Karen Beth "The Joys of Life" 1968
Unknown reviewer:
A bit of a deceptive start here, as the opener, It’s All Over Now, has overdubbed horns that lead to poppier expectations than prove to be the case, but even so, it’s a strong calling card with a kind of folky Bobbie Gentry vibe to it. It’s on sparser material like the title cut that Karen Beth comes into her own though, and if you can get used to her undeniably slightly odd voice, this is well worth a hearing as yet another great late 60s femme-folk set. Bought on spec from a US website to make up the numbers in a package, and one of the most-played things in it.
Thanks for this one! I'd never heard of it, but I'm really enjoying it. As indicated, the first song is rather standard, but the others are very interesting, with the song "Come December" being prime psych-folk. Her vocal quality is a bit like a clear-voiced Karen Dalton.
ReplyDeleteThank you for Karen Beth!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother gem from you, lizardson!!!!
Greetings
bobdylan(Frank)
classic album, although the 'radio hit' that starts it out is questionable. thenord
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for this! I downloaded it this afternoon and have listened to it more than five -six times. A real gem. I love it from start to finish; one of these records that sounds better and better after each listen. I love the "naff" frst song too (a fine tune imho, only different to the general album mood).
ReplyDeleteGonna look for an original of both this and her second album. Or better it'd be great if someone reissued both on vinyl.
Now we have been seeking her subsequent album 'New Moon Rising'--reason? Billy Mundi on drums! =my fave drummer ever
ReplyDeletea PS:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.muscleheadmusic.com/mundi.htm
links to Mundi's discography; just noted he also plays on one i just found here!!: JPCompton's TO LUNA
[[ditto'd infinite thanks, Liz!]]