Way back when, resulting from a $700 donation by Dr. Feelgood, then Britain's #1 pub rock band, Stiff (If it ain't Stiff, it ain't worth a fuck) Records came into existence. Originally conceived as a stepping stone to stardom (an idea to which they have remained remarkably true), this independent label gave much needed exposure to, and provided a working platform for, a great deal of otherwise unrecognized talent.
The first release (Buy 1), dated 14/August/76, was Nick Lowe's "So It Goes" b/w "Heart Of The City," two tracks originally recorded as publisher's demos at a cost of $75. If it wasn't the birth of punk rock, then it did signal the return of the single as the basic building block of rock 'n' roll.
For Nick Lowe, it's two years, the Damned, Elvis Costello, an American tour, the Midnight Special and one album (two versions, Pure Pop For Now People, domestic, and Jesus Of Cool, import) later, and he's got the same two songs out here, different only in that "Heart Of The City" is done live, and it's on Columbia instead of Stiff, so you don't get the delightful label or picture sleeve. (Why do they continue to release 45's with large holes that require an adapter?)
The best thing about this record is not Lowe's great lyrics, playing or production, but his personality. It's not just guitars and drums coming through your speakers, it's Nick Lowe himself. And he likes you. The ability to extend one's self through vinyl probably comes from playing as if it means something rather than just going through the motions. It's a characteristic strangely common to British groups (didn't it always seem like Ian Hunter was singing those old Mott the Hoople songs just for you?) and regrettably lacking in most offerings from these shores.
Buy this record, smile, and remember: "It's OK to like Nick Lowe."
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