CD Details
- Released: July 4, 1995
- Originally Released: 1995
- Label: The Right Stuff
Entertainment Reviews:
Rolling Stone - 2/17/72, p.52
"...one of the more interesting things Leon has done....This is a bitter Leon Russell lashing out at a straight world that, seemingly, is only now exposing viciousness to him..."
Musician - 3/95, p.90
"...documents his response to the electric musical climate of the time. The feel is mid-'60s...but Russell pushes against it with his raw Okie articulation. His playing is...contradictory, wavering between session-like discipline and wild gospel thumping..."
Tracks:
- 1.Sweet Home Chicago
- 2.Down On The Base
- 3.Hello Little Friend
- 4.Salty Candy
- 5.Tryin' To Stay 'Live
- 6.Intro To Rita..., ...
- 7.Straight Brother
- 8.Learn How To Boogie
- 9.Ballad For A Soldier
- 10.When You Wish Upon A Fag
- 11.Lady In Waiting
- 12.Welcome To Hollywood
- 13.Death Of The Flowers
- 14.Icicle Star Tree
- 15.Mr. Henri The Clown
- 16.Soul Food
Product Description:
Personnel: Leon Russell, Marc Benno (vocals, various instruments).
Producers: Leon Russel, Marc Benno.
Reissue producer: Tom Cartwright.
Recorded at Skyhill Studios, Hollywood, California Between February 1967 and April 1969.
Digitally remastered by Tom Baker (Future Disc Systems, Hollywood, California).
Personnel: Leon Russell (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards).
Recording information: Skyhill Studios, Hollywood, CA (02/1967-04/1969).
Photographers: Ed Caraeff; Carl Radle.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Leon Russell; Marc Benno.
Of all Russell's early work as an artist, this record is perhaps the least essential; in particular, songs like "Tryin' to Stay Live" and "When You Wish Upon a Fag" feel dated. Nevertheless, Asylum Choir II is still a pretty nice record. Especially noteworthy is Russell's own version of "Hello, Little Friend"; Joe Cocker would later record the definitive version of the song. (The 1995 CD reissue features five bonus tracks). ~ Jim Worbois
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