Hello, Dolly

Press, 21 December 1978, Page 15

Hello, Dolly

DOLLY PARTON “Heartbreaker” (RCA APLI 2797); Although Dolly Parton has now three albums out, this is the first I have had the chance to review.

There is no ignoring the cover. Dolly is dressed in a soft, pink evening dress, and according to the “Melody Maker” reviewer of this album, it reflects the attempts to capture the FM or rack-music market.

Her first two albums featured her in denim, and though she cornered the AM-Country sector, unlike Ronstadt she failed to impress the FM market. Again according to the “Melody Maker” reviewer, such singles as “Here You Come Again” went to No. 1 on the United States

country charts before making an impression on the ordinary charts, and Zella Lehr, an “indifferent” singer took “Two Doors Down” off Parton’s second album and made it a C and W hit.

The emphasis is on lush strings, but two songs manage to overcome the MOR mushiness, including “It’s Too Late To Love Me Now” and “Nickels and Dimes.”

However, over-all, it is difficult to distinguish the difference between tracks, and at least that is one thing that is guaranteed with dear Linda.

ROD STEWART Have More Fun” (WEA BSK 3261); This is Rod at his footloose and fancy-free best. His cares are over, and he winks out from caressing a blonde on one side of the album cover and a blackhaired girl on the other. Taken literally, one interprets “Blondes Have More Fun” as a reference to women, immediately associating “blonde” with Marilyn Manroe. However, one realises that Rod’s own hair is blond, and then there isno mistake. This is Rod Stewart tongue in cheek as he wears it well, relaxed and, as One reviewer put it, implying that too much fun leads to misery — only he is putting us on.

The album opens with “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” but unlike the disco-soul singers who pretend the bump-and-grind bit, Stewart seems to be genuinely asking the question.

Britt Ekland comes into the picture on “Is That The Thanks I Get?” in which Stewart is a little put off that he is being sued.

Then the funny one, “attractive Female Wanted,” about a lonely guy wanting a bird, as long as she is attractive. The family is beginning to believe he is gay, but he must have been “queer” to write the sang in the first place. Typically, included is a Motown number, “Standing In The Shadows of Love,” and while the band plays at its best Rod adds a little twist by substituting some naughty words. “Scarred and Scared” is the worst track, about a loser about to face the noose. Worst song put out since Tom Jones sung “The Green Grass Of Home” on the same subject.

“Blondes Have More Fun” is just that — fun. ‘‘Atlantic Crossing,” “Tonight’s the Night,” and “Footloose and Fancy Free” are all better; but this album is Stewart — older, wiser, and relaxed. Great bedtime listening, which is where blondes. ..