The Abominable Showman
The Abominable Showman is the fourth solo album by the English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe, released in 1983.[1][2] Lowe supported the album by touring with Paul Carrack.[3]
| The Abominable Showman | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 1983 | |||
| Recorded | Rockfield, Wales; Ampro, London | |||
| Genre | Garage rock, pop, rock and roll | |||
| Length | 35:07 | |||
| Label | F-Beat (UK), Columbia (US) | |||
| Producer | Roger Bechirian, Nick Lowe | |||
| Nick Lowe chronology | ||||
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The album was out of print for two decades until being reissued on CD and vinyl by Yep Roc Records on 14 July 2017. The reissue contained three bonus tracks.[4]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [5] |
| Robert Christgau | B+[6] |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | [1] |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 4/10[7] |
The New York Times noted the "light but appealing funk, reggae and 1960's soul in addition to the expected garage-pop-and-roll."[8]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Nick Lowe, except where noted
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "We Want Action" | Lowe, Carlene Carter | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Ragin' Eyes" | 2:38 | |
| 3. | "Cool Reaction" | Pete Marsh, Andy Howell | 2:35 |
| 4. | "Time Wounds All Heels" | Lowe, Carter, Simon Climie | 2:42 |
| 5. | "Man of a Fool" | 2:44 | |
| 6. | "Tanque-Rae" | 2:48 | |
| 7. | "Wish You Were Here" | 3:14 | |
| 8. | "Chicken and Feathers" | 2:44 | |
| 9. | "Paid The Price" | Moon Martin | 3:24 |
| 10. | "Mess Around With Love" | 3:05 | |
| 11. | "Saint Beneath The Paint" | 2:48 | |
| 12. | "How Do You Talk to an Angel" | 3:50 | |
| Total length: | 35:07 | ||
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Pet You and Hold You" (live) | 3:22 |
| 14. | "Crackin' Up" (live) | 3:13 |
| 15. | "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" (live) | 3:37 |
Note: The packaging of the YepRoc reissue omits mention of "Pet You and Hold You" as a bonus track.
Personnel
- Nick Lowe – bass, guitar, lead vocals
- James Eller – bass
- Bobby Irwin – drums, backing vocals
- Paul Carrack – keyboards, backing vocals, duet vocals on "Wish You Were Here"
- Martin Belmont – guitar
Other credits
- Robert Kirby – string arrangements
- Carlene Carter and Simon Climie – harmonies and harmonics on "Time Wounds All Heels"
- Pete Marsh – backing vocals on "Paid The Price" and "Tanque-Rae"
- George Rains – The Abominable Showman
- Keith Morris – photography
Production
The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios, Wales and Ampro Studio, London.
- Producer – Roger Bechirian with Nick Lowe
- Engineers – Roger Bechirian, Paul Cobbold and Paul Bass
Singles
Three songs off this album were released as singles:
- "Raging Eyes" / "Tanque-Rae" ("Raging Eyes" was recorded in October 1981)
- "Cool Reaction" (Promo only)
- "Wish You Were Here" / "How Do You Talk To An Angel"
Notes
- The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. p. 436.
- Tucker, Ken (1 April 1983). "Opening for Petty tonight will be Nick Lowe...". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. E22.
- Takiff, Jonathan (1 April 1983). "Nick Lowe". Features. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 55.
- "YEP ROC RECORDS TO REISSUE SIX LONG OUT-OF-PRINT NICK LOWE TITLES, MAKING HIS ENTIRE ALBUM CATALOG AVAILABLE ON ONE LABEL – Yep Roc Records". Yep Roc Records. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- The Abominable Showman Nick Lowe Allmusic.com, Stephen Thomas Erlewine
- "CG: Nick Lowe". Robert Christgau. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
- Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. p. 232.
- Palmer, Robert (23 March 1983). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C22.
External links
- The Abominable Showman at Discogs (list of releases)
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