Kenny Rogers & the First Edition – “Listen To The Music” (Reprise RSLP 6352) November 1969

It has to be said that The First Edition, led by future Country star Kenny Rogers, were much more popular in USA than here in Great Britain. As a matter of fact this was the first album release that the group enjoyed in this country. They had some decent sized hits in America that did nothing elsewhere around the world.

One of those popular numbers “I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)”, has been compiled numerous times. During the summer of 1969 The First Edition had a surprise Top 5 single in the UK charts with “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” . I’m sure that the positivity surrounding that disc prompted the Reprise label to release this LP over here to cash in on that success.

Country hippies

The First Edition were now known as Kenny Rogers & the First Edition. He was being the one pushed right out in front, all big hair and bushy lumberjack beard. Looking at the album cover though gives a strong hint that the other group members were also country-hippies.

The music contained on the LP is quite pleasant, full of plaintive country ballads and orchestrated pop. On occasions a foray into a more folk-rock sound, including delicate male / female harmonising.

One particular stand out track is the Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil number “Listen To The Music”. This is perhaps better known as a track from the film “Wild In The Streets”. The group responsible for the film cut was The Second Time. They also released their psychedelic raver as a Tower label 45, and it’s well worth tracking down.

The First Edition utilise a different arrangement and tempo, going for a more laid-back take with folk-rock melodies. Other versions of “Listen To The Music”:

The Graduates (GNP Crescendo) May 1968
The New Dawn (RCA Victor) July 1968
The Second Time (Tower) August 1968
The Will-O-Bees (SGC) August 1968
Cannary Row (Sweet Peach) June 1969