The Emmett Kelly, Jr. Singers This is honestly the first secular record I've listened to since I purchased a very shoddy bootleg of an even shoddier performance by Vicki Lawrence. And once again, thank the Lord, its only effect upon me is to drive me back further into the arms of God. I hate to sound negative, but there are NO redeeming characteristics to this collection of half-screamed "favorites of Emmett Kelly, Jr." I suppose if Emmett himself sang, this collection would be perversely listenable (as with a Buddy Ebsen, Pele, or Buddy Ebsen & Pele record). No dice. Take a group of preening child acting students and hold their 20th anniversary reunion in a sunny recording studio full of hack musicians – this is the result. I don't know if that's actually how it transpired, but that's sure as hellfire what it sounds like. Nothing noteworthy … even the version of "Hey Jude" is completely lackluster. In Peter Pan Records' defense, though, there is an address included on the back cover where you can write to and receive "free clown make-up instructions" (send a SASE to: EKJ Corporation, 157 W. 57th St, New York, NY, 10019).
Review by Quinzio |