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March 30
Why today? Well, it was on this date in 1976 that the album Wanted: The Outlaws, which featured previously released material from edgy artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser, was certified gold. (It would become country music’s first platinum — that is, million-selling — album.) However, I looked at the song list and wasn’t feeling it. So I snagged one of my favorite Waymore numbers, from the following year. Blogger’s prerogative!
About the record: RCA PB-11118, recorded 1977 in Nashville. Released September 1977, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart. Also appeared on Waylon & Willie, RCA Victor APL1-2686, released January 1978. Topped the Billboard country album chart.
To my mind, this Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons composition is the best song on the Waylon & Willie album. It was the final track on side two, and it’s always great when an album ends on a strong note. As for the album itself … it’s more hype than high note, although it topped the country chart and climbed to No. 12 on the pop album chart.
About the artist: Waylon Jennings’ journey through American popular music was interesting, to say the least. His “outlaw” ways make him a hero to those who criticize the Music Row music factory, and his raw talent should be clear to everyone. See for yourself, on his Allmusic.com biography.
4 comments
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March 30, 2010 at 8:17 AM
Bill Greer
Well, despite not feeling moved by anything from the “Outlaws” album, you’re still a good-hearted man.
March 30, 2010 at 9:00 AM
3chordsaday
Thanks, Bill! That’s right nice of you.
March 31, 2010 at 1:47 AM
Paul W Dennis
Apparently Waylon wasn’t really that fond of “Wurlitzer Prize” and regretted recording the song, since after RCA released it as a single, he was stuck with performing the song for the next 25 years. I’ve always regarded “Wurlitzer Prize” and “Clyde” as the two worst RCA solo singles Waylon ever released (there was also a dismal single on “MacArthur Park” recorded with the Kimberleys that is right down there with these two)
April 1, 2010 at 6:02 AM
3chordsaday
That’s interesting, Paul. I don’t know if its the song itself or the atmospherics of this recording, but it really paints a mental picture for me of someone masochistically feeding a jukebox because he can’t stop listening to “their” song.
As for “Clyde,” I’m with you 100 percent. And let’s just say the world would be a better place for all if “MacArthur Park” had never been written!