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Product Description: 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of Nick Lowe's seminal 1978 album Jesus of Cool. The album, released in the U.S. as Pure Pop for Now People, marks the beginning of one of the most storied and influential solo careers in pop music and marks the true emergence of a songwriting monolith. The album is a literal compendium of 25 years of pop music history. Here, the sweet melodies of pre-Beatles pop, the energy of the British Invasion, the excess of glam and elements of ska and new wave don t blend but stand side by side on the field of battle, each one willing to lay down his life for the other. Jesus is the crossroads where pop music and pop culture collide, self-aware for the first time, fusing into a white hot chunk of rock n roll energy.
Here, on this 30th anniversary edition of the album, the original and U.S. versions of the album are combined to include all material ever available on either release. In addition, seven bonus cuts are included making this the definitive version of this undisputed pop masterpiece. Amazon.com: If you have a dog-eared copy of Nick Lowe’s Pure Pop for Now People, here is your chance to revitalize. That 1978 record, an ingenious and melodic pop gem, is really the Americanized version of Jesus of Cool, Lowe’s European debut, released the year after his departure from pub-rockers Brinsley Schwarz. This 30th-anniversary edition combines the original Jesus, extra songs that appeared on Pure Pop, and seven bonus tracks (including the original version of Lowe’s most successful single, "Cruel to Be Kind"). The collection is without an Achilles heel, from "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," with its Bo Diddley riff, on through Lowe’s experimentation with pre-Beatles pop ("Little Hitler"), glam rock ("So It Goes"), new-wave rock ("Shake and Pop"), and even disco ("Nutted by Reality," a jocular salute to Fidel Castro). The morbidly funny "Marie Provost," a power-pop tale of the tragic silent-film actress, ranks with the best in Lowe's stash and serves as the anchor for the record, which features guest players Dave Edmunds, Billy Bremner, and the Attractions. --Scott Holter Customer Reviews: Rating: 
Date: 2008-07-04
Great clever fun
I bought this to replace a cassette that I had made from the original vinyl LP and from vinyl 45s. Often collections of this type have a lot of filler that would best be left off. Not so here. If anything, I wish they had added one or two more B-sides from that period. This is great album packaged up to make a great collection. The result is a very enjoyable listen. Rating:
Date: 2008-06-24
British Punk Reinvasion
This is the original UK version, released in US as "Pure Pop for Now People," with a few differences in songs. It also has quite a bit in bonus recordings. The old title is appropriate, due to Lowe's influence on the punk scene-this recording feels light and happy even when dealing with the worst humans can offer. I much prefer its feel to the sad, always-down music that followed the punk era. We need more Rock messiahs like Nick Lowe. Rating: 
Date: 2008-05-20
1970s avante garde rock
This was one of the best albums of its era, if you missed out but love Elvis Costello, I'd say you'd like this one. Not all the rock of the Nixon-Ford years stood the test of time, but this one still makes for a good listen in the 21st Century, because, well, you know, "they call it rock!" Rating:
Date: 2008-05-19
Too Cool for School
Wow - what can you say? Aside from the blatant blasphemey in the title and the way the disc liner folds out (where were the zealots when this came out?), you got Nick Lowe at the height of songwriting and singing career (his role as a producer for myriad other artists is another story in of itself). Some of the best songs he's written, some of coolest melodies and singing with real emotion ranging from sarcastic twit, just because he can be, to a man with a hole in his heart, it's one of the best collections Lowe has ever put together. As much as I like the "smoothness" that permeates his latest release ("At My Age"), this is Nick in his prime and you shouldn't miss it. Rating:
Date: 2008-05-18
A must have for any serious music fan
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! |
