Search - Dory Previn :: Mythical Kings & Iguanas/Reflections in a Mud Puddle

An Amazing Piece of Music

Thomas M. DeFeo | Washington, D.C. United States | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first purchased "Mythical Kings and Iguanas" in 1971 when it was first issued on the MediArts label. The only thing I knew about Dory, was that she was, or had been married to Andre Previn, and that she had written the lyrics to "Valley of the Dolls". With that, and the fact that I liked the look of the cover of the album, I purchased it! I never, in all my life, was more fascinated with an album than this one. And as of today, it remains probably, my favorite album of all time. She is a master story teller, with bruding, dark , haunting lyrics. Her images are so intense, you can not only visualize them, you can smell and taste them. Her statement on basic human conditions and emotions border on neurotic (I love writers like that), and yet you empathize with her. All tracks are amazing, but "Her Mothers Daughter", in my opinion is the stand out. It will send chills down your spin, it is so hauting and scary. Dory is probably the most prolific female songwriter of the '60's and '70's, and yet not widly recognized at all.
I was so wild about this album, I forced all my friends th hear it, they went out and purchased it, also. I went through 4 copies of this album, and my last copy is badly used. I think I was the only person, along with my friends, who actual bought his on vinyl way back when.
To hear it on CD is a joy, no cracks, scratches, and most of all,the quality is remarkable. The original master was terrible, so the original pressings sounded "cloudy". The CD format, I hear instruments, and vocal backings I never heard on vinyl.If you love female songwriters, and you love to feel suicidal after listening to an artist---BUY THIS, it will put you off the deep edge!"

Two fascinating musical autobiographies

Charles_Donovan@ipc.co.uk | London, UK | 08/23/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dory Previn is a shockingly overlooked singer/songwriter. Her songs manage to be sad, harrowing and witty at the same time, and her verbal acuity and gift for composing catchy melodies mean that her music is easily as good as Joni Mitchell's or Leonard Cohen's. In fact, on the evidence of these two albums, it is better ­ Dory's albums never sound like mere vanity projects. Mythical Kings and Iguanas and Reflections in a Mud Puddle were her second and third albums, and first appeared in the ealy 70s. Reflections, in particular, is startling. The second side is taken up entirely by a suite of songs, detailing Dory's extraordinary childhood. Her abusive father once locked Dory, her mother and her sister, in a room for several months, keeping them prisoners by threatening them with guns. Dory's past ­ one that would break anyone's heart in half, especially a child as sensitive as she was, is chronicled with dignity, anger and warm-hearted wit. Everything else on this album and its predecessor is insightful, charming and catchy, too. All her recordings have something to recommend them. She has not recorded since 1976, so this two-on-one reissue (part of a series) is very welcome."

After all these years Mythical Kings still packs punch!

Charles_Donovan@ipc.co.uk | 07/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While I was unpacking boxes in my new house I came across all of my old Dory Previn albums. I listened wished I had them on CD. To my delight I checked and sure enough they were not only available but re-mastered. The sound of Mythical Kings is crisp and clean. Thirty years have not diminished the power and the beauty of this astonishing album. Fans from the 70's will not be disappointed with how this old friend has aged. New fans are in for a wild ride. Come out come out wherever you are Dory, we need your wit and wisdom!!"