Greatest Hits [Best of]

This 1978 compilation (reissued several times on different labels) is a fine introduction to the work of snaggletoothed Scots-Canuck troubadour Murray McLauchlan. MM is probably best known in the US for the classic "Child's Song" which was first recorded by Tom Rush in 1970 on his self-titled album for CBS records.

The pieces on "Greatest Hits" span several albums (including MM's arguably most famous one, "Sweeping the Spotlight Away") as well as the cautionary 1975 hit single "Little Dreamer" and a then-new song, "Exiles", which had not been released separately at the time of this compilation. For purists' sake, it should be noted that the versions of "Child's Song" and the raucous raveup "Honky Red" which appear here are not the ones from the long-unavailable 1971 LP "Song from the Street" but are in fact re-recordings done expressly for this retrospective.

In addition to the expected singing and strumming, MM also accompanies himself very well on piano, harmonica and squeaky melodium organ at various points on the record. In spots (particularly on "Boulevard"), his harmonica playing reminds this reviewer of the late Peter Ivers, although I am pretty sure neither one was an influence on the other in this regard.

Never one to adhere too firmly to any particular genre, "Greatest Hits" finds MM mining a wealth of musical idioms, such as blues ("Honky Red"), folk ("Farmer's Song") and, well, hard rock ("Hard Rock Town"). His songwriting reflects a sincere, thoughtful and unashamedly working-class perspective, in which underdog protagonists experience the full palette of emotion, from despair ("Shoeshine Workin' Song", "Do You Dream of Being Somebody?") to simmering anger ("Hard Rock Town") to disillusionment ("Little Dreamer") to unabashed joy ("Boulevard", "Down by the Henry Moore").

In true singer-songwriter tradition, MM does not miss the chance to also comment on more topical concerns - for example, urbanization ("Farmer's Song"), homelessness and its accompanying issues ("Honky Red") and diasporas both cultural and personal ("Exiles"). However, it must be stated that his magic is probably most evident on his more personal pieces. Even after nearly four decades, "Child's Song" is still one of the most honest, heartbreaking pieces about growing up and leaving home that has ever been written. And "Maybe Tonight" always makes me smile (although some would no doubt consider the subject matter very un-PC today).

In short, you will not regret buying "Greatest Hits"; the music will stay with you long after the needle has left the vinyl (oh, am I dating myself here?). And if nothing else, the record is worth the price of purchase alone for the priceless cover photo of MM standing next to a scuffed-up mural of a basket of fruit.

Thank you, Murray. Stay well.

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