This was Jim Croce's third studio album. I think I read somewhere that it was rejected by about 40 record labels before getting picked up by ABC Records. Don't quote me on it though! To think the world may have never have had the pleasure of hearing this album brings a tear to your eye and makes you wonder how many more fantastic albums we've missed out it on.
Jim Croce is way up there with my favourite late 60's/early 70's artists. If you think you're not familiar with his work, you're bound to have heard one or more of his songs without realising, such as "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" or "Time in a Bottle". They lived in the recessed of my mind before I chanced upon his works thanks to Spotify algorithm. If only Spotify were as good at paying their artists as they are at suggesting something new to listen to. 😅
I adore this album. I love how Jim paints a picture with his lyrics. His songs are often witty and tongue in cheek but he could also write a heart wrenching, soul touching song, much like John Prine. If I HAD to pick a favourite track from this album I think I would choose "Operator", with "New York's Not My Home" following close behind.
His live albums are also brilliant as he is a fantastic story teller. He's the kind of person I would have loved to have known and had a few beers with. I'd happily sit for hours and listen to his stories.
Unfortunately, Jim Croce died in September 1973, a year after this album was released. He and his close friend/brilliant guitarist, Maury Muehleisen went down in a Plane crash after one of their shows, and just like that, the world was robbed of another talent. I mourn for all the songs that have been lost due to lives that ended too quickly.
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