Writer

by Carole King

Product Description:

Personnel: Carole King (vocals, keyboards); James Taylor (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Danny Kortchmar (guitar, congas); Ralph Schuckett (organ); John Fischbach (Moog synthesizer); Joel O'Brien (vibraphone, drums, percussion); Charles Larkey (bass); Abigale Haness, Delores Hall (background vocals).

Recorded at Crystal Sound, Los Angeles, California in March & April 1970.

1970's WRITER: CAROLE KING had the misfortune to come out right before Carole King's gazillion-selling commercial breakthrough TAPESTRY. As a result of this poor timing, the album is largely ignored even by some of King's biggest fans. This is a real shame, because TAPESTRY's roots are clearly audible all over WRITER. About the only difference between the albums is that WRITER lacks a surefire hit along the lines of "I Feel the Earth Move" or "So Far Away." King's first true solo album--1968's NOW THAT EVERYTHING'S BEEN SAID was originally released under the band name "The City"--WRITER still has the electric full-band arrangements of its predecessor, and while the production sounds just a little dated at times, the songs work more often than not. The psychedelic, jazzy "Raspberry Jam" is an unexpected highlight, as is a soulful reworking of the Goffin and King hit "Up on the Roof." This is excellent stuff, well worth checking out for those who already have TAPESTRY and are wondering what to try next.