I first discovered Jill Sobule back in 1990. This was when Todd Rundgren was still actively producing other artists and it was because of Todd that I picked up Sobule's debut "Things Here Are Different," knowing absolutely nothing about her. I fell in love with the record and proceeded to see her perform a number of intimate live shows at both The Bitter End and at the long gone Fez Below Time Cafe.
It took five years for Sobule to release another record, but she hit paydirt with two groundbreaking hits from the 1995 self-titled release, "Karen By Night" and "I Kissed A Girl."
As a matter of fact, all three of the records released after her debut were undeniably full of true pop goodness. Sobule could write a hook with the best of'em.
I lost track of her studio work after 2000's "Pink Pearl," but I would see her pop-up occasionally at The Bottom Line's series of shows called "The Beat Goes On," where she was often a guest vocalist. Bottom line is, I'm a fan and her tragic death in a house fire this past weekend really shook me, as it did many. Anything, at anytime, could take any of us, with no rhyme or reason. Sobule's friends made it out, but Jill did not. The fire is being investigated.
Sobule was an outspoken advocate of LGBTQ rights, as well as speaking out about the MAGA movement and reproductive rights.
It really stinks when it takes the loss of an artist, natural or not, for people to finally recognize the work. But that's nothing new, I guess. Hey artists! Something to look forward to. 🙄
I recently listened to "Things Here Are Different," as well as a personal playlist this past Sunday. It all sounded so good, still.
Here are some of my favorites zipped into a six pack. Maybe you'll enjoy them as much as I do.
The arrangements on all six of these tracks are brilliant.
Marimba and tympani on "Rainy Day Parade."
The "drums and vocal only" break on "When My Ship Comes In!" (That really cooks!)
The swelling of the "strings" in "Life Goes On Without You" could melt the hardest of hearts. But how about this line?
"It's just a matter, a matter of timeYou fell out of love, but so will I."
Take that! A dozen or so words we use every day, but Jill put them in the right, heart punching order.
This is true record making, from all involved. The first four are produced by Brad Jones, Robin Eaton and Jill Sobule. The last two are produced by Todd Rundgren.
Rest In Peace, Jill. We need a phalanx of you right now.
TRACKLIST
Rainy Day Parade
Claire
When My Ship Comes In
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart
Life Goes On Without You
Tell Me Your Dreams
14 comments:
Hadn't heard about the fire, so your headline was a shock. Some people you don't expect to die. Some you do, and expect them to, but they won't. Life is so unfair.
A very nice selection there Sal. Another personal favorite is her vocal contribution to the Grace Of My Heart soundtrack - Truth Is You Lied. Perfect 60's style vocal and production.
You reintroduced me to Jill about a decade ago via this blog. Thank you for that. What a loss.
Such a sad end. Glad we still have her great work. I only saw her play as part of Lloyd Cole’s band, The Negatives, but that gig alone made me a fan.
- Paul in DK
A tragic loss. I was really only familiar with her hits from 1995. Your playlist proved to be an outstanding introduction to an incredibly talented and passionate artist. Thank you, Sal! R.I.P. Jill
Very sad.
A song of Jill's I'll always love is "Where Is Bobbie Gentry" -- both a great song and perhaps a personal story.
Okay, I need to hear that.
This was shocking and tragic…such a loss. I listened to over an hour and a half of her catalog yesterday and was moved to tears more than once. But felt a lot of joy from her too! Very special indeed! R.I.P.
When I saw she'd died, believe it or not, my first thought was "Poor Sal." because it came amidst your downcast recent post and I hated the thought of you dealing with it as you were mourning Mike Peters. This dang blog means too much to me.
Anyway, her singing wasn't my cuppa, but I dig her collab with Steve Earle ('Texas') and like that one of my favorite singers/artists, John Doe, worked with her, and I knew you respected her work so I figured she was worthy. Let's take a break of folks we like going away, especially when they're too young to be going away, and especially when folks who deserve to go away linger.
C in California
She was equally great off the stage as on. I am so grateful I got to see her autobiographical musical/ concert- F%CK 7th Grade. She will be truly missed Try to look up what she did to a troll who called her a "commie dyke Jew". She wrote a great, smart song, and ended up befriending the guy. Seeing all the love so many had for her is heartbreaking.
Just found her Instagram post about this and her performance of the song. Amazing.
I haven't thought about or listened to Jill Sobule since Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" came our and I played Jill's song to my son to show him that it wasn't;t all that original. It's a shame that it takes death to put somebody in mind. I have a number of her songs in my library and always had a positive view of her even though I never did a deep dive. It['s a shame.
So very sad. Saw her several times over the years, such a gregarious performer and always a fun show. RIP
My friend played guitar for her in her show "Fuck Seventh Grade" and said she was the most lovely person. Such sad news.
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