LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Originally released by Ovation Records in 1970, Sidewalks Talking is the only album recorded by Chicago musicians Chuck Hollins and David Starr. Their music occupies an unusual space between psychedelic folk, dreamy pop, jazz-influenced songwriting and occasional bursts of funk and experimental rock.

Gentle vocal harmonies, piano, acoustic guitar and flute shape the reflective atmosphere of “Talking to Myself,” “Krishna Dov” and “John Hurt.” Elsewhere, fuzz guitar, percussion, bells and adventurous orchestration create sharper contrasts. The anti-war “Hard Headed Woman” is the album’s most forceful moment, while “Vivace” reveals the duo’s classical influences and the title track returns to their relaxed, drifting psychedelic style.

This limited Lion Productions edition was mastered from the original tapes and presents the complete thirteen-track album on heavyweight vinyl. It is housed in an old-style tip-on jacket and includes a four-page insert with an essay about the recording and background information on the original Ovation label.

1. Talking to Myself
2. Krishna Dov
3. Cry Baby Cry
4. Twin City Prayer
5. John Hurt
6. Hard Headed Woman

1. Home?
2. Vivace (Second Movement from Unaccompanied Sonata in A Minor)
3. Lovable
4. Digress
5. Stayin’ High
6. Sidewalks Talking
7. Feelin’ Good

Edition: Limited heavyweight-vinyl reissue of 750 copies

Source: Mastered from the original tapes

Packaging: Old-style tip-on jacket with four-page historical insert