Labour of Lust

by Nick Lowe

Overview

Jesus of Cool was a jukebox, spinning out a series of perfectly crafted -- and decidedly quirky and subversive -- pop singles. In contrast, Nick Lowe's second album, Labour of Lust, is the work of a bar band, in this case Rockpile, playing the hell out of the same type of songs. Naturally, the result is a more coherent sound that may be a little less freewheelingly eclectic, but it is no less brilliant. Recorded simultaneously with Dave Edmunds' Repeat When Necessary, Labour of Lust benefits from the muscular support of Rockpile, who make Lowe's songs crackle with vitality. Working primarily in the roots rock vein of Brinsley Schwarz but energizing his traditionalist tendencies with strong pop melodies, a sense of humor, and an edgy new wave sensibility, Lowe comes up with one of his best sets of songs. Not only is his only hit, the propulsively hook-laden "Cruel to Be Kind," here, but so are the rampaging outsider anthem "Born Fighter," the tongue-in-cheek, Chuck Berry-style "Love So Fine," the wonderful pure pop of "Dose of You," the haunting "Endless Grey Ribbon," the druggy "Big Kick, Plain Scrap!," and the terrific "Cracking Up," as well as his definitive version of Mickey Jupp's "Switchboard Susan." It's an exceptional collection of inventive pop songs, delivered with vigor and energy, making it one of the great records of the new wave. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	03/31/2023
Label:	Yep Roc
UPC:	0634457112674

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Nick Lowe   Primary Artist,Vocals,8-String Bass,Guitar (Bass),Bass (Electric),Guitar (Acoustic)
Terry Williams   Drums
Bob Andrews   Synthesizer,Oberheim Synthesizer
Elvis Costello   Vocals (Background)
Billy Bremner   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Roger Bechirian   Tape
Dave Edmunds   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Huey Lewis   Harmonica
Bruce Thomas   Bass (Electric)
Pete Thomas   Drums

Technical Credits

Terry Williams   Composer
Billy Bremner   Composer
Ian Gomm   Composer
Rockpile   Composer
Sebastian Bach   Production Coordination
Dave Edmunds   Composer
Will Birch   Liner Notes
Gregg Geller   Liner Notes,Reissue Producer
Vic Anesini   Mastering
Nick Lowe   Composer,Producer
Mickey Jupp   Composer
Barney Bubbles   Original Sleeve Design
Roberta Bayley   Photography
Antoinette Sales   Photography