After last week’s ultra-collaborative artist experience, “A La Carte,” I entered Revolver Records this week with hopes of finding a more palatable addition to my collection of cheap vinyl. With this prospect in mind, a particular James Bond-esque cover stood out among the masses to fulfill my needs.
Boz Scaggs’s profile, upon first impression, is cool and relaxed in a way that is matched only by the plume of cigarette smoke leaving his parted lips. I mean, how can this man not be seductive if his free time is spent resting on a fishnet-covered leg? That’s what 18 years of living in a male-dominated society has taught me, at least.
Potential objectification aside, however, I was instantly drawn to the ‘80s funk that so immediately defines this record. In the end, the album art was as cool as the music itself.
Side one:
“Jojo”
This track is an excellent lead-in to the rest of the album. The funky beat topped with a captivating vocal range makes me look forward to spending the next hour with Mr. Scaggs. Surprisingly enough, the lyrics are just as intricate as the instrumentals. I initially thought Jojo was just the name of Scaggs’s love interest, but I couldn’t be more wrong. Right off the bat, he chooses to tackle the issue of street crime and violence. I’m glad to see someone has his priorities in check.
“Breakdown Dead Ahead”
OK, now that the deep stuff is over, he is on to his romantic life. That’s acceptable, though. I’m sure he has plenty of options in the world of women, considering his talent. I will note, however, that this song has a completely different tune from the last. I wouldn’t have guessed that this is the same artist had it not been on the same record, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This track reminds me a bit of Billy Joel and I have had a life-long appreciation for the Piano Man. No shame.
“Simone”
This guy really knows how to change up his sound. The heavy voice is very Morrissey, but that’s about it. Scaggs maintains his cool persona despite his clearly desperate attempt to salvage a doomed relationship with this Simone. This man really is James Bond. There can’t be a Simone out there who wouldn’t want to be “danced into the night” by this guy. You could even kill two birds with one stone and dance to this song! I gotta hand it to the guy –– he’s very efficient.
“You Can Have Me Any Time”
With the slow, twinkly piano and progressively intense verse build-up, this song’s potential for being too cheesy is teetering on the edge, but Scaggs’s lyricism saves it. “Here we are, in a room full of strangers and an open door” is one of the most beautifully simplistic metaphors I’ve heard since beginning my quest for cheap vinyl. Then again, your standards have to be pretty low to buy anything for a buck.
Side two:
“Middle Man”
I see immediately why this track claimed the title of the album. Not only is the funkiness from the first track back and bumpin’, but the classic ‘80s synth background beat matched with Scaggs’ sudden rockabilly imitation is surprisingly easy on the ears. Not only can this guy sing, but he can simultaneously win over the hearts of women by asking for a “little taste of (their) love.” It’s true: Women want to be with him; men want to be him.
“Do Like You Do in New York”
This song is officially my new mantra: “Keep on walking. … Don’t let nothin' or nobody throw you off your beat.” Really, nothing makes you feel more like a runway model than a guy telling you to “do like you do” to “take care of biz in the big town.” By the way, this comes from a girl with disproportionally short legs. Rocking the runway has never been an option for me. Until now.
“Isn’t It Time”
Once again, Scaggs nails the perfect groove that somehow makes the cheesiest genre of music sound prophetic. In this ballad, the otherwise collected singer admits that he has been through the romantic disappointments everyone endures, yet advocates the need to move on. You know what, Mr. Scaggs? You’re right. It really is time to move on, but only after I hear your last song.
“You Got Some Imagination”
I’m not particularly impressed with this song, but, then again, it would be hard to follow such a classic such as “Isn’t it Time” with a track centered upon Barbara Jean’s terrible dance moves and clearly misconstrued understanding of what it takes to win the attention of a man. That said, Scaggs, I admire your self control. You truly are the essence of cool.
Reach the reporter at aplante@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @aimeenplante
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