Harlequin Melodies is the 1968 debut album by singer-songwriter Mickey Newbury. Newbury was already a successful songwriter in Nashville, signed by Acuff-Rose Publishing. At one point he had four #1 hits on different charts for Eddy Arnold, Solomon Burke, The First Edition, and Andy Williams, and he had written hits for several others. Produced by Elvis Presley producer Felton Jarvis, Harlequin Melodies concentrates on Newbury's versions of his hit songs; nearly every song on the album has been covered by other artists.
Sonically, the album is drastically different from anything else Newbury would record. The artist largely disowned the album, considering its successor Looks Like Rain his true debut. In contrast to the subtle expressiveness of Newbury's prime work, Harlequin Melodies is overproduced and packed with often distracting instrumental touches, shifting tempos, and strange production effects. As a result of his dissatisfaction with the album and recording sessions, Newbury ended his RCA contract. Some of the songs on Harlequin Melodies would be re-recorded by Newbury for later albums, with very marked differences. "How Many Times (Must the Piper Be Paid for His Song)" was a highlight of Frisco Mabel Joy, "Good Morning, Dear" and "Sweet Memories" were on Heaven Help the Child, "Here Comes the Rain Baby" on A Long Road Home, the last album Newbury released during his lifetime.
Seven of the songs on Harlequin Melodies were repackaged for Sings His Own where they would be joined by another oft-covered Newbury song "Sunshine" and two of his RCA singles "The Queen" and "Got Down on Saturday." Most CD versions add these songs as bonus tracks to the complete Harlequin Melodies album.
Track listing
All tracks composed by Mickey Newbury; except where indicated
Most CD issues of Harlequin Melodies combine the intact album running order with the three tracks substituted on 1968's Sings His Own.
"The Queen" (Mickey Newbury, Townes Van Zandt) – 3:08
"Sunshine" – 2:43
"Got Down on Saturday" – 2:48
Raven Records edition bonus tracks
A 2003 Raven Records edition combined Harlequin Melodies, the three tracks from Sings His Own with a B-side and seven tracks from his Elektra and Mercury recordings selected from the 1985 compilation Sweet Memories.
"Weeping Annaleah" was included on The Box Tops' album Cry Like a Baby; it was recorded as "Sleeping Annaleah" by Nick Cave on his 1986 album Kicking Against the Pricks.
"Here Comes the Rain, Baby" was a country hit for Eddy Arnold prior to the album's release. It has also recorded by Roy Orbison, Sammi Smith, and Don Gibson.
"Time Is a Thief" was recorded by Solomon Burke and B.B. King.
"Good Morning Dear" has been recorded by Roy Orbison, Don Gibson, The Box Tops, Ray Charles, as well as Pat Boone, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Frank Ifield. Like "Sweet Memories" it was rerecorded in a superior version on 1973's Heaven Help The Child.
