In truth, Doug Fieger had been a working musician since he was in high school, first with a Detroit band called Sky (which released two albums for RCA in 1970 and 1971), and later as bassist for LA's Sunset Bombers. Demos recorded by Fieger and guitarist Berton Averre were rejected by several labels before The Knack built its reputation as a live act.
The Knack were also criticized as retro and sexist. Sexism is evident on the album, as well as songs that Fieger wrote and sang for Sky and the 1975 demo "Midnight Misogynist". And it must be said that a 25 year old man pursuing a 17 year old girl is both disturbing and pathetic.
But did the music itself deserve the critical scorn? Have a look at Trouser Press' takedown of The Knack's "slick, commercial Beatlesque power pop" (I thought they liked Beatlesque power pop?)
According to TP, "all it took was incredible, perfect timing and savvy marketing to lead listeners to overrate what were, essentially, routine skills." Oh, you easily led listeners! Savvy marketing and incredibly perfect timing will always separate you fools from your money! Why record companies can't repeat this simple formula on a regular basis is a real head scratcher.
With the "Midnight Misogynist" safely in his grave, perhaps we can all admit that "My Sharona" was a terrific single with a great beat, catchy riff and chorus, and a glorious solo. It takes more than "routine skills" to make a record like that. In fact, it's tricky!
Never mind the hype, criticism, sexism, or any other ism's: Stinky has delivered another stellar Homemade Live Album with concert performances of all the songs from the Knack's debut, plus bonus tracks, covers and demos!
Get "Get The Knack Live":
ReplyDeletehttps://tinyurl.com/2vaznxzt
Another Stinky Production
Thanks, this is great and I appreciate your efforts; I've downloaded previous stuff you've compiled (especially the stuff from my home state) and now feel remiss in not at least acknowledging it.
ReplyDeleteAs to that Knack debut: Along with the first by The Beat (Paul Collins version), The Pretenders, and The Cars, one of the greatest debut albums of the new wave era (and of all-time). The dismissals of it are sad things to read, indeed, smacking more of urgent hipsterism than any real critical thought. One need not like the subject matter on the more "misogynist" numbers -- tho I maintain that they accurately portray the mindset of much horny/toxic teen masculine thinking (Yeah, so what that they weren't teens themselves when the record was made; neither was Dylan an 1800s sheriff when he did Knockin' On Heaven's Door, nor Marley a cop-killer when he wrote I Shot The Sheriff) -- but the playing, arrangements/production, and cleverness of the tune-writing are undeniable.
C in California
Thanks for the acknowledgement, and I agree with everything you wrote. I was a horny teenager in 1979, so I can vouch for the accuracy!
DeleteThanks Jonky! I'm always floored by the guitar solo in My Sharona. Looking forward to hearing what they could do live!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Mr. Dave! And for leaving a comment!
ReplyDeleteC from California: I too, was the target audience (a horny 17 year old) when The Knack topped the charts and I wore this album out on cassette. Catchy choruses, killer guitar, a tight band. What's not to like. Most death metal acts aren't into devil worship, at the end of the day! (Usually just around lunchtime.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing some deep thinking to Jonderblog to offset the silly jokes!
Thanks very much for this great compilation! Beautiful!
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