Genre: pop
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Title: Rag 'n Roll Revue
Company: Warner Brothers
Catalog: BS-3032
Year: 1977
Country/State: US
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: drill hole lower left corner; original inner sleeve with lyrics
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4663
Price: $10.00
Cost: $66.00
During the mid-1970s Warner Brothers may have been the most diverse major label. The company's recording roster included a host of known and unknown acts that were at best 'niche' markets. Along with the likes of Little Feat, Van Morrison and Leon Redbone, add singer Cathy Chamberlain to the list.
I don't know anything about Chamberlain and the liner notes to 1977's Joel Dorn produced "Rag 'n Roll Revue" don't provide much information so my comments are all derived from the album. Musically this set is about as far away from rock as you can get. Chamberlain has an okay voice that reminds me a little of earlier Bette Midler - that comparison is underscored by Chamberlain's affection for period piece material and arrangements such as the title track and 'Cement Dry'. The comparison with Leon Redbone is also pretty apt; though her voice isn't as grating. Elsewhere she turns in the weirdest dirge tempo cover of 'Mack the Knife' I've ever heard. Complete with tuba solo, it has to be heard to be believed. Clearly not for everyone, but not without a couple of minor charms.
"Rag 'n Roll Review" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Debbie's Song (Love That Man) (Kash Monet - David Federman - Rich Look) -
2.) Rag 'n Roll (Cathy Chamberlain - Rich Look) -
3.) Old Rockin' Chair
4.) See Her Run (Cathy Chamberlain - Rich Look) -
5.) Mack the Knife
(side
2)
1.) Epigrams (Kash Monet -
Rich Look) -
2.) Cement Dry (Cathy Chamberlain) -
3.) He May Be Your Man (But He Comes To See Me Sometimes)
4.) Brother Can You Spare a Dime
5.) Backseat Baby (Cathy Chamberlain) -