Customer Reviews

Mythical Kings & Iguanas/Reflections in a Mud Puddle

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!!

I first bought these two albums back in the days of vinyl. I loved the album "Mythical Kings and Iguanas" back then. . . and I love the album just as much, if not more now on CD! Dory had the magic knack of combining emotional "picture painting poetry" with melody. When she sings of "Those Lemon Haired Ladies", you could actually "see" the emotional contest Dory knew she would lose in the end. . . yes, "the game is fixed" she sings because she knows it is.
Track after track hooks you into her music and experiences. To my mind, the most memorable and moving musical tour d'force is the track "Going Home (Mythical Kings and Iguanas)" She builds the song into a full gospel chorus crescendo (as her own vocal quiets and fades) into "Going home is such a ride. . . such a long and lonely ride"! Dory Previn has 'soul'! This track will leave you in a spiritual place you've never been before and yet you will feel quite at home in.
I loved this album years and years ago and was thrilled to find preserved pristine on CD. It's a great and timeless album. Thanks tyou Dory Previn wherever you are these days. . . you've made a lasting contribution to American and world music.

Years ago when I first heard Mythical Kings I felt as if I were eavesdropping in on her most personal feelings. Now that I have aquired the CD and reaquainted myself, I feel the same. It has not lost its magic.

Dory Previn was the princess of introspective angst in the 70s. She poured her soul into her personal lyrics, couched them in listenable melodies, and delivered them with a fine voice, crystalline yet strong. This might be said of many introspective singer-songwriter artists, but Dory's music benefits from top-notch session musicians and producers. She was well-connected in the music biz because she was making a living writing film music before her divorce from the famous pianist Andre Previn (who left her for Mia Farrow). Some of the songs seem dated, but most hold up very well. This CD of two of her albums combined is a good deal, as is another two-album CD that I will also review. These are her four best albums. After receiving them, I listened to them all, and then made a single compilation CD of the best of all of them, which I keep in shuffle rotation among the thousand songe in my 50-disc CD player. I recommend you do the same thing for your MP3 player.

Dory Previn's voice is pleasingly modulated and her diction is excellent. She has a gift for producing haunting, yet uplifting harmonies. In the same way, she has a gift for using words to convey with equal power both anguish and wonder. I like her work so much that I intend to choreograph some of it!

My wife and I first listened to this album very early in our relationship. We were absolutely taken by this hauntingly beautiful album. We've been married 34 years now and her voice and music seems as fresh as it was way back then. Yes, the memories......ahhhh the memories.

Back in the day, I had *all* of Ms. Previn's LPs. I have very much enjoyed adding the CDs to my collection. Now if someone would just re-release the CD with "Did Jesus Have a Baby Sister?"......

I used to listen to Dory years ago. I loved all her albums. Although this misses some of the songs I would have wanted, it was nice to hear them again.
I'll also glad to say that I am no longer into being depressed, so the lyrics are not as meaningful as they were in my days of adolescent angst.