Do You Ever Think of Me?
by Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.Do You Ever Think of Me? contains the second and third solo albums by Fred Neil. The first ten tracks comprise Neil's self-titled and most noted album. Unlike its predecessor, Bleecker & MacDougal, the electric arrangements transform the urban folksinger into a folk-rocker. The album includes his most famous song, "Everybody's Talkin'," made famous by Harry Nilsson in 1967 for Midnight Cowboy. Neil's version, as many critics have noted, is a revelation. His trademark resonant vocals and the lack of a slick pop production give the song a more natural, down to earth feel. These tracks are classic folk-rock. The last seven cuts from Sessions are looser and sound more like outtakes than finished studio work. Adding to this loose feel is the extraordinary length of "Cynicrustpeterfredjohn Raga," "Look Over Yonder," and "Roll on Rosie" (each are over eight minutes). After the Fred Neil cuts, these are mostly disappointing, though it's kind of nice to be able to follow the arch of his career. The title of Do You Ever Think of Me? comes from the album's lead track, "The Dolphins," one of Neil's most ambitious originals. With good liner notes and an attractive package, Do You Ever Think of Me? provides a good starting place for those unfamiliar with the art of Fred Neil.