Customer Reviews

Big World

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A stroll up Granville from the Best Western Downtown Vancouver, just short of the Robson retail drag, I duck into Charlie's and find a second-hand copy of Big World marked at seven bucks and 99, though somehow when I pay for it it's six and change. I've been meaning to re-buy this work for some time since parting with the original 1986 vinyl, the "first-ever three-sided LP". Result!

At first playing I think OK, not as good as I remembered, but all right. But I admit that I've just got off a red-eye back to London and I'm feeling very, very sleep-deprived and like the world is maybe too big sometimes.

Third time round, though, the nostalgia arrives in a tsunami-sized wave, particularly with the intro to Shanghai Sky, sublime and slow. It has the same feel as the May 21 1986 version of Stepping Out from the Live 1980/86 double, a track recorded, coincidentally, in Vancouver. It's the only vinyl record I still play, precisely because of Stepping Out, the version nonpareil.

Overall, Big World is yet another of those JJ records that defies to be pigeon-holed, its subjects ranging from out-of-the-box takes on relationships (Precious Time, We Can't Live Together), machismo (Fifty Dollar Love Affair), politics (Right And Wrong), international relationships (Forty Years) and the life-or-death struggle between a man and his food (the title track). There's a multi-textured emotional roller-coaster, from soulful to downright angry, and the familiar musical catholicism, including a tango and some oriental-flavoured chords, bolstering the cosmopolitan theme evoked by the lyrics. Jackson's musical dexterity is also amply demonstrated in the contrast between the light and breezy Hometown on this set and the slower, more wistful version on a 2001 live version (again recorded in the Pacific Northwest) released in 2004.

It's good, then, to catch up, and too long (2008) since Rain. I like reminiscing, but I'd also like some new stuff!

Jackson's first three albums contained two radio friendly songs and not much else I can listen to now. Night and Day was his most rounded album and pleasing on the ear but Body and Soul pointed the way to a new live way of doing things ( perhaps he'd enjoyed a similar approach on Jumping Jive). Finally Big World came along with so much variety and barely a dud track - perhaps 40 Years is a bit unbearable now. But the band fizzes and the bass playing is superb allied with some deft and physical drumming. I love this album more than any other Joe Jackson one - those that followed are humdrum indeed especially the female vocalists performances which were great on this album. Biggest regret is that Vinnie Zummo, the guitarist, never did as well as this again. Try his solo on We Can't Live Together or his generally brilliant rhythm work throughout.

The next album Will Power was Jackson's classical effort and ok but for a great almost-instrumental try Shanghai Sky on this album. With this CD on in the car you'll never need the radio on again; the variety is so immense.

I have to agree with Paul Richards. It has nostalgia for me, but ultimately relistening in 2013 disappointed. Too many "album tracks", not enough classics.

I'm prompted to enter a review of this album having read another one posted within Amazon. Firstly, this album is Live - recorded in just 3 days - and is superb! I play it loud and it's almost like being there! Secondly, it's odd to see reviews entered in 2002 for an album released back in 1986 !! However, that's not to say that the album is dated - unless you are someone who only likes to play what's "hip & trendy" at the moment. Joe's biggest quality (and possibly what has limited his commercial success) is that he plays music that sounds/feels right to him - and the result is more often than not something of great quality. I wouldn't say this is an album for die-hard JJ fans - they would have bought it (like I did) when it was released - on 2 vinyl LP's - too many songs for one LP and not enough for 2 - so side 4 says "THERE IS NO MUSIC ON THIS SIDE" !! Quite frankly, there's enough quality and variety (plus typical JJ irony in the lyrics) in the 15 tracks to keep anyone happy. So don't be put off - if you're into JJ or just want an album that's a bit "different" than your existng collection then give this a go! Oh and if your partner is giving you some grief, play "We can't live together" nice and loud!!

No matter how hard he tried, Joe Jackson has always struggled to gain the commercial acclaim he so often deserved. Here we find the great British songwriter with his seventh 'proper' album, already having graced punk, reggae and even jazz previously, it was time to get back to basics. The two previous albums to this, 'Night and Day' and 'Body and Soul' still remain the artists biggest success, but two years on we find Jackson having to prove himself once again to the general public. The result, 'Big World' is a brave effort, 16 tracks in three parts, recorded live with the audience applause being dubbed out.

It is something of a mixed-bag, by far nothing compared to Jackson's best works, but still the sign of a fine songwriter surrounded by great musicians making good music. In theory this is the first real Joe Jackson album, for once he isn't trying to be a punk, reggae or jazz artist, he is doing what he wants to do. Opening with the acoustic-guitar led, rocky 'Wild West', and staying pretty much in the same tone for the first five tracks, hints of Jackson's new wave credentials are lost in Part Two - 4 slow, rather dramatic numbers, lead by the fantastic 'Fifty Dollar Love Affair' and let down by the shallow war-cry of 'Forty Years'. By part three though the tempo is raised again, 'Survival' cuts in sharply, while 'Soul Kiss' is the highlight of the album, classic Jackson sneering to his hearts content about lack of success with women. Ending with the great but sadly dated 'Man In The Street', this is an album that can be recommended thanks to it's better moments, the single 'Home Town' will always be a favourite, but let down by what feels like a few too many fillers.

Joe Jackson is a fantastic artist, but 'Big World', although an essential part of his back-catalogue, falls short of his usual standards, and despite some cracking moments it really is one just for the die-hards.