Record Roulette: You Don’t Mess Around With Jim
This week's record roulette, You Don't Mess Around With Jim by Jim Croce, is near and dear to my heart. I have loved this record from the moment I first heard it and continue to return to it as often as possible.
Released in 1972, You Don't Mess Around With Jim was Croce's debut album with ABC Records and was an initial success. Croce received significant airplay of his singles, including the album's title song, as well as "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" and "Time in a Bottle." The latter being an unintentional premonition for Croce. While touring college campuses to promote his third album, Life & Times, Croce and four others were killed when their plane crashed in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on September 20th, 1973. At the tragic age of 30, he had left behind his wife, Ingrid, and their infant son, Adrian James.
After Croce's death, he began to receive the recognition he deserved, another cruel twist of fate not uncommon in the music industry. AllMusic's Barry Weber reflects on his legacy, saying, "Whether he used dry wit, gentle emotions, or sorrow, Croce sang with a rare form of honesty and power. Few artists have ever been able to pull off such down-to-earth storytelling as convincingly as he did." His aforementioned single "Time in a Bottle" is now among his most recognizable songs, the lyrics taking on a new meaning for listeners. Indeed, there never seems to be enough time.
Source: AllMusic
You Don't Mess Around With Jim is folky, with a musical/songwriting style similar to James Taylor. With upbeat songs and powerful ballads, this is a well-rounded album suited for those hoping to embark on a 32-minute emotional journey. My personal favorite is "New York's Not My Home." Although I am a New Yorker, I believe anyone who's ever lived here will understand Croce's moments of self-doubt illustrated throughout the song; this city has a way of breaking you down and building you back up in the most unique ways.
I don't have much more to say than emphatically, "Please listen to this album." It's one of my favorites and definitely deserves a complete play-through whenever you might have a free half-hour.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, or YouTube