Customer Reviews

Jangleholic

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

 

 

Les Fradkin's love of the Rickenbacker electric 12 string guitar is explored to the fullest on this collection of folk-rock classics and sparkling originals.

The Tracks-pt.1: the folk-rock covers;

Bob Dylan was a major player in not only pure folk music, but folk rock itself was invented when the Byrds covered "Mr. Tambourine Man".
His song "I Want You" gets Les' version of a Byrds arrangement, complete with finger picked 12 string, 3-part harmony, and Les' McGuinn-like lead vocal.

The Seekers' folk classic "I'll Never Find Another You" is transformed into an all-out electrified folk-rock tour-de-force, featuring multiple electric 12's, full bass and drums, layered vocal harmonies and a sincere lead vocal.
One of Les's very best performances.

Paul Simon is recognized with two compositions;
"The Dangling Conversation" is another simple acoustic number that Les transforms into a powerful electric folk ballad, while "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" captures the essence of the Simon & Garfunkel original vocally, while the musical hook is now electrified and the rock beat is more predominant. Kickin'...

The Tracks-pt.2: the Originals

"Arrow Through Your Heart" is much more of a straight pop song that shows off Les' 6-string chops.

"Why Is This Man Smiling?" & "Sometimes A Girl Must Carry On" sound much like mid-60's folk ballads, while the anthemic "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright" has the feel-good quality of "Turn! Turn! Turn!" Without the biblical verse.

Last, but definately not least, we come to the title cut; the autobiographical "Jangleholic".
This tale of Les' musical journey - and the influences that shaped it - is simply Les Fradkin's finest musical moment-ever.
The influences are all there; "A Hard Day's Night" & "If I Needed Someone" meets "Turn! Turn! Turn!" & "The Bells Of Rhymney", as Les layers lots of harmonies and multiple Rick-12 guitar passages for that 1960's feel with 21st century quality.
This song would be a sure-fire hit if the narrow - minded radio stations would care to play "real music" by "real performers".

Les Fradkin brings his past and his present together wonderfully. Jingle-jangle is not dead. Just ask Les Fradkin: Jangleholic.

5 Stars.