Funny Way to Make an Album

Country humorist Don Bowman didn't have many hit singles, but he had a few charting albums and, in later years, found a following among certain quarters of the Dr. Demento crowd. It is tempting (and convenient) to compare Bowman to his better-known contemporaries Roger Miller and Homer & Jethro, and, in a way, Bowman's style falls somewhere between those two acts. He concentrates on original songs like Miller, but his cornball humor and occasional song parodies are similar to Homer & Jethro's. In any case, Bowman's distinctive voice and wacky wit combined to make some crazy country music. On Funny Way to Make an Album, Bowman acknowledges Miller with a rendition of "Kansas City Star" and offers a tribute to songwriter Harlan Howard with "Dear Harlan Howard" (a minor hit and a follow-up of sorts to his 1964 single "Chet Atkins Make Me a Star"). "Things Are Looking Up" is a hilarious ode to getting drunk, and "Little Diesel Drivin' Devil" is Bowman's contribution to truckin' music. "The Other Ringo" is a parody of Lorne Greene's "Ringo" with new lyrics about the Beatles' drummer. Bowman alternates between songs and recitations, all of which range from funny to strange. Bowman's peculiar brew may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he's undeniably talented. ~ Greg Adams