I'm often ambivalent about swansongs, these last recorded albums before an artist I love passes away. I was bitterly disappointed by such albums in the past and as a consequence I didn't buy Dr John's "Things Happen that Way" when it came out. I found it second hand and decided to give it a spin though, and... for the most part I think I was right to be circumspect. To say that the good doctor was not at the peak of his musical powers when this was recorded would be an understatement. His piano chops are hesitant, and I struggle to hear the groove that made his piano playing unique. His voice is also weak, although in fairness there are a couple of tracks where this is used well. "Rambling Man" stands out, but all in all, I wouldn't recommend the album.
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