Customer Reviews

Carney (Mlps)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was pleasantly surprised when my mother sent me this cd in the mail while I was at college. My tastes run as hard as bands like limp bizkit and korn, but anyone who enjoys beautiful melodies and great songwritting will enjoy this album. The southern flair is a great change of pace. I would recommend this to anyone of my generation, and kick anyone in the pants who has not heard this from my parents' generation.

I've owned Carney for nearly 30 years. The music of Leon is clasic. Although he is as southern as you can get, the Jazz of his soul comes through to your ear. There is something about "Tight Rope" and "Manhatten Serenade" that just takes me away. If you have an eclectic soul you probably will put this one somewhere, where you can play it all by yourself.

Leon Russell was at one time a session musician and producer for LIBERTY records-- he played keyboards on several Gary Lewis and the Playboys sides! Laboring in obscurity through the 1960s, Russell's career really took off in 1971, with an appearance in the film JOE COCKER: MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN. Hot on the heels of that concert movie, Russell performed at George Harrison's CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH Madison Square Garden benefit. CARNEY was released soon after.

CARNEY is a brilliant album, and a genuine highlight of 1972. It opens with the Top 40 hit "Tight Rope," and offers up one great song after another. Only the brief title track and the silly "Acid Annapolis" could be considered superfluous here. Personal favorites include "If The Shoe Fits," a cutting commentary on the annoying folks who importune rock performers wherever they go, "Manhattan Island Serenade," a poignant song that opens and closes with a rainswept highway, a broken van, and a broken heart, and "This Masquerade," which has some of the most touchingly true lyrics ever written.

If you're a fan of late '60s or early '70s rock music, and you've never heard CARNEY, you owe it to yourself to get this one. And if you once had the record 35 years ago, you really do need this CD! Highest recommendation.

Like Dylan's New Morning Masterpiece, comes this classic a year after the high energy of The Shelter People..This moody reflective pure album recorded in his home studio was a high point for Leon and rock in 1972..after the excitement the homecoming,like the clown showing you the superficial outside,this work is greatness of the inside in it's humbleness of spirit and wonderful songs.

Ask George Benson who did well with the lovely This Maquerade..Out In The Woods,Tightrope,Magic Mirror, all are here in it's openess of spirit capturing Leon as a Billie Holiday alone staring at her mirror.

Not To Be Missed.

I didnt own Carney on vinyl. but i borrowed it from someone and kept it long enough to make it a common law marriage. to hear it again, in digital glory, is heaven. I love and respect Leon's rock side, he cant be touched. But he is a master of the ballad, the unforgettable melody. This is one of those albums, like Pet Sounds or Sgt. Pepper, that takes you Somewhere Else for awhile. an alternate universe. it's melancholy and beautiful, full of honest emotions and longings. the only track i dont enjoy is Acid Annapolis. i know its his little joke, but for me it's jarring, and breaks the dreamlike mood of the record. Never was a druggie myself, so i'm sort of not in on the joke, sorry. I recommend this great cd to anyone, of any age, who appreciates great songs and great musicianship.
a side note: hats off to Leon for his very understated production on this album. known for being flamboyant, he goes dead in the other direction here. The drums are never loud...you feel them more than hear them. guitars are drenched in reverb, like its being piped in from another planet. and it all works, its what's right for each song. please buy this album, its wonderful.

This introspective album was released in 1972. It reached # 2 on the charts and was Leon Russell's 3rd album. In addition, Leon Russell had a pop single hit from Carney which was "Tightrope".

In spite of the album's success, there will always be those who want an artist to stay the same and just crank out duplicates of the past. Only a true artist will continue to grow and experiment. This was one of those albums that not only showcased Leon Russell's growth but he succeeded to a new height.

"Tightrope" is a fascinating song with it's unusual lyrics and the creative musical arrangement. Hearing Leon on those ivories is awesome beauty! No wonder it peaked to #11 on the Billboard Charts.

Just one listen of "Out In The Woods" will capture your attention. With an unusual arrangement and Leon's dual vocals, it is very unique, especially for the early 70's. Leon's vocal is raw.

"Me & Baby Jane" is a heavy and sad song but so well done. You can hear the pain in Leon's voice as he sings about the first love in his life.

"Manhattan Island Serenade" is a haunting song. "If The Shoe Fits" is a hoot.

Both The Carpenters and George Benson had a giant hit with "This Masquerade". It has also been recorded by Shirley Bassey, Kenny Rogers, and countless others. Leon Russell's interpretation breathes a unique life into the lyrics.

"Magic Mirror" has insightful lyrics and an alluring arrangement. Nobody can touch this interpretation of the song but Leon. I simply love it--it is so introspective.

This is a collection of unforgettably creative songs. It was a successful album in the 70's and continues to succeed even now. A must for any Leon Russell fan!!

Thank you, Leon Russell, for this ingenious work. I sincerely hope that you will be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for your talents!!

An excellent recording. Many of the recordings which made Leon even more famous at the time. This is my third most favorite studio release of Leon's. Shelter People is 1 and Leon Russell is the second. The song "Me and Baby Jane" still brings tears to my eyes EVERYTIME I listen to it. I guess it really brings home the memories of my youth and those lost friends I shared it with, some of which have long since left this world.

An excllent and probably least recognized songwriter of his time. The Master of Space and Time is truly a gem who has left his mark on this space and time. Buy the CD you will love it.

This has always been my favorite album by Leon Russell. I've had a number of his albums over the many years since his early "Asylum Choir II" ("Sweet Home Chicago" is great), "Leon Russell" ("A Song for You" and "Delta Lady"), "Hank Wilson's Back" ("Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms" and 14 others that prove he's a ginuine Okie), and and even some of his newer ones. But if you want quintessential Leon, this is it for me. There's no wasted space on this album, with "Tight Rope," "Out in the Woods," "Roller Derby," and "This Masquerade" my favorites. This is classic Leon at his best. For a decent overview of his work, you cannot beat Leon's "Retrospective" CD, which includes some of the best from this classic.

If you are only going to have one Leon Russell album in your collection, this is the one to have. If you are going to have several, this one must be included. The songs are largely poignant, but powerfully so. Roller Derby, on the other hand, may make you laugh out loud. My Cricket is both funny and sad at the same time. All of the tracks are highly evocative. Leon's performance and composition are both brilliant. With the sole exception of Acid Annapolis, every track on this album is a winner.

CARNEY is the third great album in a row by Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter-pianist-guitarist Leon Russell. It includes his big hit "Tight Rope" and various other gems as well. The fact that Russell, who has cerebral palsy, made out so well artistically with his first three albums proves that a disability doesn't have to be a handicap. You should own this CD, LEON RUSSELL AND THE SHELTER PEOPLE, the self-titled debut, LEON LIVE, and WILL O' THE WISP in order to have your perfect collection of Leon Russell CDs.