Scott [Import, Original recording remastered]

Scott Walker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 5, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 1967
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Ume Imports
• ASIN: B000025M5F
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,799 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #59 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Baroque Pop
  • #86 in Music > Imports > Pop

Editorial Reviews

One of the most enigmatic figures in pop music history Scott Walker (nee Scott Engel) first saw massive success in England with his band The Walker Brothers in 1965. Following the group's demise in 1967 Walker set out to pursue solo stardom in perhaps the most peculiar way possible, with over-the-top baroque pop songs owing more to his idol Jacques Brel, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra than they did to the Beatles or the Stones. This is his first solo LP from 1967 and features 3 of his own compositions along with covers of songs by Brel, Tim Hardin, and the Brill Building team of Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. A true original. Deluxe 180 gram vinyl reissue. --This text refers to the Vinyl edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parallel Universe, June 16, 2000

By 

A. Hickman (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scott (Audio CD)

Listening to Scott Walker's first solo album more than three decades after its appearance is like entering a parallel universe. Those of us in America who know the Walker Brothers from pop hits like "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine" and "Make It Easy on Yourself" may be forgiven if we are late to appreciate the genius of their lead singer, born Scott Engel right here in Hamilton, Ohio. His first album was a big hit in England, but it never caught on Stateside. Revel in it now. Scott has often been named the definitive interpreter of Jacques Brel, and here he proves his mettle on classics such as "Mathilde," "My Death," and "Amsterdam." In addition he pays homage to Tony Bennet with "When Joanna Loved Me" and tips his hat to Toni Fisher with a soulful updating of "The Big Hurt." From Vegas to Broadway, he hits the musical heights, without ever resorting to imitation or parody. And, if that weren't enough, he also writes--gorgeously. Consider the baroque architechtonics of what is arguably his masterpiece, "Montague Terrace," where grandeur and pathos blend in a seamless musical tapestry. Underscoring it all is Scott's voice, an exquisite instrument without equal in the pantheon of pop music. Like a reluctant Prometheus, he stands above us lesser mortals and bemoans the vanities that alienate us, one from the other, all in a brooding, perfectly modulated baritone. Consider the poignancy of these words from Scott's self-penned "Such a Small Love": "He speaks, I don't hear a word he's saying, / Hang on to the pine trees and the snow; / Reach out, grab the memories that are left for your hand, / They'll help you get by for a while." Take a trip back in time and enter this parallel world. Your ears will thank you.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, July 14, 2007

By 

Bryan "Brakeman" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scott (Audio CD)

"Incredible!" was the only word I could find to decribe the genius of Scott Walker's music. This is "Scott", also known as Scott 1, his first solo record which was released in 1967. Most people say this album is somewhat weaker than the rest, mostly due to MOR covers but Scott 1 still packs quite a punch with three Walker originals, and three Jacques Brel covers...My Death, Mathilde, and the classic Amsterdam. Walker's Brel covers are definitly the definitive English versions. The stunning, intentionally overblown arrangements by Wally Stott, Reg Guest and Peter Knight are sublime, combined with Scott's intriguing lyrics and deep baritone (with perfectly controlled vibrato) voice keep me coming back for more. Scott's own Montague Terrace was preview of things to come in future albums Scott 2 and Scott 3. Scott 4 took a different approach as mentioned in other reviews. Walker's deep, introspective music isn't for everyone, but for those who do enjoy it as I do, this is the type of music you want to play on the biggest sound system at the highest possible volume, I know I do. There's so much power in this music. Five Stars.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scott sets out his stall , but it's not for everyone, August 14, 2005

By 

A C SHIELDS (melbourne , australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scott (Audio CD)

For those that don't know , Scott was in a very popular band called the Walker Brothers , who didn't do anything controversial . Scott made up for that when he began releasing records under his own name .

You will read a lot of reviews about Scott that make him out to be super duper . He was a singer who took a lot of chances lyrically and I'm sure some people hate him .

He made people confront things and addressed strange , disturbing or ambitious topics in a very listenable voice .

His first album shows you what to expect - to hear just the orchestral arrangements for his songs are sometimes overwhelming - that's without his singing !

You will know after the first song if you like it or not .
Scott is a singer songwriter but nothing like what you consider that description to usually mean .

His music appeals to the young , alienated or introspective and will show that a whole other side of 60's music existed .
It's not party music .

For me , there's life before you hear him and life after .
He is good for making you feel uncomfortable but somehow glad that you can feel or understand his message .
He does some well known showbiz tunes on this record , then gets you in the gut with one of his own songs to bring you back to reality .

If you buy this record , you will hear a great voice , but you may not like the lyrics . If it touches you however , you will be forever affected .

If you are affected , then move on to albums entitled SCOTT 2 , 3 and 4 .