Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out Joe Jackson 2 comments Further Reading Joe Jackson to release bonus DVD with new album http://weheartmus... The new album "RAIN" Includes CD and bonus DVD UK Release Date: January 28, 2008 US Release Dat...

Joe Jackson was sending out his demos before being picked up by A&M Records in 1978. The result was the amazing debut album Look Sharp! (1979), featuring his big hit "Is She Really Going Out with Him?"

In this article am going to talk about some of my favorite Joe Jackson songs, only because he has a new album coming out in a few weeks. A full review will be done by Ryan later (keep your eyes peeled for that).

"Steppin' Out" is one of Jackson's best-known songs. If you don't think you know this song - trust me: YOU KNOW THIS SONG. It's from his best-selling and critically acclaimed album Night and Day (1982).

He didn't actually cover the Cole Porter's song (see Jason's article: Night and Day), this album is kind of in the tone of Porter's style.

Although this album is more piano-driven, all of Jackson's lyrics are still there: "You dress in pink and blue/Just like a child/And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile/We'll be there in just a while/If you follow me..."

Embarrassingly enough, for the longest time, I have always thought "Steppin' Out" was a Hall & Oates song - especially with the xylophone.

The song, "Look Sharp!", was never released as a single, but I am in love with this wonderful New Wave/Rock sound.

Check out that rebellious punky lyrics:

Okay, what you say
Tell me what they're wearing this year
Go on and laugh at me 'cause you don't see
That I got something going right here
Say I'm just a dreamer
Say I'm just a kid
Well ace, shut your face
Maybe you will see or hear

I gotta say, "wow"! The song is saying to the world, hey you may not see much in me but the new kid in town is going to show you something.

"You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)": Just the title alone, it really illustrate Jackson's lyric writing for Body & Soul (1984).

I especially love the saxaphone as it carries its long note when Jackson sings "You can't get what you want/Till you know what you want".

So, obviously, I am a fan of Joe Jackson's 80s releases. To be honest, I haven't heard much from Joe Jackson until he resurfaced on my radar on William Shatner's Has Been (2003). I am sure all W♥M readers already have a copy of this CD. It's certainly one of my favorite cover song, and I am almost certain that Joe Jackson was the driving force behind getting Pulp's song covered.

Which brings me to 2008, Joe Jackson has a new album coming out in a few weeks called Rain. Since the album is already being reviewed, I won't spend too much time on audio portion (although I can tell you it's certainly piano-driven just like Night and Day). I'll be focusing on the DVD portion of Rain.

You get about 20 minutes of live concert with three songs ("Invisible Man", "Wasted Time", and "Good Bad Boy") recorded at the Islington Academy in London (24th May 2007). The concert footage is excellent and very professional.

There's some interviews (conducted with Alan Bangs), which I thought seemed awkward.

The best part of the DVD is the Joe's guide to Berlin! This is just great, whoever thought of this idea should get extra points.

I'm only showing you an excerpt of Joe talking about the Wall of Berlin and his insight on the whole thing.

I don't know if the bonus DVD will be available on future pressing of Rain, but looking at the retail price (about $16), it's a very good price for CD/DVD combo. The more common prices I've seen for CD/DVD combos are about $20.

By the way, there is a limited edition (signed and numbered by Jackson) - but it is already sold out.

Expect Jackson to go on tour shortly after the album's release on Ryko Disc in the UK (Jan 28th) and US (Jan 29th). They've already announced the password for his concert presale (the password is Davidian).

 01/11/2008 07:03:03  vu my♥posts www.joejackson.com