I guess that remains to be seen.
The first track was really bad adult contemporary boring-ness, but the second, I can definitely see some comedic potential in this one. "Who Loves Ya Baby" is hilarious.
Remember a simpler time? (I mean, I really don't...I was born in 1981, so by the time I entered my "simple" years, things really weren't that simple.) Anyway, back in the day, when a popular singing star showed any inclination of having singing talent, it was time to make an album! How fun is that? (I only wish Randolph Mantooth had made one, but maybe he had too much self-respect for that...)
I am a big fan of a lot of classic tv, but I never got into Kojak, and I vaguely remember my mother watching re-runs of this show. I think she even found Telly attractive, and a lot of women did, but I just don't see the appeal. The 70's required a different kind of man. Telly Savalas was a sex symbol...and this album I'm sure sold to a lot of middle-aged women for their daily dose of Mr. Savalas' monotones. The only Telly I myself regard lives on Sesame Street.
It's not that he's a horrible singer. I've heard worse. He has that talking-singing style that belongs in Vegas. And I suppose he doesn't do all that bad for what it is. However, I find myself laughing out loud more than really "enjoying" it.
Here's the lovely paragraph from the back of the record by one Melvin Laird (gotta love a name like that) regarding Telly's work on this masterpiece:
One of the truly enthusiastic, charming, charismatic, hedonistic, soulful men I've ever met is Telly Savalas. His intense enjoyment and pursuit of the high velocity lifestyle dazzles and boggles the minds of men half his age! To have watched him emerge during the recording of this album as the consummate musical performer he longed to become, has been for me pure pleasure. The man may be a lousy baccarat player, but he sure wins my vote for a Permanent Star of the Ages Award! This is only the beginning, Telly...Thanks for all the hard work.
Should anybody really say more?
Take a listen to the hot title track, "Who Loves Ya Baby?"
Track Listing:
Side One-
This is All I Ask
Who Loves Ya Baby
Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You)
Gentle On My Mind
Side Two-
Love is Just a Word
(Ah the Apple Tree) When the World Was Young
A Good Time Man Like Me Ain't Got No Business Singing the Blues (a Jim Croce song...this is just pure fun. lol)
The Men In My Little Girl's Life (the naration on this is pretty funny)
Time
John?
Where did you buy this record and when?
"I bought it as Izzy's, and it had to be when I was just still a customer. It was only $1."
Do you own it in any other format?
"No!"
What is your over-all impression of this album?
"Hilarious!"
Favorite Track?
(Laugh) "The title cut, probably"
How many stars out of five?
(More laughter) "What's the opposite of giving stars?"
Time to pull out my "Golden Throats" collections - I think Telly is singing "Walk The Line" on a country-themed volume if I recall correctly.
ReplyDeleteMaybe in some ways things have changed for the better - would be like Phillip Glennister recording a load of standards - or Harvey Keitel in the US. Mind you, a Martin Freeman mix cd would be well worth a listen.
ReplyDeleteThere was a spoof version of If released around the same time - the artist name escapes me right now. My former partner had a copy, but preferred the b side - Butch Soap. You get the idea.....
It was by Yin & Yan aka Chris Sandford ( British Actor) & Bill Mitchell ( Voice-Over artist) who was heard on Many Radio Jingles in the 1970's
Delete