Search - Hurricane Smith :: From Me to You (Reis)

Astonishing--especially for an octogenarian!

Craig A. Buxton | Midlothian, Virginia | 08/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Hurricane Smith, also known as Norman Smith, aka E.S. Smith, was a producer on the early Beatles albums up through 1965 with "Rubber Soul." He was 49 years old when he had an unexpected hit in 1972 with "Oh Babe, What Would You Say?" (He died on March 3, 2008 at age 85.)

This CD came out within the last few years (can't find a date on it anywhere), produced by his son. It features re-recordings of his archival 70s output, a jaunty cover of the Beatles' "From Me to You," and ends with an extensive, illuminating interview with his son--this would be of special interest to fans and completists of Beatles and Pink Floyd.

His voice and arrangements are acquired tastes and of dubious re-play value to folks other than collectors and die-hard fans, hence the 3 stars. (If you're a fan of "Oh Babe," you might be happier purchasing "Don't Let it Die.")

Hurricane Smith stands on his own as a remarkable artist with a genuinely fascinating story, delightful humility, and clever English wit."