88: Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show – Sloppy Seconds

: Cover of Sloppy Seconds

When I was eight I was given Dr. Hook's Sloppy Seconds (1971). I can't remember the logic of giving an eight-year-old such a raunchy album. Believe it or not, I didn't get any of the meaning of the lyrics in this outrageous album but I played it relentlessly, memorizing every filthy word. As time passed, it was like another White Album; I realize I've owned the 8-track, cassette, LP, and CD. Now it's freshly ripped and on my PC. I guess filth can be comforting. It must be my recessive white trash genes.

Anyway, the album is good. Many of the songs from Sloppy Seconds have been remade by more famous artists. "Queen of the Liver Dollar" ended up becoming a country staple for several artists. "Get My Rocks Off" I've heard done by numerous bar bands. And then there's "Cover of the Rolling Stone", which has become a rock anthem for many bands.

Dr. Hook is actually band, not the dude with the patch on his eye. That's Ray Sawyer, the band's singer. After Sloppy Seconds the band went on to make traditional light 70s forgettable rock like "Sexy Eyes" (yuck) and "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" (double-yuck).

I don't think there's anything monumental about Sloppy Seconds other than the fun that was captured in a studio and spills out when played. But it remains one of my favorite albums, like that ratty old t-shirt I can't bring myself to stop wearing.

If you sum up Sloppy Seconds, it would be that you can create an album full of tongue-in-cheek, melodramatic, country rock and carve out a small legacy for yourself.