Published on Oct 14, 1997
Robert Palmer become popular with his
Secrets album in 1979, which featured the rock classic “Bad
Case Of Loving You.” Later, when
Riptide was released in 1985, “Addicted To Love” was a #1
hit. Also in 1985, he was a part of the pop rock group, The Power
Station, which featured members of Duran Duran.
The styles of the two songs mentioned is nowhere compared to his
1976 release,
Some People Can Do What They Like. This album was long
before “Bad Case Of Loving You” and “Addicted To Love” surfaced the
airwaves. (It was his third chronological release.) If you’re not
familiar with Palmer’s earlier albums, you won’t be
disappointed.
The first two songs open with “One Last Look” and “Keep In
Touch”; both of these songs could easily fit the “Smooth Jazz”
radio-station playlists.
“Man Smart Woman Smarter,” “Spanish Moon,” and “Have Mercy”
would satisfy any fan of the group Little Feat. In fact, “Spanish
Moon” was written by the original lead singer, Lowell George. When
George died of a heart attack in 1979, Robert Palmer was rumoured
to be the likely candidate for George’s replacement. (It never
happened.)
Palmer’s version of “Spanish Moon” is very bluesy, likewise the
tunes “Gotta Get A Grip On You (Part II)” and “What Can You Bring
Me.” They’re not bluesy like B.B. King or Stevie Ray Vaughan; it’s
a different kind of blues, as it is mixed with jazz, as Palmer does
it in is own special way.
The bass guitar, keyboards and harmonica makes the tune “Hard
Head” a real cool tune. “Off The Bone” is the only instrumental on
the album, and the title track of this album is a great rocker.
This album combines different sources of music. Robert Palmer
has combined blues with jazz. There are some songs that feature
“just a touch” of reggae.
Many rock talents become famous after many albums and/or years
have gone by. Robert Palmer is one of those. None of these songs
didn’t get steady airplay, (at least to my knowledge, being a avid
listener of music radio during the time), but to any person who is
curious in discovering any talent’s early works, Mr. Palmer’s
beginnings is an event not to be missed.