Emitt Rhodes - Listen Listen Best of (21 tracks) +Album Reviews

A superlative collection of a lost pop genius

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 01/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Way cool. I can totally see the same folks who revere Alex Chilton latching onto this disc as a new pop motherlode... and why not? Rhodes was a suburban California kid who got signed onto A&M in 1967, just as that label was starting to bust out of its easy listening niche, and the LA Pop sound was in full flower... His band, the Merry-Go-Round, had moderate chart success, but a label switch and attendant weird marketing decisions sort of sank the ship, and Emitt retreated into the studio... all by his little lonesome. This CD collects the best of his band's singles along with choice material from several of his self-produced, self-performed solo albums, released from 1970-'73. It's eccentric, sometimes strained, oddly compelling psychedelic pop/roots music which oft-times sounds like a copy of the Beatles "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", and at other times follows its own, very distinctive muse. If Belle & Sebastian or some other Scottish band don't cover something off this within the next five years, I'll buy myself a hat and eat it."

Paradise revisited

Gregory L. McClellan | Richmond, Ky. | 02/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the greatest musical talents of all time, it is gratifying to be able to hear some of Rhodes' work re-released on CD. It is almost tragic that an artist of this magnitude toiled in relative obscurity. Nonetheless, he is greatly appreciated by his fans, few in number though they might be. One can only hope that he will record again. In the meantime, this CD helps scratch a considerable itch. If you like the Beatles at their best, you will love this. I hope Rhodes appreciates, rather than resents, the comparison. Buy it; you will be glad you did."

Underappreciated genius

Keith E. Lewis | Hurst, TX United States | 12/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emitt Rhodes is truly one of the underrated talents of a generation. His songwriting skills are matched by his vocal talent and his musicianship (recording and playing EVERY instrument on his first two LPs). As the owner of five Emitt Rhodes albums (and the Merry-Go-Round LP) I highly recommend all Emitt Rhodes titles to anyone and everyone! Personally, I have been unable to obtain this particular title "Listen, Listen: the Best of Emitt Rhodes" so if anyone can direct me to a copy of it, please let me know: ..."

Long time no see

Keith E. Lewis | 07/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes Emitt, it's been much too long. I've been listening over and over to your first solo LP for almost 30 years now. Just discovered this CD and played it for the first time today. Thought you were such a talent then, now I know you're a master. I never liked the Beatles, so to compare you to them isn't fair. I love every song on this Cd, especially Tame the Lion. Anyone interested in 60's British Invasion music should get this album (even though Emitt is a SoCal native). Although many of the best songs off his first solo album aren't here, you'll definitely want to get that one after you hear this. Wish I had known more of his early music with the Merry-Go-Round back in the 60's, cool stuff. So glad to have this now. Hope you see this Emitt - Listen, Listen - we want new music!"

The Best Singer/Songwriter You've Never Heard Of

Phyllis C. Levine | Thousand Oaks, CA United States | 05/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love well-crafted melodic pop songs with simple, down-to-earth lyrics, warm vocals and beautiful harmonies, buy this CD! Most of the songs featured on this compilation were done while Emitt was in his teens or early twenties. The original one-man-band of pop, he wrote all the songs, played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts - with amazing results! For those familiar with the talents of Emitt Rhodes and/or his pre-solo career group, The Merry-Go-Round, this is the best compilation of his work out there, although I would have preferred a complete anthology of all his songs (Rhino? Sundazed? Are you listening?) His songs have held up well over the years, and it's a shame that someone with this caliber of talent never achieved commercial or financial success. Although Emitt has experienced some hard times in recent years, I've heard that he is ready to record again. We can only hope!!!
Postscript 7/03: Even though Japanese remasters of all three of Emitt's Dunhill album releases plus his A&M solo album are readily available, this CD is still worth purchasing, if only for the inclusion of the rare 1972 antiwar single "Tame The Lion" (only available otherwise on a 45 single) and the unreleased 1980 track "Isn't It So". I just read today on the official Emitt Rhodes website...that a "well-known indie label is very interested in putting out a new album of his music"(!!!)"

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