album marked a change in direction. His first two releases were a sort of high-spirited revue, with numerous players and gospel-influenced backup singers. Where his self-titled debut and its follow-up (And The Shelter People) wedded blues, R&B, rock & roll, country and other genres, „Carney“ is a pared-down setting of equally well-endowed songs that make their mark in a much quieter manner. Russell’s first two albums had been veritable celebrations, but „Carney“ sounds more introspective. Some of Russell’s most loved songs made their first appearance here, including the often-covered ‘Tight Rope’ and ‘This Masquerade.’ Russell stayed introspective on his subsequent release „Will O’ The Wisp“, but „Carney“ remains one of his very finest efforts. The gorgeous songs and subtle arrangements make for a wonderfully sustained album experience.

“Tight Rope” leads off Carney, and it’s not just his biggest hit, it offers an excellent introduction to an off-kilter, confused, fascinating album. In a sense, it consolidates his two extremes, offering a side of fairly straightforward roots rock before delving headfirst into twisted psychedelia on the second side. On the whole, the second side deflates the first side, since it’s just too fuzzy — it’s intriguing, at least in parts, but it never adds up to anything. Besides, the first side is already odd enough, but in a meaningful way; here, his fascination with Americana sideshows is married to songs that work, instead of just being vehicles for tripping in the studio. Of course, part of what makes Carney interesting is that it contains a bit of both, but interesting doesn’t equal compelling, as the whole of Carney bears out. –Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Tracklist:
01. Leon Russell – Tight Rope (02:58)
02. Leon Russell – Out In The Woods (03:34)
03. Leon Russell – Me And Baby Jane (03:52)
04. Leon Russell – Manhattan Island Serenade (03:24)
05. Leon Russell – Cajun Love Song (03:08)
06. Leon Russell – Roller Derby (02:22)
07. Leon Russell – Carney (00:46)
08. Leon Russell – Acid Annapolis (02:48)
09. Leon Russell – If The Shoe Fits (02:21)
10. Leon Russell – My Cricket (02:54)
11. Leon Russell – This Masquerade (04:21)
12. Leon Russell – Magic Mirror (04:54)

Personnel:
Leon Russell – vocals, guitar, bass, piano
Don Preston – guitar, vocals
Joey Cooper – guitar
Carl Radle – bass
Chuck Blackwell – drums
Jim Keltner – drums
John Gallie – organ

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