Gregg Allman :: Laid Back (1973) / These Days

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Bluesy, languid and slow, Gregg Allman’s 1973 solo debut, Laid Back, comes off exactly as its title infers. Recorded after the deaths of his brother, Duane, and the Allman Brothers bassist, Berry Oakley, Laid Back finds Gregg stretching out and easing into swampy, country blues, soul, R&B and cover material (most notably the Jackson Browne penned tune “These Days” – See Below).

The album has always felt like a beautiful long, healthy sigh — a deep breath with Gregg exhaling and reflecting after major, major life changes. In sharp contrast to the Allman Brothers Brothers & Sisters, which was released the same year, Laid Back is loose and relaxed, with Gregg’s voice, and organ work, out front and center.

Commercially, the LP is most notable for the re-recorded, downbeat and diirge-like version of the Brothers’ staple, “Midnight Rider,” but make no mistake, Laid Back is an early ’70s, southern, blue eyed soul treat from beginning to end.

Download:
MP3:
Gregg Allman :: These Days
MP3: Gregg Allman :: Queen of Hearts
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Amazon: Gregg Allman – Laid Back

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“Please Don’t Confront Me With My Failures, I have not forgotten them.” – These Days

Penned by a, then young and unknown, southern California singer-songwriter, named Jackson Browne, and originally sung by Nico on her 1967 solo debut, Chelsea Girl, “These Days” has long been one of my favorite lyrical confessions. Whether it’s Nico’s, now classic, reading or Gregg Allman’s lonesome country blues, the essence of the song comes through every time.

Within its frame, it bears the great line, “Please Don’t Confront Me With My Failures, I have not forgotten them,” that seems to resonate with every artist who has ever covered it.

Download:
MP3: Nico :: These Days
MP3: St. Vincent :: These Days
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Amazon: Nico – Chelsea Girl

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15 thoughts on “Gregg Allman :: Laid Back (1973) / These Days

  1. I read in Rolling Stone once that the 17yo Jackson Browne had an affair with Nico. Of course, Rolling Stone is never wrong, Nico is dead, and Jackson Browne is a shell of what he once was.

  2. Greg recorded early Jackson Browne song “Cast off all my Fears” with HourGlass. Also, Greg alters “These Days” line about his failures to “I’m aware of them.” Great version and great album.

  3. It’s great to see some props givin’ to Brother Gregg and this album. It’s absolutely timeless. If you like this one, check out “The Gregg Allman Tour” album from the Laid Back tour. Absolutely mindblowing!

  4. Studio records usually don’t express the true intensity of classic rock bands. These songs are exceptional. Thanks.

  5. Great album–but don’t forget the backing band, Cowboy. Scott Boyer & Tommy Talton, also backed Gregg on the tour and play on the live album. they put out a couple great albums of their own in the early 70’s.

  6. I have herd Jackson Browne, on multiple occasions, in introducing “These Days” credit Gregg Allman with teaching him how to sing. He’s right. If you go back to Jackson’s recordings prior to hanging with Gregg dude sounds like a girl. He found ‘his voice” after working with Gregg.

  7. Gregg Allmans version of this soul is soulfoul and hearty – I haoppen to love Jackson browne BIOTH early and later day (til present) but i crave to hear this song done by soulful gregg – the music is better, the voice and of course the pain that comes through – i play this song on my guitar, stick on the capo on the 5th fret and play away….its fun to play and great to get out your emotions to – Gregg Just happens to rock on his version!

  8. Gregg Allmans version of this song is both soulful and hearty – I happen to love Jackson Browne, BOTH early and later day (up until his very til present CD, the naked ride home) but i crave to hear this song done by soulful gregg – the music is better, the voice and of course the pain that comes through – i play this song on my guitar when im beginning, stick it on my capo’s 5th fret and play away….its fun to play and great to get out your emotions to – Gregg Just happens to rock on his version!

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