Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Pre-Dog Night
Company: MGM
Catalog: SE-4664 ST
Year: 1970
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: bullet hole cut out
Available: 1
Price: $30.00
Singer Danny Hutton's best known for his work
with Three Dog Night (where he was probably the most talented member of the
band (see separate entry)). Largely unknown, prior to the band's 1968
formation, Danny had already enjoyed several minor successes as a singer and
freelance producer. Graced with a pleasant voice, Hutton was originally
signed by small Almo Records, releasing an unsuccessful 1964 single
("Why Don't You Love Me Anymore" b/w "Home In
Pasadena"), before being dropped by the label. Paying his bills by
providing vocal-overdubs for a variety of Hanna-Barberra cartoon characters
led to a pair of singles for the short-lived HBR label, including Hutton's
first hit, 1965's "Roses and Rainbows" b/w "Monster
Shindig".
After an unsuccessful audition for a role as one of The Monkees, 1966 found
Hutton associated with MGM, where he released a pair of unsuccessful singles
("Funny How Love Can Be" b/w "Dreamin' Isn't Good for
You" and "Hang On To a Dream" b/w "Hit the Wall",
prior to dropping plans for a solo career, in favor of a collaboration with
Chuck Negron and Cory Wells.
Released subsequent to Hutton's success with Three Dog Night, "Pre-Dog
Night" compiled a cross section of Hutton's '60s solo
efforts, including the Almo, HBR and MGM singles. Largely original, material
such as "Big Bright Eyes", "Huff 'n Puff" and the '30s
retro "Home In Pasadena" wasn't anything special. Mildly tuneful
radio fluff, Hutton had a decent voice, but nothing here was particularly
arresting. Probably best of the lot was the goofy "Monster
Shindig" - always loved the live audience sounds. Other than hardcore
fans it was difficult to see who would've been interested in hearing this
stuff.
"Pre-Dog Night" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Roses and Rainbows (Danny Hutton) - 2:20
2.) Big Bright Eyes (Danny Hutton - Larry Goldberg) - 2:15
3.) Hang On To a Dream (Tim Hardin) - 1:50
4.) Huff 'n Puff (Danny Hutton) - 1:50
5.) Dreamin' Isn't Good For You (Danny Hutton) - 2:29
(side 2)
1.) Funny How Love Can Be (Carter - Lewsi) - 2:30
2.) Home In Pasadena (Harry Warren - Grant Clarke - Edgar Leslie) - 2:30
3.) Why Don't You Love Me Anymore (Danny Hutton) - 1:55
4.) Monster Shindig (Leo Bryson - Larry Goldberg - Peggy Shows) - 2:20
5.) Hit the Wall (Danny Hutton) - 2:18