Search - Elliot Murphy :: Diamonds By the Yard

Elliott Murphy Personifies The Problem With Radio Today

Gordon S. Clarry | Barrie, Ontario Canada | 09/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Diamonds By The Yard samples cuts from Elliott's albums produced between 1973 and 1977 (and throws in a few bonus tracks from 1980). After listening to this CD I simply can't understand how Elliott Murphy was overlooked by radio in North America. There is no need to catalogue the best songs on this CD - they are all phenomenal and clearly demonstrate Elliott's musical range. From folk to blues to rock, Elliott solid song writing and performance skills are amply displayed. I purchased this album for just one song - "Anastasia" - which I first heard on "underground" radio in Toronto in 1977 (CFNY - The Spirit of Radio at 102.1). I have not heard Elliott Murphy on radio since. Radio is wrong for not playing him. And I am wrong for buying this CD for just one song. I should have bought it for ALL of the songs. A simply superb CD by a superb musician."

Still holds up well over time deserved to be heard.

Gordon S. Clarry | 09/23/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the more articulate writers of the 70's and 80's. I find the songs still hold up after all these years. Could never understand why he never achieved more recognition. Much better writer than a lot of junk that did get airplay. If you like Springsteen and/or Dylan you sholud like Elliot (or were these the comparisons that doomed him to relative obscurity)."

A great overview of Elliott Murphy's first four albums

Aldo Mascheroni | La Crescenta, CA United States | 01/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Elliott's "Night Lights" in 1976 after reading a review in the LA Times. Loved it. Couldn't get the tape out of my car's 8-track tape player. Songs like "Diamonds by the Yard" and "Isadora's Dancers" were classics, although they didn't get any radio airplay.
I went back and bought "Aquashow" and "Lost Generation", Elliott's previous two albums, and became a big fan.
The next year "Just a Story from America" was released and it also became one of my favorites.I don't have any knowledge of these albums having been released on CD, but I wish the record company would consider putting this man's best work out there for fans to enjoy.
A lot of the best songs from those albums are on this compilation, but I can recall a few others that didn't make it ("Lady Stiletto", a song about Patti Smith, being one of them).
"Diamonds" is a definite must for anyone's collection."