Jesus of Cool
Encyclopedia
Jesus of Cool is the 1978 solo debut album by British
singer-songwriter
Nick Lowe
who left Brinsley Schwarz
in 1974. Produced by Lowe, it was released in March 1978 by Radar Records
in the UK. In the United States, the album was retitled Pure Pop for Now People, with Columbia Records
replacing "Shake and Pop" with "They Called It Rock" (a Rockpile
version of the same song, which had been included as a single-sided bonus 45 in the Radar album), swapping the live version of "Heart Of The City" for the studio version that had been released as a single on Stiff Records
(the other side of the single, "So It Goes", was included in both versions of the album), and adding "Rollers Show" from a pre-Stiff United Artists
maxi-single. The songs are also in a different order than the UK version.
The album has been highly acclaimed by critics. The album was reissued in an expanded, deluxe edition by Proper Records (in the UK) and Yep Roc Records
(in the US) in February 2008.http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/47456-nick-lowe-reissues-expands-ijesus-of-cooli
Two verses of "So It Goes" were included in the sound track to the 1979 film Rock 'n' Roll High School
.
: "Music for Money", the fraternal twin songs "Shake and Pop" and "They Called It Rock", and "Rollers Show"; the last being a parody of the teen audience of the Bay City Rollers
. Although musically sophisticated in conventional genres, the album shares the energy, cynicism and rebelliousness of the contemporary New Wave movement.
The UK version had a photo of three kitsch glass swan ornaments on the back sleeve. However, the US version had a picture of Nick Lowe dressed up in a green Riddler suit; a shot deliberately posed to make him look like Dave Edmunds
(since one of the shots of "Lowe" on the front cover is in fact Edmunds). The design of the inner sleeve also differs between the UK and US versions.
Both UK and US sleeves were designed by Barney Bubbles
.
except where noted.
The track "Rollers Show," included on the U.S. issue of Pure Pop for Now People, was added as a bonus track for the UK CD re-release of this album.
except where noted.
The original album
And more
The album cover when first released deliberately omitted any mention of the musicians involved.[ref sleeve notes for 2008 deluxe edition]
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
who left Brinsley Schwarz
Brinsley Schwarz
Brinsley Schwarz were a 1970s English pub rock band, named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. With Nick Lowe on bass and vocals, keyboardist Bob Andrews and drummer Billy Rankin, the band evolved from the 1960s pop band Kippington Lodge.-Formation:...
in 1974. Produced by Lowe, it was released in March 1978 by Radar Records
Radar Records
Radar Records was a UK-based record label formed by Martin Davis who had previously worked at United Artists Records, and Andrew Lauder, who had previously been head of A&R at the UK divisions of Liberty Records and United Artists...
in the UK. In the United States, the album was retitled Pure Pop for Now People, with Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
replacing "Shake and Pop" with "They Called It Rock" (a Rockpile
Rockpile
Rockpile were a British rock and roll group of the late 1970s and early 1980s, noted for their strong rockabilly and power pop influences, and as a foundational influence on new wave...
version of the same song, which had been included as a single-sided bonus 45 in the Radar album), swapping the live version of "Heart Of The City" for the studio version that had been released as a single on Stiff Records
Stiff Records
Stiff Records is a record label created in London in 1976, by entrepreneurs Dave Robinson and Andrew Jakeman , and active until 1985. It was reactivated in 2007....
(the other side of the single, "So It Goes", was included in both versions of the album), and adding "Rollers Show" from a pre-Stiff United Artists
United Artists Records
United Artists Records was a record label founded by Max E. Youngstein of United Artists in 1957 initially to distribute records of its movie soundtracks, though it soon branched out into recording music of a number of different genres.-History:...
maxi-single. The songs are also in a different order than the UK version.
The album has been highly acclaimed by critics. The album was reissued in an expanded, deluxe edition by Proper Records (in the UK) and Yep Roc Records
Yep Roc Records
Yep Roc Records is an independent International record label based in Haw River, North Carolina and owned by Redeye Distribution . The label has put out albums by artists like The Go-Betweens, The Fleshtones, Gang of Four, The Reverend Horton Heat, and The Minus 5, as well as the work of important...
(in the US) in February 2008.http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/47456-nick-lowe-reissues-expands-ijesus-of-cooli
Two verses of "So It Goes" were included in the sound track to the 1979 film Rock 'n' Roll High School
Rock 'n' Roll High School
Rock 'n' Roll High School is a 1979 musical comedy film produced by Roger Corman, directed by Allan Arkush, and featuring the Ramones.The film starred P. J. Soles, Vince Van Patten, and Clint Howard...
.
Themes
Jesus of Cool has a number of tracks attacking the commercialism and greed of the record industry and the shallow content of pop musicPop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
: "Music for Money", the fraternal twin songs "Shake and Pop" and "They Called It Rock", and "Rollers Show"; the last being a parody of the teen audience of the Bay City Rollers
Bay City Rollers
The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop band who were most popular in the 1970s. The British Hit Singles & Albums noted that they were "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh", and were "the first of many acts heralded as the 'Biggest Group since The Beatles' and one of the most screamed-at...
. Although musically sophisticated in conventional genres, the album shares the energy, cynicism and rebelliousness of the contemporary New Wave movement.
Album cover
The original vinyl album cover features six pictures of Nick Lowe (supposedly) , with different pictures appearing on the UK cover to the US one. On both covers, spelled out in small letters on the photos is Pure Pop for Now People. "PURE" was small yellow print in the top left photo, "POP" was small red print in the top middle, "FOR" was small blue print in the top right, "NOW" was small blue print bottom left, "PEO" was small yellow print in the bottom middle and "PLE" was small red print in the bottom right.The UK version had a photo of three kitsch glass swan ornaments on the back sleeve. However, the US version had a picture of Nick Lowe dressed up in a green Riddler suit; a shot deliberately posed to make him look like Dave Edmunds
Dave Edmunds
David 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
(since one of the shots of "Lowe" on the front cover is in fact Edmunds). The design of the inner sleeve also differs between the UK and US versions.
Both UK and US sleeves were designed by Barney Bubbles
Barney Bubbles
Colin Fulcher aka Barney Bubbles was a radical English graphic artist, whose work primarily encompassed the disciplines of graphic design, painting and music video direction. He is most renowned for his distinctive contribution to the graphic design associated with the British independent music...
.
Track Listing for Jesus of Cool
All songs written by Nick LoweNick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
except where noted.
- "Music for Money" – 2:03
- "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" (Lowe, Andrew Bodnar, Steve GouldingSteve GouldingSteve Goulding is an English drummer, best known for his memberships with Graham Parker and The Rumour, The Associates, Poi Dog Pondering and The Mekons. With the Associates he had a UK #9 hit single with "Party Fears Two"...
) – 3:05 - "Little Hitler" (Lowe, Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
) – 2:51 - "Shake and Pop" – 3:13
- "Tonight" – 3:45
- "So It Goes" – 2:23
- "No Reason" – 3:25
- "36 Inches High" (Jim FordJim FordJim Ford was an American singer-songwriter originally from Johnson County, Kentucky. After living in New Orleans, Ford moved to Los Angeles, and finally settled in Fort Bragg, CA. His music is a mixture of soul, country and folk. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha...
) – 2:50 - "Marie Provost" – 2:41
- "Nutted by Reality" – 2:46
- "Heart of the City" (Live) – 4:15
- "They Called It Rock" (Lowe, RockpileRockpileRockpile were a British rock and roll group of the late 1970s and early 1980s, noted for their strong rockabilly and power pop influences, and as a foundational influence on new wave...
, Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
) - 3:10 (bonus single-sided 45, credited as RockpileRockpileRockpile were a British rock and roll group of the late 1970s and early 1980s, noted for their strong rockabilly and power pop influences, and as a foundational influence on new wave...
, not on original LP)
The track "Rollers Show," included on the U.S. issue of Pure Pop for Now People, was added as a bonus track for the UK CD re-release of this album.
Track Listing for Pure Pop for Now People
- "So It Goes" – 2:23
- "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" (Lowe, Andrew Bodnar, Steve GouldingSteve GouldingSteve Goulding is an English drummer, best known for his memberships with Graham Parker and The Rumour, The Associates, Poi Dog Pondering and The Mekons. With the Associates he had a UK #9 hit single with "Party Fears Two"...
) – 3:05 - "Tonight" – 3:45
- "Marie Provost" – 2:41
- "Heart of the City" – 2:01
- "Rollers Show" – 3:31
- "They Called It Rock" (Lowe, Terry WilliamsTerry Williams (drummer)Terrence "Terry" Williams is a Welsh rock drummer, whose resume includes work for Dire Straits, B. B. King, and Bob Dylan....
, Billy BremnerBilly Bremner (musician)William "Billy" Bremner is a guitarist best known for his work in the band Rockpile and on many of Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds' albums...
, Edmunds) – 3:10 - "No Reason" – 3:25
- "Little Hitler" (Lowe, Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
) – 2:51 - "Nutted by Reality" – 2:46
- "36 Inches High" (Jim FordJim FordJim Ford was an American singer-songwriter originally from Johnson County, Kentucky. After living in New Orleans, Ford moved to Los Angeles, and finally settled in Fort Bragg, CA. His music is a mixture of soul, country and folk. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha...
) – 2:50 - "Music for Money" – 2:09
Track Listing for Jesus of Cool [2008 deluxe edition]
All songs written by Nick LoweNick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
except where noted.
The original album
- "Music for Money" – 2:03
- "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" (Lowe, Andrew Bodnar, Steve GouldingSteve GouldingSteve Goulding is an English drummer, best known for his memberships with Graham Parker and The Rumour, The Associates, Poi Dog Pondering and The Mekons. With the Associates he had a UK #9 hit single with "Party Fears Two"...
) – 3:05 - "Little Hitler" (Lowe, Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
) – 2:51 - "Shake and Pop" – 3:13
- "Tonight" – 3:45
- "So It Goes" – 2:23
- "No Reason" – 3:25
- "36 Inches High" (Jim FordJim FordJim Ford was an American singer-songwriter originally from Johnson County, Kentucky. After living in New Orleans, Ford moved to Los Angeles, and finally settled in Fort Bragg, CA. His music is a mixture of soul, country and folk. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha...
) – 2:50 - "Marie Provost" – 2:41
- "Nutted by Reality" – 2:46
- "Heart of the City" (Live) – 4:15
And more
- "Shake That Rat" - 2:12
- "I Love My Label" (Lowe, "Profile") - 3:00
- "They Called It Rock" (Lowe, Billy BremnerBilly Bremner (musician)William "Billy" Bremner is a guitarist best known for his work in the band Rockpile and on many of Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds' albums...
, Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
, Terry WilliamsTerry Williams (drummer)Terrence "Terry" Williams is a Welsh rock drummer, whose resume includes work for Dire Straits, B. B. King, and Bob Dylan....
) - 3:13 - "Born a Woman" (M. Sharp) - 2:27
- "Endless Sleep" - 4:08
- "Halfway to Paradise" (Gerry GoffinGerry GoffinGerry Goffin is an American lyricist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 with former songwriting partner and first wife, Carole King. he has co-written six Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers.-Career:Goffin enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve after graduating from...
, Carole KingCarole KingCarole King is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, King had an album, Tapestry, top the U.S...
) - 2:26 - "Rollers Show" - 3:32
- "Cruel to Be Kind" (Lowe, Ian GommIan GommIan Robert Gomm is a British singer-songwriter, who was the rhythm guitarist for Brinsley Schwarz from 1970 to 1974. He was named "Best Rhythm Guitarist" by NME in 1971.[]...
) (original Brinsley Schwarz version) - 2:52 - "Heart of the City" - 2:07
- "I Don't Want the Night to End" 1:57
Personnel
- Nick LoweNick LoweNicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
– vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s - Billy BremnerBilly Bremner (musician)William "Billy" Bremner is a guitarist best known for his work in the band Rockpile and on many of Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds' albums...
– guitars - Dave EdmundsDave EdmundsDavid 'Dave' Edmunds is a Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer. Although he is primarily associated with Pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s style rock and roll.-Early bands:As a teenager Edmunds first...
– guitars, vocals - John Turnbull - lead guitar on "Nutted by Reality"
- John McFeeJohn McFeeJohn McFee is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist, and long time member of the Doobie Brothers.-Biography:...
- guitar solo on "Tonight" - Andrew Bodnar - bass
- Norman Watt-RoyNorman Watt-RoyNorman Watt-Roy is the bassist for The Blockheads, previously known as Ian Dury & the Blockheads.In November 1954 the Watt-Roy family, including Norman, his older brother Garth and his sister, moved to England...
- bass on "Nutted by Reality" - Terry WilliamsTerry Williams (drummer)Terrence "Terry" Williams is a Welsh rock drummer, whose resume includes work for Dire Straits, B. B. King, and Bob Dylan....
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person .... - Steve GouldingSteve GouldingSteve Goulding is an English drummer, best known for his memberships with Graham Parker and The Rumour, The Associates, Poi Dog Pondering and The Mekons. With the Associates he had a UK #9 hit single with "Party Fears Two"...
- drums - Pete ThomasPete ThomasPete Thomas is best known as the longtime drummer for Elvis Costello. Tom Waits has referred to him as "one of the best rock drummers alive".-Career:...
- drums - Charley Charles - drums on "Nutted by Reality"
- Bob AndrewsBob Andrews (keyboardist)Robert Charles "Bob" Andrews is an English keyboardist and saxophonist. He played with Brinsley Schwarz and Graham Parker's backing band, The Rumour, which he left in 1980.-References:...
- keyboards - Steve NieveSteve NieveSteve Nieve is an English keyboardist, best known for his work with Elvis Costello and the Attractions and Elvis Costello and the Imposters.-Musical career:...
- piano on "Nutted by Reality" - Roger BechirianRoger BechirianRoger Béchirian is a noted engineer and record producer, a key player in the 70’s new wave scene best known for his work with Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack, Elvis Costello, The Undertones, Dave Edmunds, Squeeze, Trashcan Sinatras and more recently Bell X1....
- organ, backing vocals
The album cover when first released deliberately omitted any mention of the musicians involved.[ref sleeve notes for 2008 deluxe edition]
Charts
Album| Year | Chart | Position (UK) | Position (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Pop Albums | 22 | 127 |
Related links
- "Marie Provost" guitar tabs and lyrics
- Marie PrevostMarie PrevostMarie Prevost was a Canadian-born actress of the early days of cinema. During her twenty year career, she made 121 silent and talking pictures.-Early life:...