Jim Sullivan -
U.F.O.
Nationality: American
Released: 1970
Genres: Singer-songwriter, baroque pop
Average RYM rating: 3.73
Recommended by: Farewell
Track listing:
Jerome
Plain as Your Eyes Can See
Roll Back the Time
Whistle Stop
Rosey
Highways
U.F.O.
So Natural
Johnny
Sandman
I haven't had energy or time to write for a couple weeks, but I'm back on track now. Hopefully interest hasn't died down too much.
"Jerome" sounds very cool--like a mix of '60s pop, classic country, and folk rock. There's some subtle orchestration--mostly strings and woodwinds--and laid back acoustic guitar picking. Very short--not even three minutes.
Imagine the Doors going acoustic and adding a bass player. That's what "Plain as Your Eyes Can See" sounds like, with electric piano piano reminiscent of "Riders on the Storm." It's also short and sweet--only 2:27.
"Roll Back the Time" is folk rock all the way. Think early Simon and Garfunkel (minus the harmony) or Bob Dylan. Sullivan has a unique voice--not weak per se, but certainly... hmm, I guess sparse would be the first word I think of. Let's go with that. Sparse vocals.
That iconic '60s organ makes its first appearance in the intro of "Whistle Stop." I'm loving this album so far. It's the perfect blend of several styles, and the songs' lengths only make it more enjoyable. Again, this is under three minutes. Bob Seger. That's whose voice I'm reminded of. But not quite, his is rather annoying, while Sullivan's isn't.
"Rosey" is the first song over three minutes. His voice is closer to Seger's now, as is the whole style.The orchestration reminds me of early Moody Blues. There are some funny rhythmic pizzicato strings tweaking in the background, and I think I hear a piano too.
"Highways" was Farewell's recommendation. Man, the orchestration is perfect. Unlike that of many records from the same era, it's not overdone, and it's unconventional enough to be interesting but not enough to be abrasive.
Layered strings, flute, and what might be a glockenspiel are the backdrop for the title track. I haven't talked much about the drumming yet. That's usually a good thing--when you don't notice it, the drummer is doing his job. Once again, under three minutes.
"So Natural" feature organ and acoustic guitar once again. The former sounds churchlike, and given the lyrics are about a funeral, that's probably intentional. Oh, I'm noticing the drumming now, in a good way. Nice fills.
I'm getting a dark country vibe from "Johnny." The drumming sounds almost like a modern hip-hop beat--very cool. Once again, great orchestration, although I'm getting a little bored by the lack of variety. It's time to shake things up a bit. This is the longest track yet, at just over four minutes.
"Sandman" has a lightweight country feel--almost like Johnny Horton, or maybe Jimmy Buffett. It's heavy on acoustic guitar--there's a nice solo in the middle--and what might be a standup bass. The melody has a jazzy, almost show tune feel to it.
Nice album overall and a great combination of styles, but I felt it never really got out of gear. Still, it's good enough to earn a 4/5. I would have been interested in hearing what Sullivan did next had he lived.