Customer Reviews

Greetings From the Gutter

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

 

 

Interestingly, ... has this cd listed under David A. Stewart and his other three solo cds under Dave Stewart. That aside, Dave's third solo effort, 1994's "Greetings From The Gutter" is a mishmash of r&b, psychedelica with some electronics thrown in. This cd departed from his first two solo efforts in that "Greetings From The Gutter" is more r&b influenced than the two former releases. This pays off on songs like "Jealousy", "Heart Of Stone" and "Greetings From The Gutter" and fails with "Chelsea Lovers". This cd is a mixed affair and it does take repeated listenings to begin to appreciate what Dave was striving for here. The most memorable song, other than "Jealousy", has to be "Oh No, Not You Again", the closing song on the cd. Here, Carly Simon and David Sanborn have a mock-lover's spat that's really humorous in a dark and twisted way. This cd is certainly worth owning if you are a fan of Dave or the Eurythmics.

This is a super album and definately the high-point of former Eurythmics guitar player Dave Stewart's solo career. The songs are great and the guitar work even better. The album features guest backing performances from Bootsy Collins, Micky Jagger, Laurie Anderson, Dave Sandborn and Deelight frontwoman, Lady Miss Kier. If you liked the Eurythmics, then I think this album is for you!

Whether you consider him to be a talented musical chameleon or shameless plagiarist, you can't help admiring what Dave Stewart has done on this album - it marks a real departure from the music of Eurythmics and allows Dave to explore a wide range of styles and pay tribute to some of his musical heroes.

The opening track, Heart of Stone, has some heavily Isley Brothers influenced guitar. Several tracks have the sound of David Bowie, particularly the title track (in fact the sleeve says thanks to 'Mr B'). The influences aren't just musical either - the sleeve artwork is provided by British artist Damien Hirst and the song 'Damien Save Me' is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to him.

There are also some notable musical guests: Shara Nelson duets on Heart of Stone, Bootsy Collins plays bass on Jealousy, Lou Reed contributes a guitar solo and Laurie Anderson appears on two tracks. Mick Jagger provides backing vocals and David Sanborn and Carly Simon have an argument on the closing track.

A standout track is Valentine's Day, where Dave got the string section to play along without music or hearing the track in advance which, surprisingly, results in a coherent but creepy arrangement.

A finely crafted album which is also an extremely enjoyable listen.

Dave Stewart (Ex- Eurythmics) with his
first solo- album. The album starts with
the single "Heart of stone", goes on with
"Greetings from the gutter", "Crazy sister",
"Chelsea Lovers", "Jealousy" (second single
with Isabella Rosselini), "St. Valentine's Day",
"Kinky Sweetheart", "Damien save me" (with his
wife Siobhan Fahey; Ex- Shakespears Sister),
"Tragedy Street", "You talk a lot" and
"Oh No, Not You Again". These eleven pieces
show an individual style, nice lyrics, good sound
between guitar- rock, pop and synthi- sounds.

Music is good with energetic sound. Forget final cut-bad choice! Dave continues Eurythmic's type music, along lines of what could have been, had the group continued.

I like Eurythmics best but this cd isn't all bad. It does have to grow on you though.