Brinsley Schwarz - New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz

                                     

Brinsley Schwarz - The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz
United Artists, 1974
Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Wales
Produced by Dave Edmunds 

My recent Dave Edmunds post leads me onto an LP by the British group Brinsley Schwarz.  The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz (the bands final album) was released in 1974 and was recorded and produced by Dave Edmunds at Rockfield Studios. New Favourites isn't my favourite Brinsley Schwarz record, that title goes to the brilliant Nervous on the Road from 1972. However, New Favourites is a an excellent farewell record by a band that deserves more recognition these days.

Often credited as one of the founders of London's pub rock scene, Brinsley Schwarz and their country influenced 'mellow-rock' was the perfect contrast to the bombastic prog rock of the era. Their music was humble and rootsy, with a back-to-basic do-it-yourself charm. In my opinion, Brinsley Schwarz were one of the greatest units in the UK at the time and released six essential records between 1969 and 1974. Brinsley Schwarz were so well regarded, they often doubled as a session band. You can hear them backing Frankie Miller's Once in a Blue Moon and former Eire Apparent vocalist Ernie Graham's debut LP.

The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz is the bands most commercial and polished record. This is no doubt a result of Edmunds' pop production prowess, but also of Nick Lowe's growth as a songwriter. Lowe's pop sensibilities shine on this album more so than any previous Brinsley Schwarz LP. The homages to The Band and Little Feat are minimal, replaced by a new Philadelphia soul and power pop influenced sound, complete with big horns and big hooks. Some may view this LP as a disappointment, as it is indeed a departure from their earlier country rock style. However, I often enjoy it when bands update their sound and try new things. People change all the time - so why can't bands?

The opening number and single '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding' (latterly a hit for Elvis Costello) is one of the top songs on this record, and maybe the best thing they ever did? The jangly guitar, crunchy riff, and irresistible melody make for a powerful beginning. 'Peace Love and Understanding' was a turning point for Lowe. He outgrew Brinsley Schwarz and was elevated into the power pop big time, setting the benchmark for his glorious late seventies solo albums. For me Lowe sits side-by-side with some other great pop musicians of the day like Alex Chilton or Pete Ham because of his melodic understanding and lyrical prowess.

     The influence of Philly soul is most prominent on the three tracks 'Down in the Dive', 'Small Town, Big City', and 'Ever Since You're Gone'. The latter being a groovy, soft-rock shuffle with a brilliantly smooth saxophone solo. New Favourites is relentless with its hooks, songs like 'The Real Thing' and 'Trying to Live My Life Without You' are so addictive you will find yourself singing along before the second chorus has even begun! Despite enjoying the 'new' Brinsley Schwarz sound, my favourite track though is the more familiar, maybe slightly tongue-in-check country song 'The Look That's In Your Eye Tonight'. Lowe croons like a late sixties Glen Campbell in this perfectly constructed little country gem. Furthermore, Dave Edmunds influence is evident throughout the record, with glossy guitar and vocal overdubs, not as evident on previous Brinsley Schwarz records.

Clearly Brinsley Schwarz were disenchanted with the pub rock scene and sound, and this LP may have been their attempt at having some pop success, which had cruelly adverted them. If they band had internal issues at the time (mostly likely with their impending break-up), the tensions only improved the albums feel and soul. As a result of Lowe's improved songwriting and Edmund's crack production, New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz is a solid album. Lowe's and Edmund's dominance added life and colour to the music, and sowed the seeds of their future collaboration.

I do, however, listen to this album with a slight degree of sadness. I often wonder 'what might have been? They could have become more popular if they stuck together! They may also have achieved the pop success they undoubtedly craved! But, alas it was not to be. After a couple of unsuccessful singles, the band finally called it a day in 1975. Although various members went on to achieved more critical and commercial success in other groups, the music made by Brinsley Schwarz remains an essential part of the British pub rock story.

Enjoy!

Key Tracks:

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding
Ever Since You're Gone
I Got The Real Thing
The Look That's In Your Eye Tonight

If you liked this album, you may also like:

Elvis Costello - My Aim is True (1977)
Big Star - Radio City (1974)
Elton John - Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1971)