The Humblebums – First Collection of Merry Melodies (1969) (Transatlantic TRA-186)

The Humblebums – First Collection of Merry Melodies
Vinyl rip in 24-bit/192 kHz | Art scans at 300 dpi
1969 Transatlantic Records TRA 186 | Genre:  Folk

The other week, I ran a Patreon poll for the site’s handful of patrons to ask what genre the next post should be about, and “folk” won the day.  A few months ago I shared the final Humblebums record, Open The Door, which is split evenly between Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty songs.  This debut album predates Rafferty’s participation and demonstrates that it was really Connolly’s project.  In his place was Tommy Harvey, a competent guitarist who went on to play with Hamish Imlach, another Scotsman in the tradition of folk-comedy.  The record opens with “Why Don’t They Come Back To Dunoon?”, a parody of the Jonathan King hit “Everyone’s Gone To The Moon” which remained a staple in Connolly’s live performances.  While I am a big fan of Rafferty’s bittersweet balladeering, this record is less bipolar and more cohesive than their other two releases because of Connolly’s total control over the mood.  And of course, there is some hot banjo playing on it.  (P.S.  If you feel like supporting the site via Patreon, YOU TOO can participate in exciting polls and other activities!)

A1 Why Don’t They Come Back To Dunoon 4:12
A2 My Dixie Darling 2:32
A3 Now I Feel So Old 1:59
A4 Give Me A Little Of Your Time 2:06
A5 Salt Coats At The Fair 3:06
A6 Victory Rag 1:39
B1 Will You Follow Me 1:58
B2 Little Blue Lady 1:46
B3 Travel Away 1:45
B4 Come Drink My Wine 3:24
B5 Cripple Creek 1:58
B6 Close Your Eyes 1:21
B7 Windy & Warm 1:27

Recorded At – Craighall Studios
Recorded At – Sound Techniques, London
Printed By – Robert Stace

Bass – Ronnie Rae
Design – Brian Shuel
Performer – Billy Connolly, Tommy Harvey
Producer – Bill Leader

Recorded in 1968.

16-bit 44.1 khz

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