Knowing When To Hold Them

The Claw Machine was recently saddened to find that one of our favorite records, The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, is broken. The disc is snapped off at the edge, forever ruined and unplayable. While we're not entirely sure how this happened, we suspect that it may have occurred during a recent move.



Let it be clear that we have no sentimental attachments to this particular copy of The Gambler. It's one of millions sold worldwide. We found this copy, a 1980 Liberty re-issue, in the dollar bin at the local thrift store. Another could easily be bought and no doubt we'll be tempted at the next swap meet, rummage sale or record store. But why buy it twice? We all know the songs -- they're part of our collective cultural unconsciousness. This is the chart-topping crossover album that effectively relaunched Kenny Rogers' career, bridged the gap between outlaw and pop country, garnered numerous industry awards. Rogers' warm voice, Don Schlitz's eponymous composition and its simple advice, Larry Butler's smooth, pop-influenced production, all can be recalled as easily and clearly as playing the record. With a bit of concentration, we can even remember the track order:

SIDE 1:

1. "The Gambler"
2. "I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again"
3. "King of Oak Street"
4. "Makin' Music for Money"
5. "Hoodooin' of Miss Fannie Deberry"

SIDE 2:

6. "She Believes in Me"
7. "Tennessee Bottle"
8. "Sleep Tight, Goodnight Man"
9. "Little More Like Me (The Crucifixion)"
10. "San Francisco Mabel Joy"
11. "Morgana Jones"




Just as easily remembered is Reid Miles' airbrushed chiaroscuro cover photo, with its warm hues and poker felt greens. (It was this photo, as much as the song, that inspired 5 Gambler TV movies with Rogers in the starring role.) We know every baroque curve of the typography. We've memorized the endless list of guest musicians and have even made note of "The Friends of Kenny Rogers" fan club address.

And should we forget, there's always the Internet. What makes us sad is that we don't need this record anymore. It's broken, so into the dumpster it goes. And it just doesn't feel right to throw a record away.