Music review: Joe Jackson – ‘Fool’
Hard to believe that it’s fast approaching 40 years since Joe Jackson released his debut album. “Look Sharp!” introduced me to the clever angst and wit the British new waver contributed to the music scene on memorable tracks like “Sunday Papers,” “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” and “Got the Time.”
In 1977, another angry Englishman garnered my attention with a brash debut album and a 1978 sophomore release that perfectly captured my mood at the time. With “My Aim Is True” and “This Year’s Model,” Elvis Costello crafted infectious tracks of punk passion with jabs of new wave, rock, power pop and reggae. Both of these Costello efforts easily make my list of favorite punk albums of all time.
It’s satisfying to know that both Costello and Jackson continue to produce impactful music and remain true to their craft.
“Fool” is Jackson’s 20th studio release and possesses an engaging blending of the many sides of the eclectic singer-songwriter.
Constructed in the mold of a traditional vinyl recording, Jackson delivers eight arrangements that draw inspiration from his outstanding career.
Tracks such as “Big Black Cloud” and “Fabulously Absolute” are rousing throwbacks to the days of “Look Sharp!” and “I’m the Man” as Jackson declares, “Like I’m a fascist or a fool/Who didn’t go to snooty school/I get it wrong on the remote/And even wronger when I vote.”
The charming “32 Kisses” and enchanting sophistication of “Alchemy” would feel right at home on 1982’s “Night and Day,” a glorious album of New York cool that produced the alluring arrangements “Steppin’ Out” and “Breaking Us in Two.”
The album serves as an inviting composition of comedy and tragedy as the title track revolves around those unique individuals that can make others laugh with Jackson singing, “He’s the man who don’t follow orders/Stands on one leg and plays the recorder/Gets out of jail and laughs at the warder/Break for the border.”
With delicious traces of sentiment and insight, “Dave” and “Friend Better” unfold as standout numbers that showcase Jackson’s knack for composing melodic pop with substance, proving that he’s still as sharp as he was four decades ago.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.