I was a sucker for those Stiff Records releases in the mid-70's. I bought them all- Jona Lewie, Mickey Jupp, Wreckless Eric, Rachel Sweet and Lene Lovich. Only Lewie's failed to get consistent play through the years. Rachel Sweet's "Fool Around" had some great songs, but it felt a bit like a novelty due to her age and young sounding voice.
A few years later, 1982, and now on CBS proper, Rachel Sweet's third record, "...And Then He Kissed Me" gets released. I recall nothing about it. I didn't even listen to her second record "Protect The Innocent." But her third just happened to be part of this recent record collection I picked up and the track list intrigued me.
First of all, am I the last to know that Sweet recorded "Shadows In The Night" two years before Pat Benatar? It's better! I also noticed "Little Darlin',"which I assumed correctly wasn't the Count Basie tune but a fave of mine from the early 80's by the band Spider.
I decided to give this record a spin and I had a really great time listening to it. Three years on, Sweet's voice sounds much more mature, as opposed to the 16 year old novelty of her debut. But also, the whole record, save one or two missteps, has a big Phil Spector meets E Street Band vibe, very similar to another favorite of mine, the Hunter/Ronson produced solo debut from Ellen Foley, "Nightout."
Bottom line, this "always in the $2 bin at record shows" record is worth at least three times that. It's a smart collection of big pop. Give a listen to "Party Girl," a Rachel Sweet original. It should have been a hit, damn it! There is even a Spector medley of the title track with "Be My Baby," and while nothing will rival the originals, these ain't half bad at all.
I think I need to give "Protect The Innocent" a chance, if only to hear Sweet cover The Damned.
7 comments:
"protect the innocent" is awesome. i buy up copies to give to friends.
Based on these 3 cuts it sounds like a classic. The Spector/E Street comparison is right on the money. I'm gonna get me one.
Love Rachel! Underrated and forgotten (sadly). I love all of her albums!
I like both the Sweet & Benatar versions of Shadows, but the Helen Schneider one is my favorite. I think it was first, and if I remember correctly, it's the only one that doesn't change the lyrics from the DL Byron demo.
I'd like to nominate the anonymous comment about Rachel Sweet's appearance on Seinfeld as one of the all-time best trivia questions ever. A champions-level final-round killer. (And now BW readers are ready!)
Long-time fan of her first album. Will have to seek out the others.
great thanks! i have her original album bought in the 80's i believe on the recommendation of Simels in Stereo Review magazine. rs
Atill does the greatest version of B.A.B.Y , does anyone know what shes doing now?
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