Dr Hook And The Medicine Show Sloppy Seconds
Dr Hook And The Medicine Show was a band that captured the hearts of many in the United States in the 1970s. The band's unique sound and quirky lyrics made them a hit with audiences of all ages. One of their most popular albums was Sloppy Seconds, which was released in 1972. In this article, we will take a look back at this classic album and examine why it remains popular to this day.
The Origins of Dr Hook And The Medicine Show
Dr Hook And The Medicine Show was formed in 1968 in New Jersey. The band consisted of Ray Sawyer, Dennis Locorriere, George Cummings, Billy Francis, John David, and Jay David. Their sound was a mix of rock, country, and blues, with a heavy emphasis on storytelling in their lyrics.
The band's name was inspired by the classic children's book, "Doctor Dolittle." In the book, Doctor Dolittle had a parrot named Polynesia who was always giving him medical advice. Dr Hook And The Medicine Show saw themselves as a group of musical doctors, healing their audiences with their music.
Sloppy Seconds: The Album
Sloppy Seconds was the band's second album, released in 1972. The album was produced by Ron Haffkine and featured ten tracks, including the hit single "The Cover of Rolling Stone."
The album received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the band's unique sound and lyrical style, while others criticized their lack of musical ability. However, despite the mixed reviews, the album was a commercial success, reaching number 41 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Music of Sloppy Seconds
The music on Sloppy Seconds is a mix of rock, country, and blues, with a heavy emphasis on storytelling in the lyrics. The album opens with the upbeat "Freakin' at the Freakers' Ball," which tells the story of a wild party where anything goes.
The album also features the hit single "The Cover of Rolling Stone," which is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the famous music magazine. In the song, the band sings about their desire to be on the cover of the magazine, and how they will do anything to make it happen.
Other notable tracks on the album include "If I'd Only Come and Gone," which is a melancholy ballad about lost love, and "The Things I Didn't Say," which tells the story of a man who regrets not telling his lover how he feels.
The Legacy of Sloppy Seconds
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Sloppy Seconds has become a beloved album among Dr Hook And The Medicine Show fans. The album's unique sound and quirky lyrics have stood the test of time, and the band's influence can still be heard in the music of today.
Many of the songs on Sloppy Seconds have been covered by other artists over the years, including "The Cover of Rolling Stone," which was covered by the band Poison in 1991. The song has also been referenced in popular culture, including in an episode of the TV show "The Simpsons."
Conclusion
Dr Hook And The Medicine Show may not have been the most technically skilled musicians, but they had a unique sound and lyrical style that captured the hearts of many in the United States in the 1970s. Sloppy Seconds remains a classic album to this day, beloved by fans of the band and lovers of quirky, storytelling music.