Singer-songwriter, novelist, activist, politician and entrepreneur long time Texas-based act Kinky Friedman has an album of new material out for the first time in 39 years, and though the songs are new to him they won’t be to most others. As for how his versions stand up against those who have gone before him this is another matter, one where sadly, he doesn’t score too highly. His voice has been on the wane for some time, not that ever was anything to brag about but he got by. Especially when it came to performing his own material, and he’s written a bunch of good ones. Title-track “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met” is an old one of his, and appeared many moons ago on Tompall Glaser’s debut solo album Charlie, another song by the Kinkster “Sold American” was likewise covered by the late singer, and to whom Friedman on opening the song asks us to raise a glass to Tompall.
Though doubtful of whether he could pull it off, I was pleasantly surprise with opening track “Bloody Mary Morning” where he is joined by writer Willie Nelson, his sister Bobbie Nelson and veteran Texas Jewboy Little Jewford. His recitation of Tom Waits’ all-time classic “A Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis” is just wonderful. Arguably the best track on the record, because from then on he struggles to produce anything to capture the imagination and anyway particularly tuneful. He was aiming at a form of melancholy and hits the mark, not least through the title-cut. On a generous day his version of Merle Haggard’s “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” plus Johnny Cash’s “Pickin’ Time” likewise get the nod, such the simplicity of the lyrics and the Kinkster's rendition. Bob Dylan’s “Girl From The North Country” is given a run out, but it is heavier and harder to digest. As for his cover of “Wandering Star”, a remake of old of his oldies “Wild Man From Borneo”, it and “A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square” all see Kinky flounder.
Maurice Hope