David Hemmings: Happens
Even though I knew what this was when I found it, I didn’t have high hopes for it being good. I figured guy from Blow Up + record that bombed = bogus psych moves. I mean, come on, how good could it be? The guy was an actor!
Well, for one, Hemmings has a good voice. And for two and three, the production is excellent and the song selection (many penned by Byrds Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, who back him on this) is solid. Most reviews I’ve read of this disparage that there are some “period sounding” tracks. There is a healthy amount of quasi-Indian background music, and improvised lyrics – but let’s face it, sitars sound cheesey in all rock music. You either like it or you don’t. If you are not prepared for at least a little bit of period cheese, you probably shouldn’t bother with this type of stuff in the first place. Overall I find this to be an enjoyable lp that holds up well to repeat listenings.
7 Comments
i guess people have differing opinions on the exact definition of ‘good voice’.
:zing:
This is a really good record for people who like alot of 60’s music. It is a sort of compendium of
various styles, and can manage to sound like very
different on many tracks. It is not easy listening though, some songs have a Velvet
Underground vibe, guaranteed to alienate up for easy listening. Mind you,in many ways it does seem like an ‘actors’ record – i.e.very dramatic.
How could you forget Hemmings was in the film version of “Camelot”? Well, so was Richard Harris — I guess being a good singer isn’t a requirement to star in a musical.
thanks for posting that song. I recently saw THE SURVIVOR, the film that Hemmings directed and have been talking about him with friends. Stumbling upon some pics of his in his later years with CRAZY eyebrows, I was lead to your blog. I’ve linked over to my blog and plan to check back regularly to see what you post!
cheers
Colin
http://spiltpopcorn.blogspot.com/2007/07/listen-to-eyebrows.html
I think this soundtrack is neat. David Hemmings voice and music is very exotic, the style has an old English touch.
I got this on lp sometime back.
“Happens” is quite good given its limitations.
The long tracks are a bit pretentious but who can complain about music that features Hillman and McGuinn?
Those two super cool musicians back the coolest actor of that day so groove to the sounds, baby!