Castin' My Spell On You
© Copyright-Bill Dees
(809812008026)
Record Label: Borrowed
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This is the second album from the co-writer of “Oh, Pretty Woman”. Bill recorded the C.D. in Springfield Missouri and it features The Skeletons (Donnie Thompson, Lou Whitney, Lloyd Hicks, and Joe Terry) as the rhythm section.
Track Notes
1. Castin’ My Spell On You: Originally a ‘50s hit for Johnny Otis. Bill recalled this song from his youth and coincidentally it had been a Skeletons mainstay for many years. Jack Pribek provides some greasy slide guitar.
2. The Hurting Game: This song was written a few years after Bill and Roy Orbison had been actively collaborating. For whatever reason Roy never heard this song, it would have been a natural for him. Co-written with Mark Mathis of The Newbeats.
3. Sixteen Tons: Written by legendary guitarist Merle Travis and a huge hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford. Bill displays the big voice on this one. Joe Terrys’ piano solo is worth the price of admission.
4. False Prophets: A new song written with Jack Pribek featuring a haunting bridge section and touching on some new ground lyrically.
5. If I'd Only Known The Last Time: This song was first demoed as a Marty Robbins type thing. The Skeletons turn it into a rave up. Written with Wes Helm who Bill collaborated with on the Loretta Lynn hit “Me And Old Crazy Bill”.
6. Welcome To My Heart: An Orbison like ballad with Bill playing solo piano.
7. Welcome To My Heart (reprise): A second look at the melody featuring Lee Smith and Claude Coffmans’ nifty Dixieland horns.
8. No Rest For The Wicked: A lust ballad.
9. If You Start Walkin': A county gospel offering with a tent revival feel.
10. Hey Babe Where You Goin': Bills’ Tex-Mex roots show here. Funky horn chart written by Dave Abner and a blistering Donnie Thompson guitar solo.
11. Hick Town: Fishnet socks.
13. There’s A Song For Us: A gorgeous ballad written with Bills’ mom Dorine Dees.
Produced by Jack Pribek and Lou Whitney
Recorded by Lou Whitney
Mastered by Bob Stone
Musicians Don Thompson, Lloyd Hicks, Joe Terry, Lou Whitney, Jack Pribek, Lee Smith, Claude Coffman, Doyle Miller, Joel Johansen, Lou Thierbach, Carol Harrison, Janie Shutz, Tina Sibley, Bill Dees
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Don't miss listening to The Last Time...a powerful tune!
author: Tom Britton
Bill puts feeling into his songs and can hit the notes that Roy Orbison could hit. Nothing is lost in translation as Bill wrote most of these songs. What a talent!
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author: Andy Riggs
Pop trivia question - who co-wrote 'It's Over' & 'Pretty Woman' with Roy Orbison?
Well for those who didn't know (which includes me), it was Bill Dees. Bill is best known for his work with Roy Orbison and his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists - this record displays his pedigree with a fine mix of boisterous and genre hopping songs. For this record Bill has written most of the songs, plus covers of 'Sixteen Tons' and the title track which was a Johnny Otis hit way back. Bill has found support with a brilliant set of sidemen (The Skeletons) which include Bobby Lloyd Hicks (drums) & Joe Terry (keyboards) from Dave Alvin's Guilty Men. It's an effortless listen, switching from The Big O territory on the excellent 'Welcome To My Heart' which includes a stunning reprise on the piano plus the horn section. It's a catchy record that sprints along with great verve and energy, best demonstrated on 'No Rest For The Wicked' and the vaudeville sound on 'Has Anybody Seen Me Lately' and please hang on for the hidden track at the end. If ever there's a Wilbury reunion Bill should be asked to sit in for Roy.
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