Friday's Child vinyl

Before Lee Hazlewood would guarantee himself cultural immortality by essentially being the man who led Nancy Sinatra astray, he had already made an impressive name for himself as an influential figure in the American country scene, having collaborated with Duane Eddy on many of his biggest hits along with a number of other triumphs. This long-unavailable album, which was originally released in 1966 but re-released two years later as "Houston" to capitalise on the hit that Dean Martin had subsequently had with the song of the same name (included here) is a fine vehicle for Hazlewood's wry and charming brand of laidback country, which triumphs through its maverick spark and lyrical insights even when operating in relatively mainstream and sentimental avenues. A justly revered figure, Hazlewood's sleazy shtick sounded as strong as ever on "Friday's Child".