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RUPERT HOLMES
SONGS THAT SOUND LIKE MOVIES:
THE COMPLETE EPIC RECORDINGS
Available NOW!
If
you mention the name Rupert Holmes, two songs immediately come to mind: “Escape
(The Pina Colada Song)” and “Him.” Those massive hits were taken from the 1979
album PARTNERS IN CRIME, still his most popular studio release.
However, what many don’t realize is that Rupert had been an extremely busy musician
and since the late ‘60s. From being a
member and songwriter in The Cuff Links
and The Buoys during Bubblegum's heyday, Rupert would then go on to work with many successful and influential artists over the years
including Barbra Streisand, Barry
Manilow, The Partridge Family and Sparks.
Not only that, he had already released four full-length solo platters prior to his commercial breakthrough
album. And since then,
he has added playwright and author to his very large resume. But before we
spend all day creating a list of his many accomplishments, let’s focus on the beginning
of his solo career in the mid- ‘70s.
His
first three solo albums released on the Epic Records label – WIDESCREEN
(1974), RUPERT HOLMES (1975) and SINGLES (1976) – have just been digitally
remastered, expanded and compiled on the three CD box set SONGS THAT SOUND LIKE MOVIES: THE
COMPLETE EPIC RECORDINGS courtesy of Cherry Red Records. These albums may be 40+ years old but the
warmth of the production and Rupert’s expert Pop craftsmanship have kept them
timeless slices of ‘70s sophistication. The title of this set does not lie –
these truly are songs that are cinematic in scope, filled with depth and
imagination.
While
it would be safe to compare Rupert’s early masterpieces to artists like Billy Joel, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman
and Harry Chapin, to compare him to
anyone would be a disservice to Holmes.
It is true that Rupert’s albums would definitely appeal to fans of those
artists’ but Holmes is really his own man. He should actually be listed
alongside them rather than being compared to them. One listen to this set and you’re sure to
agree.
WIDESCREEN
is the first of the three albums
and it reveals a talent well beyond his years. Tracks like “Terminal,” “Our
National Pastime,” “Talk,” “Phantom Of The Opera,” and the title track are
instantly lovable slices of intelligent, well-written tales with melodies that are
hard to deny. Bonus tracks include very rare live recordings from 1978 and a
few other tidbits.
The
self-titled sophomore album expands upon the musical themes of first album,
adding some Rock, Disco, and Soul into the mix. “Brass Knuckles”, “Rifles And
Rum,” and “Everything Gets Better When You’re Drunk,” are a little beefier than
tracks off the debut. “The Place Where Failure Goes” is a gem of a Pop tune. “I
Don’t Want To Hold Your Hand” is a song about The Beatles which includes
lyrical and musical nods to the Fab Four just five short years after their
split. There are some nice ballads here as well, making RUPERT HOLMES an
excellent follow-up to the debut. No sophomore slump here, folks. Bonus tracks
include rare live recordings.
Contrary
to what you would think, SINGLES is not a collection of
Rupert’s seven-inch singles. Actually, it is a most excellent album that continues
to blend Rupert’s skills as a songwriter, arranger and storyteller. However,
this time, he’s less cinematic and more hook-conscious. There’s still a touch
of Soul in the mix as Rupert’s Pop melodies rise to the surface, making some of
this material the most immediate in this box set. “Who, What, When, Where, Why”
sound like a hit single – a mix of Billy Joel and Steely Dan. “Aw Shucks” is a
rockin’, horn-fueled gem that is one of the album’s many outstanding gems. “For Beginners Only” is a sock hop pastiche
that might have easily fit on a Neil
Sedaka album from the ‘70s. “I Don’t Want To Get Over You” and “The Last Of
The Romantics” are just a few more highlights.
In
a way, listening to this set is a bit like living in a world created by Neil Simon. And that is a wonderful thing….
Keep
on truckin’,
Stephen THE CHANCELLOR Schnee
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