Hey Joe
By The Leaves
| . | . | . | . |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Track listing
Show track credits
- A1 Dr. Stone 2:20
-
writer
-
John Beckwriter
-
- A2 Just a Memory 2:16
-
writer
-
- A3 Get Out of My Life, Woman 2:45
-
writer
-
- A4 Girl From the East 2:55
-
writer
-
- A5 He Was a Friend of Mine 3:22
-
writer
-
- A6 Hey Joe 2:48
- B1 Words 2:28
-
writer
-
writer
-
- B2 Back on the Avenue 3:04
-
Robert Lee Reinerwriter
-
writer
-
writer
-
Tom Raywriter
-
John Beckwriter
-
- B3 War of Distortion 2:07
-
writer
-
- B4 Tobacco Road 2:08
-
writer
-
- B5 Good-Bye My Lover 3:08
-
A. McNallywriter
-
C. Penderwriter
-
- B6 Too Many People 3:13
-
writer
-
writer
-
- Total length: 32:34
Rate/Catalog
Catalog
Set listening
Review
To rate, slide your finger across the stars from left to right.
8 Issues
10 Reviews
This was a sensational album when it hit the streets back in 1966 ... yet unlike The Byrds, The Stones, or even Bob Dylan, The Leaves seemed to have bounced out of nowhere, taking full advantage of the times and the counter culture. Yet even as fine as this release was, there was something different about it, like it wasn’t pure, as if it were a business adventure, reminding me of The Strawberry Alarm Clock, solid music, but just lacking that something that was needed to carry them forward.
Never the less, they nailed some great covers like “Tobacco Road” [a staple of nearly everyone] and unexpectedly “He Was A Friend Of Mine.” Not meaning to be too hard on the boys, they certainly gave much more than nods to their influences, nearly ripping off Dylan, The Beatles, Bo Diddley, and of course The Rolling Stones. But what keeps The Leaves alive in the hearts and minds of so many, was there take on the song “Hey Joe,” which they held off till the middle of the album ... and that was the beginning of a new classic, a song still covered by many, with few doing a bad job on it; though I will say that the live version by Tragically Hip is perhaps the most original.
This release was nearly a perfect example of folk-rock, and drawing so deeply from their influences was probably their downfall, they didn’t present enough of themselves ... and who wants to hear copies when the originals are so much better.
At any rate ... don’t miss this one.
The Saga of “Hey Joe” ...
After a rather lengthy discussion with Hiller Resner [who produced Billy Roberts' album], which I will paraphrase, the song “Hey Joe” was written, copyrighted, and penned by one Billy Roberts back in 1961 or ‘62, shortly after a very uncomfortable divorce. Resner claims that Billy played him the song on his 12 string, and also showed him the copyright, before returning to San Francisco with Resner where he played at several coffee houses, including the Grant Avenue.
After that, Billy like so many decided that what he needed to do was to travel the country, which he did, returning to San Francisco in 1965, just as The Leaves Of Grass released their recording of “Hey Joe,” with Dino Valenti claiming to have written it, and published it through Third Story Music. Billy immediately contacted Valenti through his lawyer Martin Cohen [the lawyer for Third Story], and proved that he [Billy Roberts] had indeed written the song, and had the first and original publishing and copyrights ... based on this evidence Third Story removed Valenti’s name as writer of the song provided that Billy give them [Valenti and The Leaves] a share of the royalties in perpetuity. And such is the music business.
Billy Roberts recorded but one album entitled Thoughts Of California in 1970, it did not include the song “Hey Joe,” though a number of versions of the song were recorded by Billy, including a Disco version featuring drummer Joey Covington of the Jefferson Starship.
“Hey Joe” [The Original Lyrics]
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
Chasin' my woman, she run off with another man.
Goin downtown, buy me a Forty Four.
Goin downtown, buy me a Forty Four.
When I get through that woman won't run no more.
Hey Joe, what are you gonna do?
Hey Joe, what are you gonna do?
Take my pistol, and kill her before I'm through
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman dead.
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman dead.
Yes I did, got both of them lying in that bed
Hey Joe, where do you think you'll go?
Hey Joe, do you think you'll go?
Leaving here think I'll go to Mexico.
Yes I'm going, going where a man can be free.
Yes I'm going, going where a man can be free.
'cause ain't no hangman gonna put no noose on me ...
Billy Roberts sung and played "Hey Joe" with John Cippolina, Nick Gravenites, Greg Elmore and Dave Killmer at Club 9, San Francisco, August 20, 1986. John and Greg were members of the Quicksilver Messenger Service. Billy was introduced as a great songwriter. His biggest hit was a song recorded by more people than I can probably mention ... "Hey Joe"
Check it out on You Tube: Hey Joe
Never the less, they nailed some great covers like “Tobacco Road” [a staple of nearly everyone] and unexpectedly “He Was A Friend Of Mine.” Not meaning to be too hard on the boys, they certainly gave much more than nods to their influences, nearly ripping off Dylan, The Beatles, Bo Diddley, and of course The Rolling Stones. But what keeps The Leaves alive in the hearts and minds of so many, was there take on the song “Hey Joe,” which they held off till the middle of the album ... and that was the beginning of a new classic, a song still covered by many, with few doing a bad job on it; though I will say that the live version by Tragically Hip is perhaps the most original.
This release was nearly a perfect example of folk-rock, and drawing so deeply from their influences was probably their downfall, they didn’t present enough of themselves ... and who wants to hear copies when the originals are so much better.
At any rate ... don’t miss this one.
The Saga of “Hey Joe” ...
After a rather lengthy discussion with Hiller Resner [who produced Billy Roberts' album], which I will paraphrase, the song “Hey Joe” was written, copyrighted, and penned by one Billy Roberts back in 1961 or ‘62, shortly after a very uncomfortable divorce. Resner claims that Billy played him the song on his 12 string, and also showed him the copyright, before returning to San Francisco with Resner where he played at several coffee houses, including the Grant Avenue.
After that, Billy like so many decided that what he needed to do was to travel the country, which he did, returning to San Francisco in 1965, just as The Leaves Of Grass released their recording of “Hey Joe,” with Dino Valenti claiming to have written it, and published it through Third Story Music. Billy immediately contacted Valenti through his lawyer Martin Cohen [the lawyer for Third Story], and proved that he [Billy Roberts] had indeed written the song, and had the first and original publishing and copyrights ... based on this evidence Third Story removed Valenti’s name as writer of the song provided that Billy give them [Valenti and The Leaves] a share of the royalties in perpetuity. And such is the music business.
Billy Roberts recorded but one album entitled Thoughts Of California in 1970, it did not include the song “Hey Joe,” though a number of versions of the song were recorded by Billy, including a Disco version featuring drummer Joey Covington of the Jefferson Starship.
“Hey Joe” [The Original Lyrics]
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that money in your hand?
Chasin' my woman, she run off with another man.
Goin downtown, buy me a Forty Four.
Goin downtown, buy me a Forty Four.
When I get through that woman won't run no more.
Hey Joe, what are you gonna do?
Hey Joe, what are you gonna do?
Take my pistol, and kill her before I'm through
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman dead.
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman dead.
Yes I did, got both of them lying in that bed
Hey Joe, where do you think you'll go?
Hey Joe, do you think you'll go?
Leaving here think I'll go to Mexico.
Yes I'm going, going where a man can be free.
Yes I'm going, going where a man can be free.
'cause ain't no hangman gonna put no noose on me ...
Billy Roberts sung and played "Hey Joe" with John Cippolina, Nick Gravenites, Greg Elmore and Dave Killmer at Club 9, San Francisco, August 20, 1986. John and Greg were members of the Quicksilver Messenger Service. Billy was introduced as a great songwriter. His biggest hit was a song recorded by more people than I can probably mention ... "Hey Joe"
Check it out on You Tube: Hey Joe
Published
ADVERTISEMENT
The Leaves' debut is a great example of Hollywood club rock, circa 1966. These guys cover just about every musical sub-genre you'd expect, and accomplish it with gusto and good humor.
The album kicks off with some drugged-out Bo Diddley rock in the form of "Dr. Stone". If the Leaves had a signature sound, it was this type of off-kilter poppy/garage-y blend. The beautiful ballad "Just a Memory" is next, followed by a requisite blues cover in the form of "Get Out My Life, Woman".
"Girl from the East", provided by label-mate Bobby Jameson, is a real highlight. Props to the Leaves for showcasing this one. Next up is an folk rock cover of the Byrds' "He Was a Friend of Mine", where the group changes the lyrics around so that it no longer is about the death of a President, but seemingly about a pal of theirs.
"Hey Joe" is, of course, the big hit single here, a classic blast of garage fury. The reissue includes two additional early takes, but the album version heard here is the keeper, featuring Bobby Arlin's fuzz guitar. Side two kicks off with a cover of Boyce & Hart's "Words". Though the Monkees own this one, the Leaves' version isn't bad either. A great song is a great song.
"Back on the Avenue" is a r&b-infused guitar showcase for Arlin, and something of a throwaway, but "War of Distortion" demands to be heard. This is very early 1966 psychedelia, and it's interesting because the form was not fully developed yet. The Leaves had likely just turned on, and this musical reflection is a bit goofier and less serious than what would ultimately manifest as psychedelic rock a year down the road. It actually sounds more like the Mothers' concurrent "Who Are the Brain Police?" than anything else.
"Tobacco Road" is another blues cover, likely a holdover from their live set. "Good-Bye My Love" is another nice ballad in the same vein as "Just a Memory" and showcases the group's underrated three-part harmonies. The closing "Too Many People" is straight-up blues/garage punk with a paranoid bent. Amazing stuff.
Though the Leaves weren't in the same class as innovators like the Byrds or Love, they were definitely more than competent and occasionally inspired. The Hey Joe album is well worth checking out if you're at all interested in the Sunset Strip sound of 1966. (The Sundazed reissue, titled The Leaves Are Happening, is definitely the one to get. Its bonus tracks include their foray into sunshine pop with "Funny Little World", a Dylan cover in "Love Minus Zero" and two early takes on "Hey Joe".)
The album kicks off with some drugged-out Bo Diddley rock in the form of "Dr. Stone". If the Leaves had a signature sound, it was this type of off-kilter poppy/garage-y blend. The beautiful ballad "Just a Memory" is next, followed by a requisite blues cover in the form of "Get Out My Life, Woman".
"Girl from the East", provided by label-mate Bobby Jameson, is a real highlight. Props to the Leaves for showcasing this one. Next up is an folk rock cover of the Byrds' "He Was a Friend of Mine", where the group changes the lyrics around so that it no longer is about the death of a President, but seemingly about a pal of theirs.
"Hey Joe" is, of course, the big hit single here, a classic blast of garage fury. The reissue includes two additional early takes, but the album version heard here is the keeper, featuring Bobby Arlin's fuzz guitar. Side two kicks off with a cover of Boyce & Hart's "Words". Though the Monkees own this one, the Leaves' version isn't bad either. A great song is a great song.
"Back on the Avenue" is a r&b-infused guitar showcase for Arlin, and something of a throwaway, but "War of Distortion" demands to be heard. This is very early 1966 psychedelia, and it's interesting because the form was not fully developed yet. The Leaves had likely just turned on, and this musical reflection is a bit goofier and less serious than what would ultimately manifest as psychedelic rock a year down the road. It actually sounds more like the Mothers' concurrent "Who Are the Brain Police?" than anything else.
"Tobacco Road" is another blues cover, likely a holdover from their live set. "Good-Bye My Love" is another nice ballad in the same vein as "Just a Memory" and showcases the group's underrated three-part harmonies. The closing "Too Many People" is straight-up blues/garage punk with a paranoid bent. Amazing stuff.
Though the Leaves weren't in the same class as innovators like the Byrds or Love, they were definitely more than competent and occasionally inspired. The Hey Joe album is well worth checking out if you're at all interested in the Sunset Strip sound of 1966. (The Sundazed reissue, titled The Leaves Are Happening, is definitely the one to get. Its bonus tracks include their foray into sunshine pop with "Funny Little World", a Dylan cover in "Love Minus Zero" and two early takes on "Hey Joe".)
Published
I gotta say that I'm not a big fan of simple garage rock in general although there are some great 60's garage albums/bands out there that I enjoy. But I usually need some psychedelia added to the garage sound to find it interesting. The Leaves' debut LP Hey Joe certainly has some early psychedelic influences in some of the songs but overall there isn't enough of it for my taste. So I find their style to be rather generic in the garage rock genre.
There are several nice tracks here but also lots of material that I find to be pretty mediocre. I'm gonna rate this quite decent effort with three stars out of five. Hey Joe certainly has it's moments but I would have wanted the album to include more of those psychedelic elements.
There are several nice tracks here but also lots of material that I find to be pretty mediocre. I'm gonna rate this quite decent effort with three stars out of five. Hey Joe certainly has it's moments but I would have wanted the album to include more of those psychedelic elements.
Published
ADVERTISEMENT
California Melodic Pop Garage Rock Excursions
When the band brings in the fuzz guitar and more aggressive arrangements, that’s when they really standout, but their melodic mid-tempo'd songs are solid offerings as well. Standout Tracks: ‘Girl From The East’, ‘Hey Joe’, ‘Tobacco Road’ and ‘Too Many People’.Published
At a time when the two big trends in American music were garage rock and folk-rock, the Leaves somehow managed to fuse the pair together and come up with ... garage-folk! Their debut is obviously dated in a way that, say, Blonde On Blonde or Fifth Dimension -- both of which were contemporary releases -- haven't but it does sound like a fabulous relic, powerfully evoking the mid-1960s LA scene. There's a blast of pure energy that zaps the songs, which to be frank doesn't always help -- the ramshackle version of "He Was a Friend of Mine" pales next to, say, the Byrds' sensitive rendition, not to mention Dylan's -- but it works a treat on the originals (including their rip-off of the Stones' "2120 South Michigan Avenue", "Back on the Avenue") and Alan Toussaint's "Get Out Of My Life Woman". The best track is, of course, their fuzzed-up run through "Hey Joe", which won't erase memories of Hendrix but still sounds fab and was -- get this! -- the biggest hit version of that oft-covered song to ever make the US Top Forty. You'll never mistake the Leaves for Love or Buffalo Springfield; they were never touched by genius but they had enthusiasm in spades, and this is a fine reminder of a time when that was enough.
Published
Great fuzzy album, opens with with the fast paced 'Dr Stone' (a tip of the hat to Lennon/Mccartneys "Dr Robert"??!?... perhaps......only double time and with screaming harmonica!) and keeps its edge throughout. "Too many people" is a garage rant against social formalities... "wear a suit and tie, when i'd rather sit and die." fantastic. Of course "Hey Joe" is probably what this album is to be most remembered for but i think the leaves originals are just as iconic and innovative. great 66' sound.... and apparently Jim Pons went on to play with zappa
Published
Votes are used to help determine the most interesting content on RYM.
Vote up content that is on-topic, within the rules/guidelines, and will likely stay relevant long-term.
Vote down content which breaks the rules.
Vote up content that is on-topic, within the rules/guidelines, and will likely stay relevant long-term.
Vote down content which breaks the rules.
Catalog
16 May 2024
12 May 2024
2 Apr 2024
21 Feb 2024
11 Feb 2024
1 Feb 2024
25 Jan 2024
26 Dec 2023
3 Dec 2023
11 Nov 2023
7 Nov 2023
19 Oct 2023
-
A1
Dr. Stone
-
A2
Just a Memory
-
A3
Get Out of My Life, Woman
-
A4
Girl From the East
-
A5
He Was a Friend of Mine
-
A6
Hey Joe
-
B1
Words
-
B2
Back on the Avenue
-
B3
War of Distortion
-
B4
Tobacco Road
-
B5
Good-Bye My Lover
-
B6
Too Many People
10 Oct 2023
11 Sep 2023
14 Aug 2023
Contributions
Log in to submit a correction or upload art for this release