Act Like Nothings Wrong - 1976
Following the disaster that was 'Naked Songs', Kooper appeared to take
a sabbatical and in 1976 came back with this album on a new label (UA)
and a whole new attitude. This was everything that it's predecessor wasn't.
The striking cover concealed an album that was a return to the sound of
the first three albums. There was no posing on this album - all of it 100%
prime material.
The front (?) cover showed Kooper's head transposed onto the body
of a very nubile - and naked - young lady whilst the back cover, naturally.
showed the rather lovely blonde's head on Kooper's (also naked) body. (The
transposition of the heads could be a throwback to 'Child is Father to
the Man?) One side of the inner sleeve shows the two of them entwined.
There is a (very) long list of thanks to the side of them. The other side
of the sleeve lists all the recording credits.
Whilst most of the musicians are unknown to me, mention must go
to Little Beaver who plays lead guitar on many of the tracks. I don't know
what happened to him, but on the evidence here, he certainly deserved success.
Side 1
1 Is We On The Downbeat?
2 This Diamond Ring
3 She Don't Ever Lose Her Groove
4 I Forgot To Be Your Lover
5 Missing You
6 Out Of Left Field
Side 2
1 (Please Not) One More Time
2 In My Own Sweet Way
3 Turn My Head Towards Home
4 A Visit To The Rainbow Bar And Grill
5 Hollywood Vampire
The album opens with the studio dialogue and then launches into
a rousing version of 'This Diamond Ring', a song written by Kooper in the
mid 60's and made into an enormous US hit by Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
I've never heard that version but the Kooper version is just great, tasty
guitar from Little Beaver, lovely horns and Kooper in fine vocal form -
obviously enjoying himself. A great introduction to an album that was a
real return to form. The rest of the album is the mix of styles that we
expect from Kooper. And Kooper himself seems much more confident, brasher,
and, yes, enjoying himself. This was not the impression we got in 'Naked
Songs'
Apart from the throwaway track 'A Visit to the Rainbow Bar &
Grill' and the aforementioned 'Is we on the Downbeat?', every track succeeds,
every track is a winner.
A welcome return to form then and perhaps a rebirth of a career?
Well no actually, commercial success still evaded him and it was to be
1984 before his next solo album.
This album is currently available on CD. The sleeve art has been
miniaturised to fit the format which means most of the credits are illegible
but, it's the music that counts.
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