How's Tricks [Import]

Jack Bruce | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 21, 1995)
• Format: Import
• Label: Offbeat Records
• ASIN: B000001NX9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663,853 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Without A Word

2. Johnny B. '77

3. Times

4. Baby Jane

5. Lost Inside A Song

6. How's Tricks?

7. Madhouse

8. Waiting For The Call

9. Outsiders

10. Something To Live For

Editorial Reviews

Japanese remastered reissue of 1977 album, that's unavailable domestically, features 12 tracks including 2 bonus tracks, 'Without A Word' (Previously Unreleased) & 'Something To Live For' (Previously Unreleased), packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2003. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lyrically masterful, April 22, 2006

By 

Victoria Sage (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How's Tricks (Audio CD)

One of the remarkable things about Bruce's earliest solo albums (excepting his largely-acoustic jazz album, 'Things We Like') was the decision to focus on the songwriting, largely to the exclusion of instrumental soloing, and no doubt to the bemusement of many a Cream fan. Although 'How's Tricks' continued the tradition of highly original, iconoclastic and sometimes downright-eccentric songwriting, the addition of jazz pianist Tony Hymas's vogueish electric piano, Hughie Burns' souped-up guitar and Simon Phillips' OTT drum pyrotechnics, probably undermined the overall success of this album which today sounds rather more dated than the earlier releases. A move to democratisation of the songwriting contributions was partly successful (Hymas's 'Something To Live For') and partly disastrous (Burns's hideous, if mercifully-brief, glam-rock outing 'Baby Jane'). But the Bruce-Brown songwriting partnership was as good as ever. The real strength of 'How's Tricks' is probably in Pete Brown's wonderfully imaginative, evocative and esoteric lyrics, which give the album much of its character, depth and distinctiveness. The bonus tracks include an interesting early demo version of the beautiful 'Without a Word', stranger than ever thanks to Bruce's bizarre scrambling of the lyric. 'How's Tricks' can't quite compare with Jack's masterpieces - 'Songs for a Tailor', 'Harmony Row', and the gorgeous 'Out of the Storm', but is a rewarding listen for those with half an ear for poetry.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine album, but not one of his best., January 9, 2004

By 

Mac Tipton "juggles7" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How's Tricks (Audio CD)

In my opinion, Songs for a Tailor is Jack's best album, with Harmony Row a close second. Simply put, they are masterpieces. HOW'S TRICKS, which came years later, is a fine effort, but not of the same calibre as the others just mentioned. Fans of his earlier work will enjoy hearing Jack's distinctive voice here and his fluid bass playing that sounds almost like a tuba. Most of the lyrics are similar to those in his early work, very surrealistic. There are several straightforward rock songs here like Baby Jane that don't do much for me. But, overall, a fine effort. I have never heard the CD, but have an old vinyl LP, which I enjoy hearing from time to time. I recommend HOW'S TRICKS for long-time fans. But newbies should start with his best work, Songs for a Tailor or Harmony Row.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars underestimated studio performance, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How's Tricks (Audio CD)

This 1977 recording futures JB at his best. Ths songs are less spontanique then on previous albums, but presence of Tony Hymas and Simon Philips guarantee certain quality. Album seems too jazzy and "romantic". However the whole album has been in my opinion underestimated and considered weird. It is worth buying it and keeping on top shelve in your JB collection. Favourite song is first number "without a word"