James Taylor – Sweet Baby James (1970)
Exemplary logo by Sarca @ caughtmegaming
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[Album 535/1001]
Addition by Subtraction.
Seems illogical, but occasionally works wonderfully.
As it does with James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James.
In his case, the fewer the instruments that appear on a given track, the more I enjoy the track:
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For example, the closing track, Suite for 20G, feels like it might have 20 guys & gals playing on it.
To his credit, Taylor helps keep things organized by name-checking some of the instruments as they appear, “wanna hear a saxophone…slide me a bass trombone.”
Fine performances all-around they may be, it’s just not what I signed up for when I popped in my 8-track cartridge.
Instead, if I’m listening to James Taylor, I’d prefer to listen to James Taylor.
Which, apart from a probable overdubbed guitar in the intro/outro (the liner notes on my 8-track aren’t terribly detailed), is exactly what you get with his version of Oh, Susanna.
His gentle vocal delivery pairs really nicely with some intricate picking & chording.
Much as I love the banjo, given the familiar chorus lyric, bonus marks really ought to be awarded for playing Oh, Susanna exclusively on an acoustic guitar!
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Verbalize the Positive
There’s a line in the movie, As Good As it Gets, where Jack Nicholson’s character offers Helen Hunt’s character the compliment, “You make me want to be a better man.”
Admittedly, I haven’t seen the film (I remember the line from the trailers); nor have I listened to much James Taylor beyond this album.
But when I hear a solo guitar performance like Taylor’s rendition of Oh, Susanna, I’m left with a similar feeling: tracks like this one make me want to be a better guitarist.
So cheers for that James Taylor!
1001albumsin10years 
So what did you play your 8-track cartridge on?
A working 8-track player that my dad no longer needed – I was delighted to give it a new home!
Oh, Yeah! Have you started seeking out cartridges? Are they easy to come by in your neck of the woods?
I have!
I’ve found a couple shops that have them from time to time – and our mutual friend Aaron has generously shipped me a few as well!
That 8-track has seen better days!!
Haha, but surprisingly it played quite well!
Not an artist I’ve spent too much time pursuing, but many say he’s good. Anything that makes you want to be a better guitarist is a winner. I like that you had this on 8-track. Also, see As Good As It Gets. Jack’s sooooo good in that.
As good as it gets has been added to the to-see list!
I’ve never knowingly heard a note of James Taylor. Am I worse off for it d’ya think?
I liked it, I don’t know if it’s life-changing, so you’ll probably be able to continue existing without knowingly hearing any more notes – you’ve somehow persevered so far!
I always feared it might be a bit saccharine, but that’s totally without ever hearing it.
I gather the rest of the catalogue can be – also without ever hearing it though!
Another fantastic 8 track find!
’twas!
oh dear, another record I’m fearing. Maybe I can borrow your 8 track copy, however I haven’t got a machine to play it on….RESULT!!!
I’d be happy to loan it Geoff – I think the novelty of the fomat enhanced my experience!
I’m a big fan of this album, Geoff… and particularly Suite for 20G (!!). It was very much a right time album for me, but I would also recommend his first album and Mud Slide Slim, but beyond that I tend to think it’s all a bit bland.
Haha, perhaps if I’d been expecting the big 20G sound, I might have been more receptive to it!
Thanks J!
I bought a Hits set of Taylor today because of you. 😉
Splendid!