Early Works, a merging of the two independent albums Taylor Hicks released before he won the 5th season of American Idol is available today exclusively through Target stores.
The album is being released through Taylor’s independent label, Modern Whomp records and distributed through the Welk Music Group.
Tracks included on the album: “Soul Thing,” “The Fall,” “Hold On to Your Love,” “The Deal,” “Heart and Soul,” “In Your Time,” “West Texas Sky,” “Somehow,” “Tighten Up,” “Son of a Carpenter,” “My Friend” and “Georgia.” Except for the cover of “Georgia”, the all songs were written by Taylor.
About the album, he says, “These two [original] albums represent who I am and who I am trying to represent as a songwriter…‘Nostalgic’ and ‘endearing’ are the terms that best describe them.”
Taylor showed real promise as a songwriter on these early songs, the CD is definitely worth checking out.
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OOOOO this makes me happy! I sort of lost track of this when it was circulating all over the net. I can do Target!
I picked up Early Works today and am thrilled with it. The remastering seems to bring Taylor’s vocals to the front and add a warmth to the songs. To be honest, I’d almost forgotten what the original version of “Soul Thing” sounded like after hearing it on tour and seeing so many live videos of the fast and tagged version of it. It’s really nice to be reminded of this part of Taylor’s efforts as a musician.
This is a great addition to the library and I’m happy these early songs are packaged this way. It’s a 10 in my book. :-)
Definitely will have to pick this up! I am a huge fan of his early stuff…he is such an impressive songwriter and his delivery of the song makes it that much more incredible!
I’d love to hear a few snippets of this album before buying it.
O I can’t wait to get my hands on my copy. I lurve me some acoustic Taylor. Wonder what the liner notes say? On Target for Target tomorrow. Should be fun! WTG, Taylor! Wonder if it will be on itunes?
Thanks, mj
Well, “Tighten Up” was first released in 1973, so I doubt he had a hand in that one either..
So I owe Tay this one since I’ve been listening to the downloaded versions for two years now.
I have both his pre-idol albums and those songs are all great, I can bet the remastering has made them even better. I hope it goes on sale online though…
Actually, Tighten Up was first released in 1967.
This version is really more a band jam, the only thing resembling the original is the title.
I posted what was in the PR release that I received… That’s what it said.
I’m not even sure Tighten Up was really released in 1973. I think it was a different year and Taylor just made up a year. Hell he does it with lyrics sometimes.
You should check it out especially the remastered version of The Fall. It sounds great.
Thanks mj I really hope Taylor will be able to get a few new fans if they get to listen to his music.
Glad to hear about this. I have his 2 preidol albums but will definately buy this one too.
Going school shopping for the kids tomorrow. This will be my reward. Oh yeah, gotta pay him back for the bootleg mp3s. :)
Canadians can purchase this online at
Amazon.ca
I did, it will ship on Aug. 19th
deleted…sorry double post
It is a really great album, and it is totally worth the money!
Even though I already have both “In Your Time” and “Under the Radar” that I bought at his concerts, I wanted the first CD on his own label, “Modern Womp Records“…
I even bought a copy of “Under the Radar” when I went to see Taylor in “Grease” last month!
They did a nice job of enriching the sound. It’s well worth buying.
I can’t wait to get mine. Wonder why you can order it in Canada.
I bought three this morning - one for me and the others for friends that don’t live near a Target. Somebody wrote on another forum that this particular store is now sold out. In fact, a number of Targets are sold out. Inside, it says all songs written by Taylor Hicks, except Georgia.
Even though I already have IYT and UTR, I wanted these all on one CD. It’s $9.98 this week and then the price goes up to $11.99. I’ve heard that more are being shipped to the stores.
I plan to purchase a copy of EW tomorrow at Target. Good to see Taylor out there with something (anything) tangible! It’s been a long time. Do hope it is for sure remastered though. Wishing you the best with this Taylor, but I am much more looking for your sophmore album!!!
For anyone who wants a taste of EW before buying, I believe Taylor’s myspace has a few of the songs playing, just not the “new” versions. Also, if you’ve never heard Taylor’s take on “Georgia” it alone makes EW a worthwhile buy.
A wonderful friend will be sending this to me, since, I have no Target near me. Can’t wait, even though I own IYT & UTR. Having these on one CD, remastered and being the first CD on his own label - a must have for me.
I got mine during my lunch hour, sat in the car struggling to get it out of the wrapper and into the cd player. It wasn’t like I haven’t heard these songs before as I also have both previous albums, but it’s so nice to have them on one record and they sound really great. Now all I have to do is wait patiently for his next new cd, that hopefully will be out before Christmas. I also will be looking for David Cooks in that same time frame. Life is good so is the music.
I’ve listened to the whole CD twice, and it definitely is remastered and the sound is awesome.
Thanks for letting me know that Paula! I’m definitely looking forward to getting it tomorrow now!
Cannot wait to get my copy. I have been waiting a long time for this one.
This cd is much better than I ever imagined it could be. Taylor is a great songwriter and opens his heart to us in every song. This has been a wonderful year for him.
Keep up the good work, Taylor !!
I got mine yesterday - first person in the store at Target. Didn’t plan on that, just had a really full day and the only chance to go to Target was on the way to work. I also struggled for 5 minutes with opening the dang thing - despite the “peel here” thing. It is remastered, which I find most helpful for the song “Somehow.” I already had both other CDs, but that song is so pretty, but he vocals were so soft - I always had to put the balance all the way to one speaker to have any chance of hearing the lyrics instead of just the instruments. So I’m pleased it’s remastered so I can enjoy the song properly now, and have all these songs on one CD. I do wish Hell of a Day was on it, but I imagine since that the “WalMart Bonus Song” on his last CD, that couldn’t be worked out.
I’m looking forward to buying Taylor’s EW CD and to enjoying the remastered music. I’m familiar with some of the original songs and think they’re proof of Taylor’s songwriting and performing talent. As an example, even though he didn’t write “Georgia,” his take on it is great.
I’m looking forward to his soph CD too!
I’m listening to it as I type, and I have to say, it would be worth ten bucks just to have the re-mastered “Somehow.”
What a gorgeous song!
“There’s too many things
left to be unsaid,
So I’m in a dark hole,
Sometimes in my head,
But I”m all right, I’ll get by
Somehow!
You wanna feel their emotions, Sometimes even hold their hand,
But they’re giving nothin’ in return
To suit their own demands.
And I’m tired, but I’ll get by
Somehow.
Look at the people all around you, Stabbin’ at your heart,
But you still smile in kindness,
For not knowing who they are.
And their stories have ended,
And they’ve lit up the town,
And it’s time to go home,
As they’re going, they’re layin’ their bodies back down.
There’s too many things left to be unsaid,
Somewhere a dark hole
Sometimes in my head,
I’m tired, but I’m all right
And I’ll get by
Somehow!”
I bought 3 yesterday - 2 for me and one extra. It will be interesting to see how the cd sells once the hardcore fans do their multiple buying. I hope some new fans will give Taylor a listen. He is a very unique talent, IMO.
Aaack! “Hell Of A Day” is not included…why?! That’s one of his best songs!
I heard a friends copy today, and ‘Soul Thing’ sounded funny in it’s original version, since I got so used to hearing the jazzier live version when he was on tour.
Definitely has better sound quality than the original recordings. More treble and bass.
Not a bad investment at 10 bucks for those who want to invest in this music again. :)
Because it was on his last CD as a bonus on the CDs sold thru Walmart.
Paula - Thanks for the reminder about it being on sale this week as I haven’t made it to Target yet!! Will make it a high priority now.