Recently I finished reading A Cure for Gravity, Joe Jackson’s memoir about his (very) early days to the start of his career with Look Sharp in 1979.
I knew already that Joe is an excellent songwriter, but this book is just as great, highly enjoyable and informative.
Joe describes his early influences vividly, from Beethoven to Steely Dan and beyond, as well as paying his dues as a ‘hired gun’, playing with cover bands in schools, bars, pubs, and lounges.
He started playing original songs in Arms And Legs, but that band’s lack of success led to its demise…
Joe definitely was committed to succeed eventually, but it was not easy!
Since Look Sharp Joe has released a good 20+ albums more, exploring various styles, from his early New Wave period to Swing and Jump Blues to tributes of Duke Ellington and (fictitious) Music Hall performer Max Champion.
Despite a huge number of original songs, Joe recorded quite a few covers over the years as well.
This compilation is a showcase of his ability to cover other artists’ songs, check out his versions of classics originally from Chuck Berry, Jimmy Cliff, Steely Dan, The Beatles, David Bowie, Ian Dury, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, XTC, and others...
I knew already that Joe is an excellent songwriter, but this book is just as great, highly enjoyable and informative.
He started playing original songs in Arms And Legs, but that band’s lack of success led to its demise…
Joe definitely was committed to succeed eventually, but it was not easy!
Since Look Sharp Joe has released a good 20+ albums more, exploring various styles, from his early New Wave period to Swing and Jump Blues to tributes of Duke Ellington and (fictitious) Music Hall performer Max Champion.
Despite a huge number of original songs, Joe recorded quite a few covers over the years as well.
This compilation is a showcase of his ability to cover other artists’ songs, check out his versions of classics originally from Chuck Berry, Jimmy Cliff, Steely Dan, The Beatles, David Bowie, Ian Dury, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, XTC, and others...
Collaborations with Rickie Lee Jones and William Shatner are included as well!
I always like a Joe Jackson song, and I always like a good Beatles cover. Here are both.
ReplyDeleteAnd plenty of other seemingly random covers glued to a whole with the sympathetic JJ sauce. Thanks Koen
Thanks Richard!
DeleteLink: https://pixeldrain.com/u/MSbvrmiJ
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What is your favourite Joe Jackson song?
Howdy, Koen! I'm a fan of the "angry young man" Joe Jackson -- Got The Time, I'm The Man, On Your Radio. He had a great band, every bit as exciting as the Attractions. Stepping Out is lovely, no doubt. If I had to pick just one song, it would be Got The Time -- a favorite of my brother's, as well!
DeletePS - forgive me if you know this and chose to play along with the story. Max Champion is a fictitious character, created by Joe Jackson for his tribute to the music hall era.
DeleteOuch! I must admit I only read a bit about that album, but so far haven't had any time to listen to it, shame on me...
DeleteFor live concert recordings check out: https://albumsthatshouldexist.blogspot.com/search/label/Joe%20Jackson
ReplyDeleteUsually it is Steppin' Out, but now you got me relistening The Man. It's funny how after all these years these songs remain powerful, and very good. In Every Dream Home, I clicked upon, and no no Roxy but a great white reggae tune.
ReplyDelete