Record of the Week #3: Mick Ronson 'Play Don't Worry'
I guess Ronson is the bridge between two of my favorites, Bowie and Dylan. Usually known as Bowie's guitarist, and side-kick, Ronson labored in the background for too much of a career cut short by cancer in 1994 when he was just 46.
But, Mick Ronson had his moments. Like playing in Dylan's Rolling Thunder Review Tour. Lead guitar on Elton John's alternate take of 'Madman Across the Water' - it's a CD bonus track on the re-release. And this, one of his few solo albums.
'Play Don't Worry' is a great and strange record that features Ronson's many talents as an instrumentalist and arranger. Like Todd Rundgren and others who also played many instruments, Ronson is the only musician on many tracks, overdubbing himself many times over. Certainly not the greatest singer or songwriter in the world, Ronson is best known for his guitar chops - Rolling Stone ranks him as the 64th greatest guitarist in rock history.
I had never heard or heard of this album until I brought it home one day, a gift.
And then it sat, sandwiched between many more familiar but also unheard disks.
Until this week.
Ronson rocks. Give this a listen. The first track, Billy Porter, is an odd opening number, not really capturing the flavor of the rest, but featuring some amazing guitar playing. Ronson got my attention. This is something DIFFERENT. Listen!
Side Two opens with an oddly paced title track that dissolves into 'Hazy Days.' Then, a frantic 'Girl Can't Help It,' with Ian Hunter on backing vocals, but featuring a scorching guitar and sax rave-up. Punk Ska Music Hall!
And then....what? Lyrical Spanish guitar opens 'The Empty Bed (Io Me Ne Andrei).' With strings...
Finally, 'Woman.' A strange, and interesting record overall, and one I will play and return to, I am sure.
Comments