Customer Reviews

The Slightly Irreverent Mitchell Trio/Typical American Boys

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This double album CD has so much on it. I own almost all the Chad Mitchell Trio stuff and there are songs on here I never heard before - at least not for the last 35/40 years. It's easy to see why back in the 60s most radio stations wouldn't play their music. It was considered extremely controversial at the time. There is a lot of politics and social commentary in their work, but there is also a lot of fun and some really good singing. Right near the top of the CD each of the trio takes a solo turn and the songs they chose are perfect. Chad Mitchell sings with great humor about "Mandy" - a local businesswoman who won't give it away for free. Joe Frazier takes on an odd 1930's cabaret sounding tune called "Moon of Alabama". It's a very odd piece, but his voice is so beautiful when it soars out. Then Mike Kobluk takes on a little blues piece that is orchestrated very sparsely and his feel for blues comes through with great compassion.

Sometimes people forget the musicality of the CMT. They had a special sound that was copied by groups that ended up having bigger names. The CMT was the first group to record "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (however that is NOT on this CD). You can hear "You Were On My Mind" here though.

This was a trio with social conscience, talent, commitment to quality, and who took risks that ended up keeping them off the radio. If you are a fan of the genre, then this is a must have for you.

I remember the CMT from the sixties and saw them several times. They were great musicians and topical singers; they also sang blues, traditional ballads, social ballads and just about everything. What harmony and Mitchell's voice was outstanding. Their little poems by Yip Harburg are gems and just as relevant today. "No matter how high or great the throne; what sits on it is the same as your own." Some of the material may be dated but on the whole this is a group to cherish and discover (or rediscover).

Man the memories that this CD brings back! I was in college and. . . . well it was a better world then!

I've got a white label DJ copy of the "Slightly Irreverent" LP in front of me while writing this.

Although the CD's first five songs are in proper order, the next six (Side 2 of the LP) have been irreverently shuffled. The original MERCURY label album ends not with "Draft Dodger Rag" but with the record's most unusual cut and its title track: "Rhymes For the Irreverent." For those unfamiliar with the original 1964 disc this reordering will be irreve.. er... irRELevant, but to long time fans it may seem more troublesome.

The centerpiece "Rhymes For the Irreverent" consists of seven bits of spoken political doggerel, read by individual trio members and written by E.Y. ('Yit') Harburg in late career. Note: the LP's liner notes explain that Edgar Harburg's nickname was NOT 'Yip,' and he never told anyone how he ended up as 'Yit.' My guess is it's a variation on the ethnic slur, 'Yid.' Harburg, BTW was lyricist for "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) and the Broadway show FINIAN'S RAINBOW (1947).

Acompanying Chad Mitchell, Joe Frazier and Mike Kobluk on this set of 11 tracks are Jacob Ander - guitar, Paul Prestopino - banjo and John Frigo - bass.

The two albums presented here are from the trio's turbulent days, when Mike and Joe insisted that Chad's first name be stricken from all billing, thus, "The Mitchell Trio." Chad went solo soon after this power play. John Denver joined up, wrote some songs for the group and the name "Mitchell Trio" was retained. Denver, Kobluk and Frazier made only one LP before disbanding."Slightly Irreverent" and 1965's "Typical American Boys" (both presented here) are the last releases by the original "Mitchell" lineup.


Also recommended:
From the earlier KAPP records days, AT THE BITTER END is one of Chad Mitchell Trio's absolute best. This intimate setting "live" album includes their famously controversial "John Birch Society," plus a fine rendition of the ballad "Alberta," a rousing "Great Historical Bum," and a poignantly sung-in-Russian "Moscow Nights" that will bring tears to your eyes!

The Chad Mitchell Trio is one of my very favorite groups. I was introduced to them in high school, and absolutely loved "Super Skier" and most of their other satirical works. I like their folksy songs, too--especially "Gypsy Rover".