Well, it’s all right even if you’re old and gray,
Well, it’s all right, you still got something to say.
Well, it’s all right, remember to live and let live,
Well, it’s all right, the best you can do is forgive.End of the Line, 1988
During the late 1980s, former Beatle George Harrison asked his friend Jeff Lynne (from ELO) to help produce his new album, Cloud Nine. During production, they discussed the idea of creating a ‘musical supergroup’ with other artists they liked, namely Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. Out of this was born the genius of the Traveling Wilburys, which specialised in country/folk rock and was much acclaimed at the time.
Today, we take a look at the background of the group, and the release of their two albums, Vol. 1 and Vol. 3, released in 1988 and 1990 respectively.
Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988)
The creation of the Wilburys group, and their debut album, occured almost entirely by accident. The story goes that the members were in town (in LA) at Bob Dylan’s studio recording a B-side for Harrison’s new single, when they all got together and recorded ‘Handle with Care’. When presenting the single to the executives at Warner Bros., the execs stated the song was far too good as a B-side. Encouraged and supported, the group were motivated enough to record an album together, thus creating the Wilburys legend.
The album itself is a cracking listen, filled with brilliant vocals and groovy tunes. From the opening bars of Handle with Care it becomes evident that the gang are having a wonderful and brilliant time recording the music, filled with camaraderie and fellowship. No wonder then the opening track (and single) is excellent, with the groups vocals and instrumentation blending harmoniously to create a classic hit. Plus Roy Orbison’s voice is simply incredible on the bridge. The different musical backgrounds of the artists (Harrison, Lynne, Dylan, Orbison and Petty) also gives the album a diverse sound, with the tracks all having a unique feel.
Overall the album consists mainly of rock and folk tunes with some tracks working better than others. Dylan takes lead vocals on three songs – Dirty World, Congratulations and Tweeter and the Monkey Man, all which feature his signature American folk/blues sound. Whilst the former two are fun rockers (with Dylan having an excellent time performing), his raspy voice just doesn’t work for me sadly. Plus Congratulations is a bit too slow for me as a ballad, despite the nice guitar solo from Harrison. However, Dylan created (for me) a musical and lyrical masterpiece with Tweeter and the Monkey Man – an engrossing ballad telling the story of an undercover cop and a bunch of dodgy characters in New Jersey, whilst also paying homage to Bruce Springsteen. Easily the best track for me, with the guitar riffs and story being endlessly entertaining, and by far the track I play most on repeat, despite it being the longest on the album.
Elsewhere the album features a mix of different members on lead vocals and songwriting duties. Jeff Lynne shines on Rattled, a vintage rocker with a catchy drum and bass groove and guitar riffs. Petty and Orbison get lead vocals on Last Night, a fun and catchy rock track which is elevated by Orbison’s voice describing a beautiful, but dangerous woman at a bar. Both tracks are probably something you would probably hear on a 1960s/70s radio on the road. Roy Orbison shines on Not Alone Any More is a golden masterpiece with his haunting and timeless voice. This is an incredible listen – easily one of the best tracks on the album. It is a real tragedy he passed only two months after the albums release, just when he was experiencing a musical resurgence after a long period of career decline. Another hit is the uptempo Heading for the Light – bursting with sound and musical energy, with Harrison having a great time on lead vocals accompanied by a lively sax solo and excellent guitar riffs. Margarita shares the infectious energy, but is by the far the strangest track on the album. I’m not sure if it completely works – there is a lot going on musically, and I feel it is a tad overprocessed (with the synthesizer present), but it is fun nonetheless – like the drink.
The album concludes with End of the Line, again with all members on lead vocals, with a nice message emphasising love, care and friendship – core themes that created the group. The positivity on the track is infectious and brings the album to a wonderful close. Tom Petty’s voice is also delightful (for me).
The Wilburys debut album, Vol. 1, is an excellent and charming album filled with interesting and delightful tunes. Highly recommended for the rock enthusiast.
Rating: 8/10
Best song: Tweeter and the Monkey Man
Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 (1990)
Hot off the critical and commercial success of their debut album, the Wilburys regrouped in 1990 to record their follow up, mischieveously titled Vol. 3. Compared to their debut album, Vol. 3 received lukewarm and mixed reviews, but still generated moderate commercial success, with lead single She’s My Baby peaking at no. 2 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, and the album peaking at no. 11 in the US.
The Wilburys groovy tunes continues on Vol. 3, with an excellent blend of rock, folk and blues tunes about. Whilst there are some excellent tracks and highlights, the songs do sound a lot more similar and homogenous than the heights of Vol. 1, lacking its thematic and musical variety. This is largely due to the increased influence and input from Bob Dylan as lead vocalist and songwriter, with his folk tracks being overall similar in sound and tone. George Harrison (the band’s de facto leader) also noticeably has a reduced role on the album overall. However it is the significant absence of of Roy Orbison and his voice (who sadly passed after the first album’s release) which is most felt, missing the X-factor spark that the first album had.
The album opens with She’s My Baby – a thunderous rock track filled with vocals from all four members and bursting with lively energy – easily one of the best opening tracks on any rock album! Inside Out is another excellent track, with Dylan’s lead vocals being complemented with Harrison and Petty on some sections, with a memorable chorus easy to sing along to. The Devil’s Been Busy is another highlight with lead vocals from all members whilst also featuring Harrison’s signature sitar. New Blue Moon is, unfortunately for me, not very memorable, despite the combined lead vocals.
Dylan’s influence is also strong throughout the album. If You Belonged to Me features a delightful harmonica solo with its folk tune, and is peak Dylan. 7 Deadly Sins is a classic doo-wop featuring a funky saxophone and a relaxed tone, probably my favourite of his tracks. Where Were You Last Night is a typical Dylan folk tune, and not particularly memorable for me, despite him having fun as the scorned lover.
Petty also takes over vocals on Poor House, Cool Dry Place and You Took My Breath Away. His vocals are a tad goofy and high pitched on Poor House for me, but the groovy slide guitar from Harrison more than makes up for it with its catchy beat and blues tone. Cool Dry Place is a highlight for me with Petty singing about… moving his musical instruments into storage?! Hmm. There are some cracking lyrics and a funky guitar solo though. You Took My Breath Away is a loving tribute ballad to Roy Orbison, but highlights his notable absence (and would’ve been far better with him on it).
Finally, the album concludes with Wilbury Twist, a fun rocker filled with danceable energy and an exciting ending but which is ultimately forgettable.
Whilst not reaching the creative and musical peaks of Vol. 1, Vol. 3 is nonetheless a solid and enjoyable album filled with funky and groovy tunes for good entertainment.
Favourite track: She’s My Baby
Rating: 6/10
Andrew Reviews 