Rodd Keith

"'Song Poems Wanted' read the ads. 'We need new ideas for recording!' The send-us-your-lyrics business was a borderline scam, taking whatever lyrics came their way from would-be songwriters and -- for a fee -- setting them to music. None of the results ever came close to being a hit, and to be sure, the vast majority was sufficiently bland or clumsy to insure no great karmic loss in their instant obscurity and miniscule press runs. But Rodd Keith -- the late, great genius whose prolific output was almost completely confined to the song-poem industry -- had a knack for turning sow's ears into silk purses. The nature of the business required him to work quickly, with no second takes, and his skill at writing and arranging on the fly was not unlike that of a master improviser. When at his best, he put his unique musical stamp on some lucky customer's submission. My Pipe Yellow Dream is the second Roaratorio anthology of the highlights of Rodd Keith's work. Compiling fifteen previously unreissued songs from 1966 through his death in 1974 -- including a never-before-heard cover of 'Choo Choo Train' -- My Pipe Yellow Dream showcases the full range of his talents. From exquisite mid-'60s pop balladry ('Deep Velvet') to blue-eyed soul ('You Don't Have To Alibi') to folk-rock ('Tired Of Waiting') to solo Chamberlain creations ('Red Sports Car') to gospel testifying ('O Jesus My Savior') to a pair of patriotic screeds (the all-spoken word 'America The Not So Beautiful' and the bizarre-world lounge funk of 'Search Out Your Soul, American'), this collection continues the rehabilitation of Rodd Keith's recorded legacy from thrift-shop throwaway to celebrated cult artist. A limited edition LP in a gorgeous gatefold jacket, with artwork by Josh Journey-Heinz and liner notes from song-poem vocalist Dick Kent. Digital download coupon included."