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The downloads were nice, but since the CD is 62 minutes there is room for more tracks. Because I had the initial issue of Jesus of Cool on CD I was looking forward to getting an updated copy with upgraded sound. I guess I was expecting a little more of a boost sound-wise I always thought Lowe's early work could use it. My primary issue is that I had hoped a few more songs would have been added to this release. This barely made a ripple in 1978 because it was lost among 'Saturday Night Fever' and the whole disco era. I also do not tend to like digipaks though this one is pretty good.
Heck I even would have liked to have "American Squirm" but I figure that will wind up on 'Labour of Lust' whenever that is reissued. The sound is a little clearer but not to the extent that it has been with other CD's when a proper remastering has been done. For instance, we have "Rollers Show" but not its "companion" song "Bay City Rollers We Love You." "Let's Go To The Disco" and "Fool Too Long" should have also been included. However, there is a little bit of difficulty accessing the CD as the packaging for the CD is similar to an LP sleeve. The main problem is the fit is kind of tight. My review does not detract from the music which is great.
I'm glad to see Nick getting his due.
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. 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. 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.
Nick grabs every hook in the book, and puts his own signature on them. This album rocks from cover to cover. It took me awhile to realize it, but "36 Inches High", with its quircky organ riff is priceless. I think it is Nick's best release. I was disappointed to find out that Norman Watt Roy of the Blockheads did most of the bass work, but I love him too. This release includes a lot of nuggets that were only available on other releases previously, so I would recommend it over the US release, called "Pure Pop for Now People". Cool cover with a montage of Nick as various different rockers as well.
When I first heard So it Goes on the Bay Area's KSAN, I was hooked. I had my sister visiting London, get me the single and the LP. Nick Lowe rules.
I bought this to replace a cassette that I had made from the original vinyl LP and from vinyl 45s. If anything, I wish they had added one or two more B-sides from that period. Often collections of this type have a lot of filler that would best be left off. Not so here. This is great album packaged up to make a great collection. The result is a very enjoyable listen.
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