Fred Neil – Self-Titled

An elusive, private and troubled man, Fred Neil created only a handful of albums. Right in the middle of that seven-year run (1964-1971) stands his most fully realized work. So completely unforced and organic in its execution, it seems apt that it bears nothing more than his name for a title. Neil was averse to performing and not much happier in the studio, but this album took shape in large part because the sessions were under the guidance of producer Nik Venet, who understood Neil’s foibles and frailties. The set includes his two most well-known numbers, “Dolphins” and “Everybody’s Talkin'”. The latter’s international success when covered by Harry Nilsson bought Neil his independence from the music business. He devoted the rest of his days to the Dolphin Project, which he co-founded, and lived in Coconut Grove, Florida, until his death in 2001 at age 64.