That's What It Sounded Like When He Started

 

In 1979, at a time when punk had turned the entire British music scene on its head and DIY was all the rage, a student from the Midlands took to the stage. Joe Jackson, who had until then been studying classical composition in London, did not fit in at all with the zeitgeist of the time.

By combining catchy power-pop melodies with punk-inspired, reggae-influenced energy, he has released a new wave classic with his debut album. Few albums from that era have stood the test of time as well as Look Sharp. The lyrics strike a balance between cynical, self-deprecating humor and a surprising degree of vulnerability. Rather than simply venting his anger, Jackson dissects the banalities of superficial romances and the media with a sharp, articulate eye for detail, culminating in one of the best lines of all time Pretty women out walking with gorillas my street. From my window out staring while my coffee goes cold.

Joe Jackson - Is She Really Going Out With Him

Joe Jackson - Sunday Papers

Joe Jackson - Fools In Love

Joe Jackson - One More Time

The Harder They Come

 

Just over 50 years ago, the German music magazine Sounds began promoting reggae more actively. I still remember a series by Teja Schwaner in which he explained the origins of reggae to German readers, going far beyond Bob Marley. Ska, and its gradual slowing down over several hot summers in Jamaica, evolved into rocksteady, characterized by it's dominant bass lines. 

This series also featured a film that depicted the era and the music scene in Jamaica quite realistically. The Harder They Come tells the story of Ivan Martin, a poor young man from rural Jamaica who seeks musical success in the big city and ultimately meets a violent end.

In these times it was impossible to watch the movie at my place and so I got the soundtrack instead. This soundtrack was my gateway to classic reggae and to Jimmy Cliff (who also plays the lead role in the film), The Slickers, many others, and later to dub. The soundtrack was released 54 years ago, and it’s time to revisit it.

Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come

The Slickers - Johnny Too Bad

Jimmy Cliff - Many Rivers To Cross

Jimmy Cliff - You Can Get It If You Really Want It

Monday's Long Song

A couple of days ago I met my oldest friend from my schooldays for a beer He told me that his eldest brother has been diagnosed with incurable lung cancer and is thought to have only a few months left to live. He was the one who showed us that, 50 years ago, there was more to music than just glam rock. We often visited him at home and he’d play us music that was new and exciting to us. Without him, I wouldn’t have discovered Jimi Hendrix, The Crusaders and Captain Beefheart’s crazy blues rock until much later.

Another band he introduced to us was Chicago Transit Authority, one of the first bands who incorporated a full brass section into their music and also drew on elements of hard rock, pop and jazz. As well as producing catchy songs that quickly became hits, they also ventured into experimental sounds. For example, in 1969, their guitarist Terry Kath recorded a track called ‘Free Form Guitar’, which consisted almost entirely of feedback. 

This song is a classic that used to be played in every club back then. A rhythmic staccato on the drums paired with extraordinary guitar passages and a great hook. It’s a shame that they changed their name to Chicago shortly afterwards and, apart from a good live album, became increasingly bland.

Chicago Transit Authority - I'm A Man

New Song On Sunday

 

Summer 2026. One heatwave follows another. You find it hard to get any work done, and lethargy sets in. Summer blues are a distinct possibility. This is exactly what The Linda Lindas sing about in their new song, Burning Out. The Linda Lindas’ melodic punk rock sounds like a modern take on the riot grrrl sound of the 90's. Surf punk guitars dominate their sound, which has a laid-back feel to it. A fine song by the American women’s quartet.

Clap Your Hands

 

Today's edition of clapping hands starts with song by Simon and Garfunkel. Released in 1970 Cecilia, a song about a couple having sex in the afternoon was rather unusual for Duo. Despite this, the groovy track managed to reach the top of the charts.

A classic by Gang Of Four. Early 80's post-punk with sharp guitars and soul-funk at their side.

To finish off, a bit of garage rock from The Sonics. Raw rhythm 'n' blues of a kind rarely played in America in the early sixties.

That's What It Sounded Like When They Started

 

While putting together this series, I realized that Interpol had never featured on these pages before. Time to change that.

In 1997, Paul Banks and Daniel Kessler, two students at New York University, formed Interpol, a band which, contrary to the conventions of the time, did not draw on garage and indie rock. Their musical influences are far more evident in the post-punk bands of the early 1980's. They were soon signed to Matator Records, which also had acts such as Pavement and Yo La Tengo on its roster. With their debut LP, Turn On The Bright Lights, they heralded a post-punk revival.

Intense, brooding melancholy hangs over the ruins of British post-punk, clinging enigmatically to the melodies, whilst an Ian Curtis lookalike sings, in a stylishly broken voice, of the tribulations of human relationships. The songs are fully arranged, feature stoic drumming and a solid bass line, whilst the guitars float above all the tracks, which nevertheless have a lo-fi sound. An album that evokes the past yet feels firmly rooted in the here and now, featuring wonderful songs – the only one that comes too close to Johnny Marr and The Smiths is Say Hello To The Angels.

Interpol - Obstacle 1

Interpol - NYC

Interpol - PDA

Interpol - Say Hello To The Angles

Monday's Long Song

 

In 1995 Sonic Youth released The Washing Machine, their probably last great studio album. It shows all I like about them. Not just because they’ve once again conjured up wondrous melodies out of thin air, only to destroy them towards the end in a sea of noise and feedback. What’s more, Thurston Moore is once again redefining the art of playing the electric guitar. For me, the best example of this is the final track on this album: an almost twenty-minute journey through harmony, tranquillity and expressive guitar noise. If you take the time to embark on this journey, you’ll realise what a monster of a track they’ve created.

Sonic Youth - The Diamond Sea