Varese Sarabande
Reissued: 09.12.06
Originally released: 1970
In John Phillip's autobiography Papa John, he only mentions his first solo album twice, and then it's only to comment on its poor sales. At this point in Phillip's life, he hadn't hit the junkie lows that he would before his highly publicized bust in New York, but he was well on his way. Had the album sold a few million copies, he probably would've had more kind words. But regardless of poor sales, I think he was being a little tough on himself.
The songs on John the Wolfking of LA can't compete with the work Phillip's did with the Mammas and the Pappas in terms of pop craftsmanship, but they do serve a purpose. After your party has lost steam, the drunks are passed out in the corners, and a lone joint is being passed around the coffee table, this album compliments that feeling you sometimes have of winding down as if the party actually accomplished something. The rhythms vary between laid back and quickly-paced-but-laid-back. With a predominantly country feel, it's hard to imagine an album like it being made today, and so the reissue makes sense in both its attempt to find a new audience and to offer a CD format to previous fans.
While John the Wolfking is a likeable album, it's also one that wears thin on close inspection. It's best listened to when you're not really listening to it. Phillips is capable of a better vocal performance than he gives here, but the slide guitar often covers his mistakes. "Topanga Canyon" and "Malibu People" are obvious highlights. "Malibu People" has the only lyrical content worth paying attention to. "Big bellied woman laying in the sand waiting for her baby as the waves roll in. If she needs a spot to drop you know she's not forgotten where the waves roll in." These words are touching in their familiarity and quirkiness.
Overall, John the Wolfking of LA offers few high moments, which is its charm. An album that never demands much of you, it's perfect for not doing much of anything except chilling out.
-Matt Thompson
2 comments:
Over here in the UK this album has always enjoyed a considerable cult following. And justifiably - you underestimate its ability to get under your skin and the amount of time it will spend on your turntable (or in the CD player). To this listener, it is actually better than the Mamas and Papas records, as wonderful as those were.
The bonus tracks on this reissue are pretty good too.
Wow...if you don't rate this any higher than a masterpiece, you are sorely out of touch and lacking in taste. The craftsmanship, and...most importantly...pure heart and utter pathos, on this record is astonishing, and runs far deeper than ANYTHING Mamas & The Papas released. Take another listen, sir. And if it still rings thin to you, well...you cannot be helped.
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