Search - Mickey Jupp :: X

Great Artist, Mediocre Album

Eric R. Last | San Bruno, CA United States | 06/21/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Mickey Jupp is a wonderful songwriter and an outstanding, underappreciated performer, and it's a darn shame that the many fine albums he has made over the years are all out of print. The only Mickey Jupp title that is still in print, to the best of my knowledge, is this mediocre 1989 album, which is not nearly up to his usual high standards. The band on 10 of "X"'s 13 tracks consists only of Jupp with Chris East (his former band-mate from Legend) and Barry Vernon, and therein lies the problem: all of these songs have an amateurish sound, with drum machines, cheesy keyboards and tinny production. There is no indication of who plays what on these tracks, but the ultimate result is disappointing. The album is somewhat redeemed by the remaining 3 tracks, which feature a much better band that includes Mickey's long time collaborators Tex Comer (bass) and Mo Witham (guitar), as well as drummer Mick Brownlee and lead guitarist Ed Deane. Among these tracks are the album's highlight, "Claggin' On", and the fine "Lover By Night" which features harmonica player Lee Brilleaux (of Dr. Feelgood fame). Two of the 10 tracks with the smaller band, "Nashville" and "Songwriter's Lament", are very well written and clever, worthy additions to the Jupp canon, even in spite of the bland performance.Now for some good news: Some of Mickey's fine out-of-print albums can be found pretty easily on ebay. The easiest to find is one of his best, "Juppanese" (1978). But I've also been able to add two other excellent titles (1982's "Some People Can't Dance" and 1991's "As The Yeahs Go By") to my collection in this way, as well as the 1980 album "Oxford", which is not as strong. I've generally paid about the normal retail price, or slightly higher, per title. I've also seen "Long Distance Romancer" (1979) and a couple of the Legend titles for sale on ebay. Still haven't been able to find "Shampoo, Haircut And Shave" (1983).Finally, there is a good website for further info on Mickey Jupp which I highly recommend for his fans. Amazon won't allow me to give you the web address, but you shouldn't have to much trouble finding it through your search engine. Try looking for Mickey Jupp Long Distance Romancer Home Page."