Lee Hazlewood - Strung Out On Something New: The Reprise Recordings

The multi-talented Mr Lee entirely reprised

This release encompasses the breadth of work Lee Hazlewood recorded for Reprise from 1964 to 1968 (excluding that with Nancy Sinatra); his three albums, The NSVIPs, Friday’s Child and Love & Other Crimes, plus numerous tracks he produced for other artists.

NSVIPs (“Not So Very Important People”) is an off-the-wall collection that mixes spoken word with singing, largely addressing topical issues (Have You Made Any New Bombs Today, Go Die Big City). Hazlewood’s other albums are more conventional in their subject matter, but still left-of-centre in delivery thanks to Hazlewood’s mournfully expressive voice; his dry twang is perfectly suited for a cover of Ode To Billie Joe.

Indeed, Hazlewood would probably have done a better performances of his Not The Lovin’ Kind, showcased here in a single he produced for Dino, Desi & Billy. Other tracks that received the Hazlewood touch are the country-blues of Sanford Clark, the guitar stylings of Duane Eddy and the optimistic pop of The Wildcats’ stellar single, What Are We Gonna Do In ’64?/3625 Groovy Street.

In a nice touch, the discs are packaged in sleeves replicating Reprise’s original inner sleeves touting their other artists, making one wonder… just what did Alice Faye Sings Her Famous Movie Hits sound like?

Reprise/Rhino Handmade | RHM2 07754

Reviewed by Gillian G Gaar
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