My Amazon Reviews: Andrew Gold "Thank You for Being a Friend: The Best Of Andrew Gold"

[blackleatherbookshelf]

"That's MISTER Mellowmeister to you."
4 Out Of 5 Stars

Andrew Gold was a first rate tunesmith who was often overlooked behind the stellar company he frequently worked with. He came from a musical family, started his first band with the likes of Karla Bonoff and Wendy Waldman, played and wrote on several of Linda Ronstadt's early classics like "Hasten Down The Wind." As a solo performer, he's best known for the 70's kitsch classic "Lonely Boy" and for the perennial friendship song (and theme to The Golden Girls) "Thank You For Being a Friend." He also had a wry sense of humor; the title of this review comes from a letter he once wrote to Rolling Stone magazine when they made a snotty comment about his production on a Nicolette Larson album as being an LA Mellowmeister, he sent them the aforementioned comment in response.

Which is probably why I've owned several of Andrew's albums (including Wax's "Magnetic Heaven") over the years. While this compilation sticks to Gold's four albums from his tenure at Elektra/Asylum, it gives a terrific overview of Gold's easy and straight-to-the-point songwriting. His two hits are both naturally here, but you may find yourself recognizing a 70's song or two as the disc plays out. Freddie Mercury sang backup vocals on the romantic "Never Let Her Slip Away." "Endless Flight" enchanted Leo Sayer enough that he both recorded it and used it for the title of his 1976 album. "The Final Frontier" was heard for many years as the opening theme for Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt's "Mad About You" (until Anita Baker re-recorded it later).

In a more just world, Andrew Gold would have been a star on the level of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald or a handful of other California singer/songwriters. "Thank You For Being a Friend" gathers 20 songs as convincing proof that Gold ranked with the best of them. (Sure would have been nice to have Wax's near-hit "Right Between The Eyes" or Gold's spry version of "Do Wah Daddy" here, though.) His untimely passing in June 2011 at the age of 59 made me sad, to the point where I hit the repeat on "Never Let Her Slip Away" for much of the afternoon. Here is a hope he gets the recognition now that he deserves.

   

Comments

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

Have a great weekend - and stay cool!

[notmypresident.livejournal.com]

I was crushed when I found out Gold and that gorgeous beard were straight. Sigh.

Stephen Bishop must be next on your list (unless you've already covered him).

[tim brough (from livejournal.com)]

I had major hots of Andrewm yes. I was also lucky enough to interview Bishop when he tried for a laye 80's comeback on "Bowling In Paris."

[notmypresident.livejournal.com]

I was also lucky enough to interview Bishop

How was he? I've always wondered if he lived up to his persona of being a quiet, nice guy.

[tbrough.livejournal.com]

The interview was a brief one, over the phone. He was polite and funny, and I told him I thought "Puts On Sinatra and starts to cry" was one of the best lines ever written in an American song.