TERRY REID "RIVER"

Artist: Terry Reid
Album: River
Company: Atlantic
Catalog: SD 7259
Year: 1974
Genre: rock
Grade: **** (4 stars)
Condition: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Quantity available: 1
Price: $30,00

Scattered throughout rock history are folks with immense talent who came close to, but ultimately missed the cherished ring of commercial success and popularity. Singer/guitarist Terry Reid's a perfect example. By the time he was 15, Reid was fronting Terry Reid and the Jaywalkers. Discovered in 1967 by producer/manager Mickie Most, 17 year old Reid was quickly tapped by the media as an up-and-coming star. Signed by Columbia, he recorded a pair of critically acclaimed singles ('The Hands Don't Fit the Glove' b/w 'This Time' (Columbia catalog number DB 8166) and 'Better By Far' b/w 'Fire's Alive' (Columbia catalog number DB 8409). Adding to his stock, Reid was Jimmy Page's first choice for vocalist/second guitar in the New Yardbirds. Interested in pursuing his solo career, Reid turned the job down, instead recommending buddy Robert Plant for the job.    

 

I'll be the first to admit that a lot of the hype surrounding singer/guitarist Terry Reid simply doesn't register with me.  He's certainly a gifted writer and performer (and I'll admit to owning most of his catalog), but Reid has a number of limitations that make it pretty clear to me why he's never been more than a cult favorite.

Those comments may sound kind of harsh, but let me make it up by telling you 1974's "River" may be Reid's best album . If you can find a copy it's worth every penny it'll cost (yes, there's a recent CD reissue).  With Reid responsible for all seven tracks, the album was recorded right before and right after his decision to move from England to Southern California.  To some extent that division gives the set kind of a schizophrenic feel.  Judging by the liner notes, 'Dream' and 'Milestones' were recorded in London with Yes producer Eddie Offord handling the boards.  The rest of the set was recorded in California with producer Tom Dowd.  While the earlier acoustic numbers (found on side two) were interesting in that they recalled some of Van Morrison's late-1960s efforts, the change of scene seems to have had a beneficial influence on Reid.  Backed by long time friend David Lindley, Reid turned in what was his loosest and most charming collection.  At least to my ears Reid's squeaky voice has never been one of his selling points, but in this setting it fit perfectly on blues-rockers such as 'Dean', 'Avenue' and the funky (yes) 'Things To Try'.  Personal favorite - the laidback bossa nova flavored title track.

"River" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Dean   (Terry Reid) - 4:45 Electric-blues doesn't usually do a great deal for me, but the combination of Reid's unique voice and David Lindley's exquisite slide guitar playing kicks it to another level.   Nice way to kick off the album.   YouTube has an even better live version of the song filmed during a 1971 Glastonbury Fayre performance.  Same band as on the album, save Ala White replacing Conrad Isidore on drums: :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=updTFU9IqIg   rating: **** stars

2.) Avenue   (Terry Reid) - 5:08

A more conventional blues number, 'Avenue' showcased Lindley's slide playing.  Nice, but not as commercial as the opening.   rating: *** stars

3.) Things To Try   (Terry Reid) - 4:25

Interesting that a laidback tune like this would have such a funky groove ...  mind you, you're not going to mistake this for a George Clinton, but who would have ever expected a skinny, white English guy to play with this much energy.   rating: **** stars

4.) Live Life   (Terry Reid) - 5:11 

Easily one of the best things he's ever recorded, 'Live Life' had everything going for it including a tasty, slightly Latin-esque melody (thanks to Willie Bobo's percussion), some first-rate guitar, and one of Reid's most energetic performances.   The video and sound quality aren't great, but YouTube has a 1973 performance of the tune on British television.  The live version was way funkier than the studio version.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqKBdOiIC8k     rating: **** stars

(side 2)

1.) River   (Terry Reid) - 5:45

Maybe its just my old ears, but the instrumental opening section has always reminded me a bit of Carole King's 'it's Too Late' and then the song went off in a totally unexpected Bossa Nova/jazzy direction with absolutely fantastic results.   rating: **** stars

2.) Dream   (Terry Reid) - 5:20

Just Reid on acoustic guitar, the result was one of the prettiest melodies he ever wrote ...  Always thought it would have been a great track for the late Sandy Denny.   rating: **** stars

3.) Milestones   (Terry Reid) - 5:52

A bit unfocused for my tastes, 'Milestones' sounded a lot like a David Crosby tune.  Not really discordant, but kind of loose and free flowing with multi-tracked "cathedral" vocals.  Yeah, it got a little better as it went along, but the first minutes and a half sounded like an extended tune-up.  rating: *** stars

 

Shame Atlantic Records didn't have a clue what to do with Reid.