Nick Lowe - Jesus of Cool
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Free Music Notes for Jesus of Cool
Free Music Review: Who Is Nick Lowe?
Hit: 5 Stars
Why do so few Americans know the name Nick Lowe? Back in the mid- to late-1970s British artists such as the Damned, Elvis Costello, Wreckless Eric, and Ian Drury and the Blockheads found their way into the States on import singles on the Stiff Records label. Precious few of these--Elvis Costello, in particular--enjoyed much in the way of popularity or lasting power. Always lurking in the background, though, was Nick Lowe, a veteran of the pub rock scene, a record producer, and a personality. Lowe's work as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and bass guitarist largely went unnoticed in the U.S. But, he was much more than the producer of the early albums by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Released in the U.S. as Pure Pop for Now People, the album known in the U.K. as Jesus of Cool is perhaps the best example of Lowe's quirky work as a recording artist. Basically, the only thing that is missing from his formidable output as a solo artist in this collection is his well-known song "I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)." Lowe's work on Jesus of Cool tends to reflect back musically to the pre-psychedelic 1960s, but his lyrics reflect the pub-rock/punk-rock 1970s. It is an intriguing mix, and some of the tracks are classics in the minds of those of us who searched major state university area record stores for those early releases on Stiff. For example, listeners who have experienced Lowe's "Marie Provost" will never forget the song. This compact disc reissue includes Lowe's other A and B sides from singles of the era, as well as some alternative recordings of the album's original songs.Free Music Review: A must have for any serious music fan
Hit: 5 Stars
Nick Lowe's merit to and appreciation by the music industry is long overdue and this 30th anniversary release of his debut album (initially released in the US as "Pure Pop for the Now People") hopefully will set the record straight once and for all.
"Jesus of Cool" (21 tracks, 64 min.) brings the original album (11 tracks) with tons of B-sides and other rarities. As to the original album, it amazingly still sounds as fresh as it did 30 years ago. Check out "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass", which was a hit single back in the day, and I remember buying it as a single. I hadn't heard this in many many years, and it still sounds as great. Other highlights include "So It Goes" (released as single in the US). with a clear legacy to Steely Dan's "Reeling In the Years", the reggae-flavored "No Reason" (reminding me of Elvis Costello, who was on the same label at that time), and the last track "Heart of the City", a rousing live track, featuring David Edmonds on guitar.
As to the 10 bonus tracks, they are a treasure find. Check out the short instrumental (and B-side) "Check That Rat", the tongue-in-cheek "I Love My Label" (recorded for a label compilation), the irreverent "Born a Woman" (from a UK-only released EP), "Rollers Show" (a UK-only single) and the last track, a romping "I Don't Want the Night to End" (another B-side), just beautiful. This reissue come with insightful liner notes and great pictures from back in the day. In all, a terrific reissue and a must for anyone who want to know what the UK music scene felt like 30 years ago. Highly recommended!
Free Music Review: The Best Pub Rock has to offer
Hit: 5 Stars
Nick Lowe's JESUS OF COOL is one of the great albums of the 70's and one of the best examples of the "pub rock" sound that developed in England as A cousin to punk. Pub rock was more of a throwback to superior musicianship and lyrics that focused more on being clever than confrontational and Lowe captures the joys of the sound perfectly on this recording. Kicking off with the fierce drone of "Music for Money" every song here is a keeper, from "I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass," with it's pretty piano flourishes camouflaging the anarchy in the lyrics to the comic horror of "Marie Provost" and the silent star's final scene.(which involved "her hungry little dachshunds") I usually don't comment on the extras as they are often sheer padding, but if you bought Nick Lowe's American release known as PURE POP FOR NOW PEOPLE you'll be glad to know "Roller Show" with its hilarious sing-along chorus is here as is "They called it Rock" Dave Edmonds's preferred version of "Shake and Pop."(I have to agree with Dave on this one) Other highlights include the original "Cruel to be Kind" and the sarcastic "I Love My Label" which could probably be covered by any one in the industry with their tongues firmly planted in cheeks. The packaging is excellent as well, a true rarity for CD's, with good liner notes by Will Birch and many great pictures. It's nice to see someone get a reissue right, and JESUS OF COOL is deserving of special treatment.
Free Music Review: Historic Heroic Hysterical
Hit: 5 Stars
If one reads up on the other 5 star reviews of this perfect pop package, they all have the same glee and sense of discovery. I'd add that in 1978 when the US version was released, I was a DJ at the edge of cable/pirate broadcasting. Most played Springteen Supertramp Segar, the Ramones and good god almighty what was considered HIP at the time.
I liked the way Nick straddled the perfect '60's British pop on American thoroughbred Beach Boy's racehorse/car in a record 2 minutes 30 seconds.
This was NEW!EXCITING and so true. He produced Elvis Costello's first/best records, had a subversive
top 40 hit, "Cruel to be Kind", was a part of Rockpile with Dave Edmunds, married Johnny Cash's step daughter, and continued throughout the 80's 90's to explore and produce great music....
"Jesus of Cool" is now finally available in CD, in it's historical glory, all tracks beat and shiney like well worn tires that tear everyone else off the line.
Until his later solo records... " The Impossible Bird" ," The Deceiver", "At This Age" , when Nick Lowe has proven himself to be the best interpreter of modern saloon music, the best Frank Sinatra since..Frank.
Free Music Review: Pure Pop Bliss
Hit: 5 Stars
Was working in a record store (remember those) in '78 when this came out.
Snagged a promo vinyl copy and wore it out. Have been waiting quite a while for it to be re-released. This is a great version. 21 songs plus a free download for 2 more inside. Since I was used to the track listing for Pure Pop for Now People and not Jesus of Cool (UK version), I burned it with the original track listing for PPFNP. The bonus tracks are nice, there are some real pop gems on here. Standouts are:
Music for Money
So It Goes
I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass
Heart of the City
They Called It Rock
No Reason
He's basically making fun of Bay City Roller fans on Rollers Show but it's still one of my favorites on here. So catchy you'll find it stuck in your head. If you like excellent pop music with stellar playing and sly wit you need look no further. This is a bonafide classic.