Rick Nelson - Bright Lights & Country Music/Country Fever

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Free Music Notes for Bright Lights & Country Music/Country Fever

Free Music Review: Where my quest began...
Hit: 5 Stars

Rick's voice is a natural to handle these country tunes, and these albums were really a breath of fresh air. Although I enjoyed many of the tracks on his previous Decca albums, it was becoming painfully obvious that Rick's artistic freedom and license were stagnating in a dying music form. With these two albums, it was like Rick picked up right from where he left off in the early 1960s, and now had a definitive career path, although he'd continue experimenting with his next two follow-ups.

The interesting thing about these albums is that Rick must've been aware of many different forms of country music, because his selections range everywhere from polished Nashville Sound tunes like "Hello Walls" and "I'm A Fool to Care", to Jimmy C. Newman-esque bayou-flavored rhythms like "Louisiana Man" and "Take A City Bride", and they all come together nicely. We also witness for the first time that Rick can also put a good tune together himself with his self-penned debut in "You Just Can't Quit" and subsequent follow-up "Alone." The only regrettable missing track is probably his best self-penned tune from the era "I'm Called Lonely," which was released as a single in 1967. Will somebody out there put this on CD, please?

The final thing I need to say is a big thank you to Rick, wherever you are. I was born in the 1970s, well after Rick's heyday, but Rick really turned me on to the rock and roll music I love and listen to today. As a kid, I used to watch the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on Disney. Like most kids, I listened only to what was on radio and MTV. But by watching his show, I was able to hear his music and I fell in love with it. I begged my mother to buy me a cassette of his greatest hits and she obliged. Well, Rick's music got me turned on to some of his contemporaries like Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers. From there, I picked up on their disciples the Beatles, the Who, the Rolling Stones, and from there Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Genesis, The Clash, The Smiths, and on to some of the modern-day rockers. The list is too long to name all of them here, but thanks Rick. For 20 years, your music has always been in my life, and it's helped sculp my musical taste, which is varied and entertaining. Your music and talent may have been under-appreciated, but it's never been overlooked here.

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