Multimedia folk artist
Eric Von Schmidt was a primary proponent of the early '60s folk movement in the Harvard Square scene of Cambridge, MA.
2nd Right, 3rd Row (1973) is among
Von Schmidt's best efforts during the '70s and is likewise one of his most accessible titles thanks to the indie Tomato label. They also issued
Living on the Trail (2002) -- material recorded in the early '70s but unreleased until Tomato did the honors in the early 21st century. Along with a cast of notable luminaries,
Von Schmidt combines his rootsy and quirky originals with a few equally inspired cover versions. On the surface, the opening track "Turtle Beach" reveals itself as an ecological folk tune. However, lyrically he infuses the tale with keen observations on the human -- more so than the reptilian -- condition. Lines such as "High rise, low rise/Any kind of size rise/Build them down to the shore/Asphalt, concrete under my feet/ Turtles don't come there no more" reflect on what man has done to himself, as well as to the environment to which he/she inherited.
Maria Muldaur (vocals) provides a haunting vocal harmony that seems to hover over
Amos Garrett's (guitar) bluesy acoustic bottleneck slide.
Ben Keith (dobro) adds a sly laid-back twang to the insane "If I Ever Catch Old Perry." The seeming lyrical non-sequiturs are set against a homespun organic backdrop that even feature
Von Schmidt on kazoo. The background vocals and surreal words ("Yes, it's goodbye Old Perry/Your beard is full of turds") are much in line with the folkie Dadaism of
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks. The same is true of the trippy "Loop the Loop" with it's kazoo and duck call choir, which melodically buzz atop
Von Schmidt's hurdy-gurdy electric piano. Although listeners might presume that an attempt would be made on "Salute to China" to deal with a slightly more serious and concurrently hot political potato, they'd be wrong. The track is far from a minimalist affair, featuring sound effects of a ping-pong game in progress, as well as a pseudo-religious gong. Plus, with the lyrics "Well, what could be finer than Nixon over in China/Oh, Eatin' fried rice, ain't a thing quite as nice/Pat, she went too/I believe they shot through..." anything is fair game for satire. The standard "Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies," however, is given its respectful due and features an absolutely beautiful reading with some lyrical and touching inflections from Campo Malaqua (accordion).
Von Schmidt's vocals are at their emotive peak and the performance stands as the album's uncut gem. The same can be said of "My Country 'Tis of Thee," concluding
2nd Right, 3rd Row with a stunningly simplistic and obvious heartfelt sentiment. ~ Lindsay Planer