VARIOUS ARTISTS
“The Music of Nick Lowe – Labour of Love”
Telarc Records
Nick Lowe stood out in the pop rock scene of the 1970’s. A writer, bassist, and singer, he got his start with the band Brinley Schwarz. Individually, he became known for his satirical and mocking lyricism, and his diverse understanding of rock and roll’s influences. Early on, he wrote and produced hit songs and albums for Elvis Costello, the Pretenders, and Graham Parker. His 1979 album “Labour of Lust,” from which the title for the recently released “Labour of Love” is derived, was Lowe’s pinnacle of stardom. With the Top 20 hit, “Cruel To Be Kind,” Lowe was backed by a band that became the short-lived group Rockpile, and was headed toward the big time. Lowe never really wanted get caught up in the physical and mental torture of rock band stardom, so at the time it appeared Rockpile might reach the pinnacle, he bowed out and moved solo in his own quirky directions. Lowe remains in the music scene, and has released numerous albums since those hip days, but it’s been years since Lowe’s music was part of the set list on the Top 40 adult rock ‘n’ roll radio. His underlying influence on the music scene is obviously still pervasive.
“Labour of Love” is a compilation of 13 Lowe penned tunes sung by 12 different artists. G.E. Smith, guitars, T-Bone Wolk, bass, and Steve Holley, drums provide much of the musical support. Some of the contributing artists like Graham Parker, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Marshall Crenshaw (on two) are expectedly part of the tribute, however Sleepy LaBeef, Charlie Musslewhite and Joe Louis Walker seem a bit of a stretch in terms of a match with Lowe’s image. It seems an unusual time to come out with this release - with the music scene mired by teen pop and hip hop, Lowe’s incisive lyrics and wit seem foreign matter. On the other hand what would be the right time? Lowe has never been one to do things for the masses. Regardless, it’s nice to recall the music.
Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” originally recorded by Elvis Costello has to be one of the greatest bits of musical prose on the modern condition. You could call it a pop punk sidebar to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Whatever, this classic tune set Lowe apart. Though sung by Costello on his classic “Armed Forces,” anyone close enough to the scene, knew Lowe was behind the music. On Labour of Love,” the tune is sung neither by Lowe nor Costello. In a total twist, bluesman Joe Louis Walker puts on his spin. Walker’s version is smooth and mellow, entirely opposite to the searing, rebellious, pitch that Elvis’ version reached during his legendary hey day. Ironically, this song later made Lowe rich in 1992 with the Curtis Stiger rendition recorded for the 1992 movie “The Bodyguard.”
Though the music is undeniably powerful, the CD has its up and downs. Tom Petty’s version of “Cracking Up,” remains a classic while other peers like Graham Parker and Marshall Crenshaw do a great job with bringing humor and energy to tunes like “The Rose of England” and “Television.” Dar Williams does a perfectly believable job on “All Men Are Liars.” On the other hand, it’s hard for me to listen to the strained and slow bluesy renditions by LaBeef and Musslewhite. No doubt, these are classic artists, but Lowe’s wit seems lost in their world. Without doubt, the most inspired rendition on the CD is Andrea Re’s funky and soulful version of “When I Write The Book.” Lowe has certainly written enough music to fill a book, and the musicians on this CD have provided Lowe with a glowing Foreword.
-Dave Geller
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