Orange Blossom Special

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Classic Album Review-Charlie McCoy “Good Time Charlie”

The year, 1973. The place, the country music album chart. The subject, Charlie McCoy and his album “Good Time Charlie”. Why is this notable? Simply because when this album reached number one, it would mark that last time, to date, that the country album chart was topped by an instrumental album. It’s rather amazing that in the past thirty-seven years, there has not been at least one instrumental album that would have caught the attention of the music-buying public, the way this album did, but it’s true. Plus, in addition to the album’s success, it spawned two country top forty singles, “Shenandoah” and “Orange Blossom Special”. So, what is it about a collection of eleven tracks, featuring a harmonica, that caught everyone’s attention? First, there’s the man behind the harmonica, Charlie McCoy. An incredibly talented musician who’s played on sessions for practically everyone in Nashville, along with the likes of Elvis, Joan Baez, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan, among others. Secondly, there’s the song selection. In this case, eleven very strong musical works. And third, production. Charlie also produced the album, and throughout, you hear some interesting mixes of styles and genres. Charlie wasn’t afraid to take chances and try different things with this disc, and it worked.

A good way to kick off this album, is the best way I can describe “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues”. A nice, bluesy feel that is put over the top by the lonesome sound of Charlie’s harmonica. Excellent track.

For those of us used to hearing Charley Pride’s version of “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone”, be prepared to be knocked off your seat with a version completely different than Pride’s. A more rocking version is the best way to describe it. It’s one of my favorite Charley Pride songs, however, I’ve got to say that I’m really liking this version.

By about halfway through the third track, you start understanding why this album was a number one bestseller. Charlie makes Joe Stampley’s “Soul Song” really swing. You find yourself really getting into the music, by now.

Charlie give us his take on what is I think my favorite Beatles song, next, “Something”. One of the most beautiful melodies ever written, and while no one can ever touch the Fab Four’s original version, Charlie more than does the song justice. Again, really liking this track, as well.

“Minor Miner”. A very 1970′s sound, but still not bad. The best way I can describe the sound of this rather unique track; imagine mixing Lynyrd Skynyrd, Barry White, and Roy Clark together. Not the best track on the album, but it’s rather fun to listen to. Again, there’s no question what decade this track dates from.

After that rather wild, roller coaster-like ride, the ballad “Don’t Touch Me” seems incredibly tame. A hit for both Jeannie Seely and Wilma Burgess, Charlie gives us another stellar cut to wrap side one. Groundbreaking track? No. Just a nice, pleasant two minutes and eighteen seconds of ear-pleasing music.

Side two opens with an old traditional favorite, “John Henry”. However, not done in the traditional style. An exuberant beat that jumps out and grabs you, demanding that you pay attention. By the end of the track, you’ll be glad you did. A great, creative different look at a traditional favorite.

Tammy Wynette’s great ballad “Till I Get It Right” is next, and like the previous seven tracks, it’s quality. Great sound.

One thing you’ll notice on this disc, is that on the up tempo tracks, Charlie wasn’t afraid to use elements of other genres on his tracks. We’ve heard a goodly amount of rock mixed in, even some funk. A rock-like beat starts out “Louisiana Man”, before jumping into the more expected Cajun styling. Outside of the original Rusty & Doug Kershaw hit version, this is the best version of this song I’ve heard.

As great as all of the tracks have been to this point, “Shenandoah” easily goes down as the best track on the album. The track starts with only Charlie’s harmonica and a harp accompaniment in a beautiful opening verse. By the time this track ends, you’ll find yourself saying, “Wow”. This is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written in the history of music. This, ladies and gentleman, is a timeless piece, right here.

The final track is an all-out-let-’er-rip version of “Orange Blossom Special”. Frantic is the word that comes to mind in how he plays this track. Nothing special, but a good version and a track to end the album with, as it leaves the listener ready for more. It’s also worth noting that it’s not the first time Charlie’s played this song on record, as his harmonica, along with the sax of Boots Randolph, are heard on Johnny Cash’s hit version.

Not currently available, though I would argue that it should be, I did find some used vinyl copies, online, most under $10.

As previously mentioned, the best track on the disc is “Shenandoah”, an easy Standout Track. Almost any of the other ten tracks could be given the Hidden Gem title, I think I’ll go with “Something”. I really don’t think I can come up with a Weakest Track.

Listening to this album, it does have a 1970′s sound to it, but yet is still has aged well, overall. It’s an album that I can really say is fun to listen to. Charlie wasn’t afraid to try some things and mix a few styles together. And as a result, he came up with some music that was different than anything else from Nashville in that time. And, if you don’t think a harmonica can carry a song, much less a whole album, after listening to this disc, your opinion will change. This is a 5 out of 5. Easy to see why he’s a hall of famer.

MORE GOOD MUSIC FOR YOU!

Charlie plays harmonica on the title track.

Johnny Cash – “Orange Blossom Special”