Consumer Guide Album

Bobby Bare: Lullabys, Legends and Lies [RCA Victor, 1973]
I admit to a weakness for Shel Silverstein, who wrote all fourteen songs on this record--or rather, these two records, as this is Nashville's first country oratorio or something (subject: America or something). But even for a fan, Silverstein's jokes and tugs on the heartstrings wear thin after half an hour (if not ten minutes). Nor does the audience of cronies yukking it up and singing along do much for Bare's interpretations, which verge on the obvious under the best of circumstances. C+