Rockpile
Seconds Of Pleasure

THE REVIEW

Nick Lowe, an excellent bassist and composer, was an artist of multifaceted and versatile talent, one of the most active on the English music scene of the seventies. The musician who perhaps understood more than anyone else, what direction rock music would take, and what path to follow, to avoid being trapped in fixed and worn-out patterns. A soul of the British music scene, he also stood out as a producer, (among others) the first album by the Damned, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson. In 1969 he formed the Brinsley Schwarz, an appreciable pub rock band, but one that left nothing sensational behind.

In 1980 "Seconds of Pleasure" was released, the only official recording by Rockpile, which mainly revolves around Lowe himself and the prestigious guitarist Dave Edmunds. The lineup is completed by guitarist Billy Bremner and drummer Terry Williams. A record of "easy-rock pop" or "rockabilly power pop," both definitions work well.

One gets the impression that the compositions are played by a band that loves what it's doing, having fun. Listening to the tracks, you are carried away by the catchy melodies that can be hummed after just one listen. At the same time, the music of "Rockpile" is precise, professional, while still maintaining certain fixed codes, it updates the sound of the sixties, making it clear that all the band members are perfectly familiar with the fundamentals of rock'n'roll. A clean work, no-frills rock aimed straight at the heart.

"Seconds of Pleasure" is a record that flows smoothly, without drops in tension, a little classic in its genre. It deserves to be discovered by those who love music characterized by a driving rhythm, which prompts you to tap your hand on the dashboard if listened to in the car. Well-written songs, energy, almost a synthesis of the music of the Beach Boys and the Beatles. The twelve tracks are equally divided between revisited classics and original songs, written by Lowe in collaboration with the rest of the band. My favorite tracks are: "Teacher Teacher", "Heart", "Now And Always", "Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)", "Wrong Again (Let's Face It)", "When I Write the Book". In short, Rockpile-branded relaxation.