Encased in a classy sleeve painted by Scottish playwright John "Patrick" Byrne, the first LP from the tumultuous Stealers Wheel is a debonair affair comprised of the kind of accomplished and polished pub pop for which impetus Gerry Rafferty would become known as he subsequently rode out the decade on the sublime radio single "Baker Street ." Rafferty released his first solo slab, Can I Have My Money Back? (the title already showing signs of unrest) in 1971, and brought amigo Joe Egan
from those sessions to the princely proceeding here. Worthy musical
moments abound, all forever overshadowed by the clever corporate-snub
"Stuck in the Middle With You" which branded the duo a one-hit wonder
when the track took on a life of its own. Sadly, the song also
foreshadowed the premature end of Stealers Wheel, and Rafferty and Egan
continued to document the personal and professional turmoil of their
short time together throughout their respective solo careers, even
re-recording some of these early jewels. And though only Rafferty's star continued to rise, Egan
harbors considerable talent as well, shining brightly on his Rubber
Soul-influenced tapestry "Another Meaning"; however, he keeps bland
company with Bad Company with the dumb thud of "I Get By." Meanwhile, Rafferty
creates one of those oh-so-cosmic '70s grooves for "Outside Looking
In," before being unfortunately caught in one of those oh-so-abrupt '70s
fades at the end of side one. This vibe wouldn't be broken so
drastically on CD, but for now, and seemingly forever, the platter must
be flipped for the unique "Johnny's Song" wherein mountain-rock breaks
surround Rafferty's
wry life observations. Hidden nugget "Next to Me" extols mellow
melancholy meditations exclusive to the West Coast and the Have a Nice
Day Decade. Closing pastorale "You Put Something Better Inside of Me"
inspired renditions by Ted Neeley and Raphael Ravenscroft.
Ultimately, this very solid outing casts a somber shadow because of
unfulfilled expectations. And any record this carefully crafted doesn't
deserve to languish in the bins of obscurity, but such seems to be the
fate of Stealers Wheel.
At least the band will always be remembered through the cinematic
revival of that supreme FM staple "Stuck in the Middle With You." (by Whitney Z. Gomes)
Personnel: Rod Coombes (drums) Joe Egan (keyboards, vocals) Paul Pilnick (guitar) Gerry Rafferty (guitar, vocals) Tony Williams (bass)
Tracklist: 01. Late Again (Egan/Rafferty) 3.16 02. Stuck In The Middle (Egan) 2.56 03. Another Meaning (Egan) 2.56 04. I Get By (Egan) 3.16 05. Outside Looking In (Rafferty) 3.54 06. Johnny´s Song (Rafferty) 3.45 07. Next To Me (Egan/Rafferty) 3.37 08. José (Egan) 3.23 09. Gets So Lonely (Egan) 2.57 10. You Put Something Better Inside Me (Egan/Rafferty) 3.50
