Audio CD review:
Joe Jackson - Body and Soul

Joe Jackson - Body and Soul

Band: Joe Jackson Title: Body and Soul Rating: Release Date: 1990-10-25 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: The Verdict 2: Cha Cha Loco 3: Not Here, Not Now 4: You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want) 5: Go for It 6: Loisaida 7: Happy Ending 8: Be My Number Two 9: Heart of Ice

Joe Jackson - Sometimes You Can Get What You Want....... The album produced the big hit with the snazzy "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Get What You Want), and was a successful album commercially. After the huge success of Jackson's previous album "Night And Day" Joe continued in generally the same direction musically although inflicting even more jazz, soul, and R & B influences here. I like this one quite a bit better than "Night And Day". The album starts out a little slow for me as "The Verdict" and "Cha Cha Loco" are probably my two least favorite songs on the album, but after that with the possible exception of "Go For It", everything is great. "Not Here Not Now", the instrumental "Loisaida", "Happy Ending" which features an incredible vocal duet between Jackson and Ellen Foley, the somber duet "Be My Number Two" and the rousing finale "Heart Of Ice" are all top notch Jackson. For the most part this is a very strong Joe Jackson album and probably an essential disc for fans. Less than I expected It will make a good coaster for your coffee cup. Nothing of real interest here, neither the production or the writing is much to write home about. A classic, remastered The band cooks. A highlight of Joe Jackson's big band period, with cover art and liner notes to match. A highlight is the guitar solo on "You Can't Get What You Want. . " The remastering captures the warm sound of the original. Can't rave enough about it!! Don't be fooled, though. If you're someone who appreciates quality song-writing and performance, this album is for you. This is not of the 'Sunday Papers' or 'Is She Really Going Out' Joe Jackson fare. Nor is it 'Pack Rat' styled crooning. This album features a full orchestra, a deft variety of genre, a big room, and mostly one-takes. I'd suggest low lighting, high volume, and a really good wine. . . . . . and several listenings!. Watch out for sound problems with this German manufactured reissue However, to my dismay I discovered that this German manufactured reissue is riddled with pops, clicks, and general distortion. After discovering that Body and Soul had finally been remastered and reissued in what seemed to take a millenum, I eagerly placed my order and waited for the prized disc to arrive. (this is quite apparent in the few opening seconds of "Not Here, Not Now") Initially assuming it was a player issue, I proceeded to play in the disc in three other units and heard the same problems. (My original disc of this title from 1984 does not have these audio problems) Convinced I simply had a defective disc, I requested a replacement which was received the next day! (Thanks Amazon) Unfortuntely, the replacement disc had exactly the same playback problems confirming that it was a manufacturing problem that affected the entire run (or at least a large portion) of this title. This is simply one of the cleanest and most dynamically recorded albums of the era and all the problems appear to be associated with the German manufacturer who produced this disc. I would suggest waiting for A&M (Universal) to sort out this issue before sacrificing your $10!. You can see a complete list of all Joe Jackson discography, or go back to the Joe Jackson tabs