Today's feature is shared more for an interesting side note about it than for any particularly high quality in terms of song, arrangement or performance. I actually find the song dull, the pressing of the vinyl abysmal, and the arrangement and performance absolutely pedestrian.
But that's sort of the point. Those reading this site are probably at least vaguely aware of Rodd Keith's decline during 1973-74, as detailed in booklets to various CD releases, ending in his death shortly before the end of 1974. It looks very much to me as if this record was one of the final releases that came out under any of Rodd's myriad names during his lifetime.
Admittedly, some of this is conjecture. But while the song-poem website is woefully incomplete, it does appear that there were VERY few records by Rodd Rogers (the name he used at the label at that time) after release number 784, heard below, "Leaving Chicago Today". And aside from one or two later releases, the others seem to be "vault" releases, if MSR did such a thing, one being a song pulled from the "Variety Songs for 1969" album, apparently well after that album's release, and one being released at least two years after Rodd's death.
I'm guessing I'm right, but whatever the cause, "Leaving Chicago Today" is just about the most lackluster performance I've ever heard from Rod/Rodd Keith/Rogers, and a cookie cutter arrangement which is just about the antithesis of what he had typically offered up, with none of the hallmarks of his style or abilities. my thought is that if you played some of Rodd's mid-'60's highlights from Film City and Preview for a neophyte, then played this one, the listener would likely say "what the hell happened to the guy?".
Download: Rodd Rogers - Leaving Chicago Today
Play:
About the flip side, "I'm Talking to Myself", I could easily say most of the same things. This record sounds to me like someone's truly bad attempt to tap into a sound and style which was popular on the charts around the early '70's - attempts which fail miserably, in part at least because of what sounds like the disinterest of everyone involved.
Download: Rodd Rogers - I'm Talking To Myself
Play:
If anyone out there has more insight into Rodd's life and times, and the likely release date of this record, by all means, let me know, and if I'm offbase, I'll update accordingly.
3 comments:
Leaving Chicago" is a strong Randy Newman salute. Minus, of course, the wit & execution that it should contain.
I would say thank you, for this offering, but why lie?
Sounds like it was recorded at the bottom of a bong!!! (ala "Space" from "I Died Today"). Hey, let's face it....quality control goes out the window when you're living on hallucinogenic tea!
The title says it all...."Sadd Rodd", poor guy.
Based on the previous comments, this sounds EXACTLY like everything I love about Rod Rogers and would hope to find. Any chance of reposting these songs? That is, if you you haven't composted the record yet. From your garbage to my music collection - that's what I generally strive for.
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