Heads & Tales

This is the one that started it. So many people have never been introduced to Harry and his music, even those who are avid music fans. Quite a shame as he is like no other. His work with World Hunger Year in the early 70's was one of the earliest examples of celebrities with a conscience. The music isn't perfect, his voice is raspy, but his words and his emotion will snag you every time. I saw several of his concerts while at the U. of Illinois-Urbana...the crowd would never let him off the stage of the Auditorium (on the Quad). That building, while terrible accoustically, was perfect for Harry...small, intimate, like a living room. The last time was when he had just released "Remember when the music..." and we stood in a very long line (half-way down the quad) while a very light rain came down and I would later connect it to that part of the lyrics where he says, "Remember when the music brought us all together to stand inside the rain." Wow what a memory, still there after 30+ years. Thanks Harry!

I went to see Harry in Mpls. We had something like a Las Vegas club way back then - a meal was part of the deal! We sat right up front, he was singing to me. After the show a table was set up in the lobby to buy stuff - I bought his book of poems. He was there and took my check - looked at the name and gave me a big fat kiss on the lips! ! I know his wife's name was Sandy too. I was so excited the whole way home I could hardly shut up. People were worried about me when he died I loved him so much, miss his writing. There are not too many like him, remember he was involved with the World Health Org. I could go on & on.....

What a great album; and I've been waiting for the whole shebang to be on iTunes so I could replace my third copy of the LP. I met Harry just after this album came out; I was 16 and was waiting on line at 30 Rock/NBC to be in the audience of the Johnny Carson Show. Out of the lobby elevator comes this guy with a big head of hair and an exuberant gait and, of course, that life-affirming smile. I recognized him because Taxi had come on so strong and I had bought the album on the strength of that one song. I called out "Harry!" and he looked over at me, pumped his fist in the air and yelled back at me, "Well, alright!" 'Heads & Tails'--the entire album--is a revelation; the places it takes you in your mind and your heart are incredible and vivid. 'Same Sad Singer' and 'Any Old Kind of Day' still choke me up 35 years later. From Day 1, cello was featured prominently in his music and it is used here wonderfully. Big John Wallace (the alto voice in Taxi--"...now she's crying, aren't we all?") is another gem here and in Harry's life and music. In fact, there is not a musical miscue to be found here. Ron Palmer's electric guitar is just wonderful. Harry and his music were just so full of life. A tragic loss for us all and for the world; he would have been there with John Lennon right now helping us navigate the madness. Take a chance and get to know Harry. He and his music will become a treasured part of your life.

My favorite Harry Chapin album - "Taxi", Greyhound, Dogtown, Could You Put Your Light On, Please are my all time favorites. Thank you iTunes for making the entire CD available. I highly recommend this one!!!