Customer Reviews

Goodbye Jumbo

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Goodbye Jumbo" is one of the most overlooked classics of the 1990's. Karl Wallinger, formerly the keyboardist for the Waterboys, has created a cd that highlights his influences (the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Sly & the Family Stone, Dylan), but has managed to create his own distinct style. Unlike his first cd, "Private Revolution, which was a one-man show, he has enlisted the help of a three-piece band. There is a much more cohesive feel to "Goodbye Jumbo". It's a very complex, layered cd with lots of attention to detail. Wallinger is quite the perfectionist, but he proves that it's worth it.

Wallinger's heartfelt lyrics, coupled with overly catchy rhythms, drive this cd. He covers topics like the environment, love and religion, but keeps a very positive mood throughout the record. The sequencing of the songs is great and it creates a certain ebb and flow that makes the cd even more listenable. "Way Down Now" is quite possibly one of the best Britpop songs to emerge from England in the past 20 years. It was, along with "Put The Message In The Box", a minor college hit in the U.S., but unfortunately, never struck a chord with the mainsteam. Other outstanding tracks on the album include the opener, "Is It Too Late?", the sexy "Ain't Gonna Come Till I'm Ready", the upbeat "Take It Up", the haunting "When The Rainbow Comes" and the soulful "Sweet Soul Dream".

In addition to having hired a full band, there are also guest appearances by Waterboy's violinist, Steve Wickham, and Sinead O'Connor, who lends her vocals to the ballad "Sweet Soul Dream".

In a perfect world, everyone would know about World Party and Oasis would be a footnote in musical history. From beginning to end, it is one of the most consistent cd's I've ever heard. I enjoy it just as much now as I did when I bought it in 1990. This new, remastered version certainly bolsters the sound and I'm glad that I can hear even more of the nuances. This is definitely a cd that should be in every music lovers collection!

A friend gave me a tape of "Goodbye Jumbo" with the comment "This is the best album that radio never played." I gave the tape a listen and the more times I played it, the better and better it got. There are echos of other bands here, but that's NOT to say that World Party rips off other bands' sounds. I'm only saying that there's a "sound" that certain bands have that one can also find on this album....and that "sound" is good! "When The Rainbow Comes" got me hooked, but I grew into the rest of the tracks and now enjoy the whole work. The newly re-mastered CD sounds great (a heck of a lot better than that old tape) and I think those who enjoy good production work will appreciate this one. Okay, so you probably never heard any of these songs on the radio...neither had I. But trust me, you won't be disappointed by checking out what one of the other reviewers called "A 90s Gem."

...after all these years. To me this is a classic. But someone with a better sense of musical analysis must review it in a more thorough manner. Or just take my word for it and enjoy.

...Or, "I'd Give This CD a 6 If The Scale Went to 6". World Party's second and best album, with Way Down Now and Put The Message In The Box, plus a host of other solid, pure pop/rock/soul tunes that don't fit handily into any one particular classification, yet together they make a very cohesive, compelling listen. Karl Wallinger's writing at its best.

Excellent album, had it forever, still listen to it. Saw them open for 10,000 Maniacs around 1993. I always wondered if he named the band after that Waterboys song, a band he was in at one time. I'm no World Party expert, but if I had to guess I'd say this is their best album. At least the most popular anyway. I feel like 4-5 of the songs were singles, or single worthy anyway. Hard to forget the artwork too. I won't go through the songs since they're almost all quality. If "Is It Like Today?" was on this album it would be my WP Greatest Hits. They do have a hits disc by the way. Best In Show. I guess this is next best in show.

I just logged on to amazon to see if there were any different versions of "Sweet Soul Dream" than the one on the album. I was amazed to see so few reviews of this album. If you are considering buying this, I would recommed it at 10 times the price (literally). I consider it to be one of the all-time great albums; truly awe-inspiring. Karl Wallinger deserves a lot more credit for this masterpiece.

I've had the album and the cassette - both tired and obsolete by now. Getting the CD of Goodbye Jumbo was like welcoming a long lost friend. This must be one of the most underrated recordings in a long time. After all these years it still sounds fresh, crisp, delightful and worthy of goose-pimples. It never really got the recognition it deserved. Excellent!

i gotta start by saying , world party's music never grows old (we may , but it won't) . i was 19 when this album came out and bought it , and still jam it today . the music is so diverse , i gotta give karl props-a true artist . i have to admit i only have this album and "bang" , but just ordered all 3 of his others . which i really can't wait to get "dumbing up" such high reviews . but totally can't wait to listen to any of em ."private revolution" or "egyptology" . my personal favorites off of this album are none of the radio hits (which i like and are the reason i bought this album , but after listening ,these songs touch ya) "love street" my fav , "sweet soul dream" the accordian will stick with you forever , and "is it too late" a true stereo jammer cranked all the way up , and how can i forget "ain't gonna come till i'm ready" love it . all i can say is it's so diverse but yet has a flow - a great great album . if you really like music , get it and listen and then listen and then listen -you too will love it . i've been in such the mood for world party i've been jamming "bang" which never really grabbed me , but it too has it's moments "what is love all about" . a little different but still good-but that's another review

Wow! Still an amazing Disc. I just pulled this out and spun it again for the first time in a while.
What great songs. great production, way ahead of it's time. Wallinger Really hits the mark with every tune on this thing. Not a clunker on the whole thing.

-jp

I can't add to the previous reviews in any other way than to say that yes - this album really is that great. I never heard it before, but the rave reviews made me want to check it out - and I am so glad I did - if you never heard "Goodbye Jumbo", do yourself a favor and put it in your ears immediately...