Album Info
| Artist: | Carly Simon |
| Album: | Playing Possum |
| Released: | US, 1975 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | After The Storm | 2:46 |
| Alto Saxophone [Solo] - Trevor Lawrence | ||
| Arranged By [Horns] - Carly Simon | ||
| A2 | Love Out In The Street | 3:59 |
| Drums - Andy Newmark | ||
| Tambourine - Andrew Gold | ||
| A3 | Look Me In The Eyes | 3:33 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Carly Simon | ||
| Backing Vocals - Vini Poncia | ||
| Electric Piano, Synthesizer - James Newton Howard | ||
| A4 | More & More | 4:02 |
| Backing Vocals - Carolyn Willis, Julia Tillman, Maxine Willard | ||
| Drums - Ringo Starr | ||
| Guitar - Alvin Robinson, Jeff Baxter | ||
| Piano - Dr. John | ||
| Tambourine - Richard Perry | ||
| A5 | Slave | 3:51 |
| Arranged By [Horns, Woodwinds] - Perry Botkin, Jr. | ||
| Mandolin - Lee Ritenour | ||
| B1 | Attitude Dancing | 4:00 |
| Arranged By [Strings, Horns] - Paul Riser | ||
| Backing Vocals - Abigale Haness, Carole King, Kenny Moore | ||
| Congas - Eddie Bongo | ||
| Drums - Jim Gordon | ||
| B2 | Sons Of Summer | 3:05 |
| Vocals - Carly Simon | ||
| B3 | Waterfall | 3:32 |
| Backing Vocals - Carly, James | ||
| Clarinet - Lon Van Eaton | ||
| Flute - Derrek Van Eaton | ||
| B4 | Are You Ticklish | 2:26 |
| Arranged By [Clarinets, Trombones] - Perry Botkin, Jr. | ||
| Bass - Joe Mondragon | ||
| Drums - Irv Cottler | ||
| B5 | Playing Possum | 3:57 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Andrew Gold | ||
| Backing Vocals - James Taylor | ||
| Harmonica - Tommy Morgan | ||
| Sitar - Lon Van Eaton | ||
| Steel Guitar [Pedal] - Sneaky Pete |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Carly Simon's "Playing Possum," released in 1975, is a notable entry in the singer-songwriter's discography, showcasing her distinctive blend of pop, rock, and folk influences. This album, her fifth studio release, captures Simon at a pivotal moment in her career, as she continued to build on the success of her earlier work.
"Playing Possum" is often remembered for its provocative cover art, which features Simon in a daring pose, reflecting the album's themes of empowerment and self-expression. The cover was considered bold for its time and contributed to the album's visibility and discussion in the media.
Musically, "Playing Possum" is characterized by its polished production and Simon's emotive vocal delivery. The album opens with "After the Storm," a track that sets the tone with its introspective lyrics and lush arrangement. Simon's ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously is evident throughout the album.
One of the standout tracks is "Attitude Dancing," which became a Top 40 hit. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it one of the more accessible and radio-friendly tracks on the album. It showcases Simon's knack for crafting pop songs with depth and appeal.
Another highlight is "Waterfall," a song that features Simon's signature introspective lyricism. The track's gentle melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of tranquility and reflection, making it a fan favorite.
"Playing Possum" also includes "More and More," a duet with James Taylor, Simon's then-husband. Their vocal chemistry is palpable, adding an intimate layer to the album. The collaboration is a testament to their personal and professional relationship, which was a subject of public interest at the time.
Critically, "Playing Possum" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised Simon's songwriting and vocal performance, while others felt the album lacked the cohesion of her previous work. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was commercially successful, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In terms of cultural significance, "Playing Possum" is part of Simon's broader impact on the music industry during the 1970s. As a prominent female artist in a male-dominated industry, Simon's work contributed to the evolving landscape of popular music, where female voices were becoming increasingly influential.
While "Playing Possum" did not win any major awards, it remains an important part of Carly Simon's catalog. The album's exploration of personal themes and its blend of musical styles reflect Simon's artistic versatility and her ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Overall, "Playing Possum" is a testament to Carly Simon's enduring talent as a songwriter and performer. Its mix of introspective ballads and upbeat tracks offers a snapshot of Simon's artistry during a dynamic period in her career. For fans of Simon and those interested in the evolution of 1970s pop music, "Playing Possum" is a worthwhile listen that captures the essence of an era and an artist unafraid to take risks.
