Customer Reviews

Pictures for Pleasure

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You have to know the history of Charlie Sexton to know what made him tick, and that goes back a long ways.When this record came out, we got a copy at my college radio station, and we played the single "Beat's So Lonely" until it became radio and MTV fodder, then we worked the rest of the record.I don't know what Charlie was on when he let the record label and the imagemakers turn him into a 17-year-old, posturing, 80's hair boy. There are good songs here, but the record does not do justice to him as a guitarist, all-around musician, or songwriter.Better bets include Arc Angels, the superband with Doyle Bramhall, Jr., Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon...yes, Double Trouble.Things to know: Charlie was a renaissance kid. At 13, if the story he tells is true, he was going to school, working a job and in a band! Forget child prodigies and forget Hanson...Sexton was a true bluesman as a teen, he's lived it, breathed it and is STILL making great music. Now, if only he would get the proper respect the critics owe him!

Why dig this record?? Well, if you're into Bowie, into Idol (Check the "Thin White Duke"-ish baritone vocals...) , and have a sweet tooth for slightly over-produced non-metal 80's hard rock , this cd's for you. Most of us know Charlie plays lead guitar for Bob Dylan now..what most people don't know is when he signed to MCA for this album in the mid-80's he was paid the most ever for an "unknown" (millions) and he was only 17. Sexton became a victim of what mainly the critics attacked him with...he was a "HYPE". But listen to this record today and you'll know....the talent is considerable....the songs are for real, and the soul is THERE. Dylan was already a fan before the record was released (Check out "Biograph" liner notes). Too bad the critics /cynics put the lights out on this one before Charlie got the chance he deserved....A+++++

If you're a fan of all that Sexton had done before this,(and after): virtuoso sideman guitar in his own high-energy version of a rootsy style, this cd will sound like different person. Fans of British pop-rock might like it, but I'm of the first persuasion, and I'm guessing that so is Sexton, as he abandoned this persona shortly afterwards.

I remember back in 1986 listening the new artists of the new wave's 2nd generation: Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Charly Sexton. Finally i found both CD's and let me tell you. First time a heard Pictures for pleasure, ai got dissapointed, because it wasn't the same thing i heard when i bought the sigle remix for Beat's so lonely, but in time, 2 months later, it was the song i was listening the less. Charly sexton has the Billly Idol power with an extraordinary vooice (i mean, for being a 16 y.o. boy), and the richness of each song. My favourites: Tell Me, Impressed, Beat's so lonely. It's a must have if you like 80's new wave, and most of it, if you like Billy Idol

Great early effort..where has he gone? Beats So Lonely was the hit but Impressed is by far my favorite. Surprisingly good lyrics for someone his age and the musicianship is great. I believe he played most of the instruments on the album. Give this one a try to satisfy your 80's jones.

Charlie's first album (as far as I am aware). Again his talent is brilliant!! All the songs are great - Restless, Beat's So Lonely and Tell Me would have to be my favourites on this album. Space is a little different to his other tracks. This man is too talented (and too sexy) for his own good! Other albums of Charlie's that I haven't seen listed here are Arc Angels (Stevie Ray Vaughan's old band) and a self titled album. I believe Charlie and his brother Will are coming out with a new album shortly. I look forward to it.

The first time I heard Beat So Lonely I rushed out and bought a tape. I subsequently wore it (and another) out. As I was scouting around I rediscovered the disc. I must say this is a great disc. There isn't a bad track on the CD. This is powerful, raw 1980's. Sexton is multi-talented - he does play all of the instruments on the disc. His voice is amazing for his age. Thank goodness for CD's - hopefully it will take longer to wear this out!

I got this when it was first released. Great sound, great voice, great lyrics. I put this album in the same category as ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones's album "Mercy." Bluesy, dark, a little cynical. Admittedly, listening to "Pictures for Pleasure" now, it's a little dated with a kind of produced '80s sound, but that's easily made up for with his sensational voice and the clever lyrics.

Thank You soooooo much for my cd of Charlie Sexton...it was so easy and I love it...you guys are the best!!!!!!

I got this album when it was released after hearing "Beats So Lonely" on the radio. I loved all of the songs - even saw him in "concert" at our local dance club in Dover, NH when I was 15. Even now at 38, that album cover face still does something to me.
I was a huge David Bowie fan at the time and never realized the connection in sounds until reading the reviews, so maybe I was biased at the time, but the songs have stuck with me for 23 years, so that's saying something.