Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. is
Jim Nabors' first album and his only comedy album. Sung entirely in the Gomer Pyle persona, the album holds up thanks to
Nabors' genuine singing talent and mostly excellent songs by
Billy Edd Wheeler,
Roger Miller, and
John D. Loudermilk.
David Gates, later of
Bread, arranged and conducted the album and wrote three songs especially for
Nabors. Most of the cuts are in a country novelty vein, but "Old Blue" is a relatively serious story-song about a dog, and "Heart Insurance" is performed in a '50s rock & roll style. Song titles like "Gomer Seys Hey!" and "Shazam!" may not inspire high expectations, but listeners with a healthy appreciation for country comedy and the artists behind this project will be pleasantly surprised.