Carole King

Originally presented on a 1975 television special, these piano-driven adaptations of Maurice Sendak’s short rhymes and poems is as strong as anything she did on Tapestry. The lyrics of alligators, chicken soup and a boy named Pierre are for the kids, but the melodies will keep this playing after the kids are down.

I've been saying she needed a new lyricist, and here he is--Maurice Sendak, a writer of children's books favored by adults, which makes him a rock (not rock and roll) natural. By side two you begin to resent the repetitiousness of some of King's devices, but since side one comprises her most exciting music since Tapestry you're already converted and it doesn't matter. (Grade - B+)