Customer Reviews

Body & Soul

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

After discovering that Body and Soul had finally been remastered and reissued in what seemed to take a millenum, I eagerly placed my order and waited for the prized disc to arrive. However, to my dismay I discovered that this German manufactured reissue is riddled with pops, clicks, and general distortion. (this is quite apparent in the few opening seconds of "Not Here, Not Now")

Initially assuming it was a player issue, I proceeded to play in the disc in three other units and heard the same problems. (My original disc of this title from 1984 does not have these audio problems)

Convinced I simply had a defective disc, I requested a replacement which was received the next day! (Thanks Amazon) Unfortuntely, the replacement disc had exactly the same playback problems confirming that it was a manufacturing problem that affected the entire run (or at least a large portion) of this title.

This is simply one of the cleanest and most dynamically recorded albums of the era and all the problems appear to be associated with the German manufacturer who produced this disc.

I would suggest waiting for A&M (Universal) to sort out this issue before sacrificing your $10!

This must be one of my all-time favourite CDs. And one of the best-sounding albums of all time as well, thanks to Joe Jackson's early use of digital recording techniques combined with vintage microphones. Which makes the mystery all the greater: what on earth happened in 1997, when the record company decided to remaster this?
The dynamics of the remaster are, admittedly, more up-to-date. But there are loud popping noises on almost all the tracks, notably on the opener The Verdict (after about 29 seconds). At times it sounds painfully like an old vinyl LP...and yet none of these faults were present on the original CD release. Add to this the poor quality of the sleeve and booklet (what happened to the colours?) and it's a total disaster. I can only hope that someday, someone will release a "Deluxe" edition like that of Night And Day and restore this pioneering recording to its original glory.

The music inside is worthy of the Blue Note album cover on the outside. Like most Joe Jackson albums, this album stands on its own as an amazing (and unique) piece of work. I can't think of anything to compare with the amazing opening of "The Verdict." What brass!! From there, he goes all over the stylistic map, as usual, and leaves us some of his best songs ("You Can't Get What You Want," "Be My Number Two," "Not Here Not Now" etc.). The scary thing for me is, as stellar as this album is, I think it's his second best album, after the mighty "Big World!" Most artists would consider themselves lucky to have just one album of this caliber, much less two.

Another person who reviewed this album said to start your Joe Jackson collection with this. As your doctor, I must say "DO NOT LET THIS BE YOUR FIRST JOE JACKSON!". It will only spoil you!!! Great production, orchestration, recording, vocals, lyrics, just a superlative effort. The single, solitary thing that doesn't hold up well is when Elaine Caswell sings "..it's not so easy, it's '84 now!" Big deal! Just hearing her duet with Joe in that crisp, clean contralto of hers took my breath away just like it did 15+ years ago. Whew!! Takes me back to Joe's shows at the Greek in '89 or '90. Buy This. Play It Loud. Play It Soft. Dig It!

while Joe Jackson more than proved his capability as a pop/rock writer/performer, with Body and Soul he chose to swim upstream - against a massive tide of 80's pop. Jackson spreads his musical wings on this work of blues-jazz-rock (seemingly endless influences). The result is so incredible - this is truely one of those albums that will give you goosebumps. Put your headphones on or listen in the car on a long road trip. Unfortunately, because it is difficult to define it is unlikely you will see this - or much of Joe Jackson's material as an Amazon.com "essential recording". However, for the fan of great music, this will be one of your essential recordings. And don't miss Blaze of Glory and Night and Day - both fantastic.

"You Can't Get What You Want" blew me away when I first heard it in the spring of '84 and it still does. I was 15 and Joe Jackson instantly became my favorite artist. Every album is completely different than the one before it--but they're all tremendous works. Body and Soul is my personal favorite. From "Be My Number Two" to "Losaida" to the brilliant "You Can't Get What You Want" this is truly a classic. If you're new to Joe Jackson, start your collection here. If your only exposure to Joe Jackson are his other classics "Steppin' Out" and "Is She Really Going Out with Him"--try Body and Soul for something completely different.

If you're someone who appreciates quality song-writing and performance, this album is for you. Don't be fooled, though. This is not of the 'Sunday Papers' or 'Is She Really Going Out' Joe Jackson fare. Nor is it 'Pack Rat' styled crooning.

This album features a full orchestra, a deft variety of genre, a big room, and mostly one-takes. I'd suggest low lighting, high volume, and a really good wine......and several listenings!

Though big during the New Wave era, Joe Jackson was a fresh mix of Steely Dan, Chet Baker and Harry Connick Jr. A versatile recording you play as background or even dance to. The sultry, latin "Cha-Cha Loco" was one of the bigger hits that makes you want to start moving. "You Can't Get What You Want" is another popular one that evokes big band days. A fun, sophisticated CD.

Picked this album up in the bargin bin. I had heard Joe Jackson before but this one is something special from the range and inventiveness of the compositions to the superb musicianship to Jackson's riveting voice. This is not background music. This requires headphones, a comfortable chair and 50 minutes to lose yourself in this fine CD. Are there other musicians past or present that fall in this category (popular music-surely not) that will make me want to sit down and listen?

I first bought this album in vinyl in 1985. It blew me away then, and still does today. It's one that I can always put on and enjoy. It's very well recorded, and musically shows a lot of flexibility. The sound is bright and open in one track, then close and intimate in the next. This album is a very nice contrast to his "Night & Day" album which had a few pop hits a lot of people are familiar with, and also contrasts with his earlier work. They recorded the album in a masonic lodge, and you get both the open sound and energy of a live show, with the excellent sonic quality of a studio recording. I love it!