Pearly Shells

AMG Review of Pearly Shells

Greg Adams
All Music Guide

The full title of this album is Burl Ives Sings Pearly Shells and Other Favorites. "Pearly Shells" was only a minor hit, but the album made the Top 100 and was one of Ives' most successful LPs. A number of excellent story songs are presented, including "Lynching Party" (the tale of an innocent man who falls prey to a mob) and "Lower Forty" (about hard times on the family farm). "Kentucky Turkey Buzzard" is the sort of novelty Ives was recording regularly during this period, and Owen Bradley's production throughout is very appealing: muted and precise, with the Anita Kerr Singers prominently featured. Ives is always fun to hear, and on Pearly Shells he is obviously having fun himself, as when he is unable to stifle a chuckle toward the end of "Who Done It?" Don't let the shortage of well-known songs keep you away from this delightful and well-crafted album.