Recorded - July 26, 1968
Released - August 1968
#1 for week of September 21, 1968.
Well, after giving two reviews in a row that were rich and detailed with artist and song history, we're back to an artist, genre, and song that I can't give any history about based on my own knowledge. In fact, if it wasn't for this blog, I'd have never even known of this song's existence. On the big list of #1's, it's a tiny dot crammed in the middle of two massive multi-week chart toppers. Either way, I think it would be an injustice if I didn't, once again, step out of my comfort zone. Time to review "Harper Valley PTA".
Just one look at a Jeannie C. Riley back in the day and you know that she was a country singer. For whatever reason, the later '60's and early '70's were a time of glamour for the women of Country. From Bobbie Gentry, to Lynn Anderson, to especially Dolly Pardon in the 1970's, these woman all dressed in fancy dresses and their hair was long and elegant. Perhaps it was a way of celebrating going from rags to riches. After all, countless musicians, not just Country artists, have started from the bottom and worked their way up top.
Jeannie C. Riley wasn't too many years into her career when she recorded "Harper Valley PTA". I was at first excited about the idea of a Country artist singing a a song that has such a progressive viewpoint for its time, (The right to wear whatever you want without being judged). Then of course, I realized that the song was written by an outside songwriter, (Tom Hall), and also unlike the more bluesy "Ode To Billie Joe", this song is very Country sounding. Bummer...
Actually, speaking of the blues, "Harper Valley PTA" is set in a 12-bar blues pattern. I do appreciate the numerous mini-guitar solos that occur after each vocal line, and for a Country artist, I do think Jeannie give a good vocal performance. However, there are no choruses, only verse after verse. Thus, the song does seem to drag on a bit too long.
I imagine it was the rather un-Country theme of the song that made it click with the pop public. Heck, even a movie based on the song was made in 1978, so that's quite an accomplishment. With that being said, the lyrics sound very dated by today's standards. In an era where washed up pop stars dress in next-to-nothing and make fools of themselves in front of millions, getting upset because someone's daughter is wearing a mini-skirt seems like eons ago.
Final Verdict - I'm personally a bit indifferent to "Harper Valley PTA". It's by no means a bad song, but it also doesn't have enough pizzazz or hooks to keep me entertained. Even not being a fan of the genre, it didn't Wow me. However, if you're a fan of the genre, perhaps you'll think differently.
Coming Up Next - "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock, of the Rock Valley PTA -
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