Ray Stevens – He Thinks He’s Ray Stevens LP – MCA-5517

Add a brilliant touch of classic musical comedy to your record collection with He Thinks He’s Ray Stevens by the undisputed king of country novelty storytelling, Ray Stevens. Originally released in 1984 by MCA Records (MCA-5517), this studio album marked a massive commercial resurgence for the two-time Grammy winner, climbing to number four on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and eventually earning a gold certification.

Recorded entirely at his own Ray Stevens Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and engineered by Stuart Keathley, the album showcases Stevens’ spectacular arrangement skills, vocal range, and multi-instrumental talents on the keyboards and synthesizers. The record is anchored by two of the most iconic comedy tracks in country music history: the chaotic, church-pew breakdown of “Mississippi Squirrel Revival” and the infamous, prank-calling antics of “It’s Me Again, Margaret.” Backed by an elite crew of Nashville session legends—including drummer Jerry Carrigan, banjo and rhythm guitarist Mark Casstevens, and harmonica wizard Terry McMillan—this 12-inch 33 RPM stereo LP delivers a beautifully clear, warm, and highly dynamic analog listening experience.

Tracklist:

• Side One: I’m Kissin’ You Goodbye; It’s Me Again, Margaret; Mississippi Squirrel Revival; Ned Nostril (And His South Seas Paradise, Puts Your Blues On Ice, Cheap At Twice The Price Band—Ikky-Ikky, Ukky-Ukky); Fred.

• Side Two: Erik The Awful; The Monkees (Theme From); Joggin’; Happy Hour (Is the Saddest Time of the Day); Furthermore.

Housed in its original vintage 1980s cardboard sleeve featuring the iconic cover art of Ray Stevens dressed as Napoleon Bonaparte next to a battlefield cannon, this highly entertaining record is an indispensable centerpiece acquisition for classic country fans, comedy archivists, and vintage vinyl collectors alike.