what Frank is listening to #33 – JUDIE TZUKE – Sportscar – (Rocket Record Company) – 1980
Over the years I've seen quite a few Judie Tzuke albums in op shops (or should I say the same ones over and over again). Until now I don't think I have ever heard any of her music.
Briefly ….
She was an English pop "star" of the late 70s (born in England to Polish parents). She grew up in a musical family and sang at an early age etc etc – the usual story. She wrote songs and sang in small clubs in London until she came to the attention of Elton John who signed her up and put out her first three LPs (Rocket Records is his label). She had quite a few hits in the UK but never made much of an impact in the US (even though she would open for Elton – including in front of 450,000 at Central Park … I would rather see Dementia 13 in front of 45 people).
Judie is quite easy on the eyes in a Stevie Nicks sort of way.
Her music is pure pap pop … there is a certain amount of late 70s angst, and the occasional screech, which I put down to a very slight new wave influence otherwise it's fairly innocuous white pop, come disco .
Her favorite songs are, apparently (http://www.getreadytorockradio.com/judie_tzuke.htm ):
AL GREEN Love And Happiness
MARVIN GAYE I Heard It Through The Grapevine
FREE My Brother Jake
JACKSON BROWNE Song For Adam
JONI MITCHELL Blue
RY COODER Tattler
LITTLE FEAT Long Distance Love
KATE BUSH The Man With The Child In His Eyes
JAMES TAYLOR Fire And Rain
BILL WITHERS Grandma's Hands
CROWDED HOUSE Don't Dream It's Over
MARVIN GAYE I Heard It Through The Grapevine
FREE My Brother Jake
JACKSON BROWNE Song For Adam
JONI MITCHELL Blue
RY COODER Tattler
LITTLE FEAT Long Distance Love
KATE BUSH The Man With The Child In His Eyes
JAMES TAYLOR Fire And Rain
BILL WITHERS Grandma's Hands
CROWDED HOUSE Don't Dream It's Over
Hey a lot of those tracks are great induividually but when they are your favourite tracks and grouped together I have reservations ….
To be a singer-songwriter you have to sing and err write …. and she does but, on this album at least there is very little that is memorable.
Best tracks:
- Sportscar
- The Choices You've Made
In England there were no Top 40 singles from this album though the album did make #7 in the charts – her highest placed LP… there were no chart placings in the US.
She is still releasing albums today.
I will tape a song or two and sell.
Sound:
Website:
(originally released: 22/05/2009)
