Dan Folger - THE WAY OF THE CROWD (1967)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Elf 90004) The saying, 'Save the best for last' certainly rings true in the case of the 45 r.p.m. single output of singer/songwriter, Dan Folger. After coming to Nashville from Midland, Texas in 1962 by the encouragement from pals, Roy Orbison & Joe Melson, Mr. Folger began shopping his songs around Music City and quickly signed a recording contract with Hickory records. From 1962 until 1966 he recorded nearly twenty tracks from which four singles would be issued with the label. While those tunes were fine examples of his songwriting, singing and overall musical ability, it was his move to Elf records in 1967 and 'The Way Of The Crowd', his final solo single and the only disc he released with the label that would display an amazing side of his talent not yet tapped. Produced by Bobby Russell and Buzz Cason, the Bergen White arrangement is sheer brilliance in it's construction. Beautiful movement from each verse, chorus, bridge and finally to the last chorus and fade, the backing track shimmers with the style of a Phil Spector production with Dan's emotive vocal delivery riding effortlessly above the ebb and flow of the tension-building horns, strings, piano and throbbing, distant drums. An absolute jewel of a recording that shamefully never saw the light of day. Though not a hit when released, if you try and get your hands on an original stock or promo copy today, be prepared to hand over a wad of cash as the passing of time has created great desire among soul record collectors to obtain a copy of their own.
As the 1960's rolled on, Dan would then join the group, the Gators, playing keyboards and eventually recording an album with them. By the 1970's he would join various other bands touring the United States and ultimately joining a few Christian bands before his untimely passing in 2006 after a lifelong battle with alcoholism.