Leon Russell Carney CD

Personnel: Leon Russell (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards); Joey Cooper, Don Preston (vocals, guitar); John Gallie (keyboards); Chuck Blackwell (drums).
Unknown Contributor Role: Leon Russell.
"Tight Rope" leads off Carney, and it's not just his biggest hit, it offers an excellent introduction to an off-kilter, confused, fascinating album. In a sense, it consolidates his two extremes, offering a side of fairly straightforward roots rock before delving headfirst into twisted psychedelia on the second side. On the whole, the second side deflates the first side, since it's just too fuzzy -- it's intriguing, at least in parts, but it never adds up to anything. Besides, the first side is already odd enough, but in a meaningful way; here, his fascination with Americana sideshows is married to songs that work, instead of just being vehicles for tripping in the studio. Of course, part of what makes Carney interesting is that it contains a bit of both, but interesting doesn't equal compelling, as the whole of Carney bears out. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
"Tight Rope" leads off Carney, and it's not just his biggest hit, it offers an excellent introduction to an off-kilter, confused, fascinating album. In a sense, it consolidates his two extremes, offering a side of fairly straightforward roots rock before delving headfirst into twisted psychedelia on the second side. On the whole, the second side deflates the first side, since it's just too fuzzy -- it's intriguing, at least in parts, but it never adds up to anything. Besides, the first side is already odd enough, but in a meaningful way; here, his fascination with Americana sideshows is married to songs that work, instead of just being vehicles for tripping in the studio. Of course, part of what makes Carney interesting is that it contains a bit of both, but interesting doesn't equal compelling, as the whole of Carney bears out. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Leon Russell's third album marked a change in direction. His first two releases were a sort of high-spirited revue, with numerous players and gospel-influenced backup singers. Where his self-titled debut and its follow-up (AND THE SHELTER PEOPLE) wedded blues, r&b, rock & roll, country and other genres, CARNEY is a pared-down setting of equally well-endowed songs that make their mark in a much quieter manner. Russell's first two albums had been veritable celebrations, but CARNEY sounds more introspective. Some of Russell's most loved songs made their first appearance here, including the often-covered "Tight Rope" and "This Masquerade." Russell stayed introspective on his subsequent release WILL O' THE WISP, but CARNEY remains one of his very finest efforts. The gorgeous songs and subtle arrangements make for a wonderfully sustained album experience.