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Home  >  John Phillips  >  John, The Wolf King of L.A.

John Phillips

John, The Wolf King of L.A.

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Rated Member Rating by Merlin on 11/13/2006

File under: lost classic. John Phillips’ first solo album, John, The Wolf King of L.A., is a complete masterpiece that somehow slipped through the deep cracks of the late 60’s--Dylan’s Nashville Skyline and The Flying Burrito Brothers’ Gulided Palace of Sin would be remembered as the groundbreaking country-rock albums of the year (1969). It has been nearly impossible to find on CD until last month--now available with seven previously unreleased bonus tracks through the Varese Sarabande label.

In 1969 John Phillips assembled an all-star band to lay down the laid back, countrified tracks that make up his solo debut. The band consisted of the best of Memphis (Elvis’ band), the best of L.A. (The Wrecking Crew), and backing vocals from the Spector associated girl group, The Blossoms. The result was an amazingly tight record that didn’t take itself too seriously (studio chatter can be heard throughout), yet it was incredibly personal with songs about love, drugs, gear theft, and other less-depressing topics.

Wolf King starts off with the foggy, drug-induced country tune, “April Anne.” Outside of the aforementioned bad-ass band gently tearing shit up, John Phillips lays down some insanely awesome lyrics. The song is about long-time love interest, Michelle, and her involvement with some of L.A.’s most eligible bachelors--“the jingle jagged faggot friend” is Gene Clark of the Byrds, “the easy rider” is Jack Nicholson--and contains brilliant narcotic imagery such as “the sash around your waist it turned to lead.”

“Topanga Canyon” ranks up there with The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man” as one of the best songs ever written about scoring drugs. Phillips starts it off with, “Sometimes I drive out to Topanga / And I park my car in the sand / Watching and waiting for a pick-up / From my man.” He continues with, “Oh, Mary. I’m in deep water and it’s way over my head”--admitting that he has a problem. The Blossoms (fronted by Darlene Love) add soulful gospel backing vocals to this heartfelt admission.

The album picks up for the first time with the playful side one closer, “Drum”--a song about the theft of John’s “black Pearl drums” by “those junkie bums.” Phillips continues this more upbeat feel throughout side two with “Let It Bleed, Genevieve,” Down The Beach,” and “Mississippi.” However flawless Wolf King is, “Down The Beach” contains the only sure misfire of the album--a terrible Louis Armstrong scat impression. Ouch!

Phillips closes Wolf King out around the same place he started it. “Holland Tunnel” is a somber, but optimistic, tale of leaving town and finding hope in the land of sunshine and palm trees--L.A.--much like The Mamas & the Papas did just four years earlier.

John, The Wolf King of L.A. would stand as Phillips’ only solo album released in his lifetime--a completely brilliant one that was curiously ignored in a year of so many other great albums.
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Album Details

  • Year: 1969
  • Label: Dunhill
  • Producer: Lou Adler
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This is a real nice blend of country, rock, folk, and pop influences. And the musicianship is top notch. ... [READ REVIEW]
Rated Member Rating by benjyc on 02/22/2006
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