Album Review: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III – 2 Classic Albums on 1 CD

Cherry Red [Release date: 13.01.23]

A musical family where each member is a successful, well known artist in their own right is very rare.

That’s the way it is with the Wainwrights… Loudon, daughters Martha and Lucy, son Rufus, and ex wife, Kate McGarrigle.

Father Loudon started the vinyl spinning in 1970 with a self titled solo album, (eventually released in CD form in 2006). It was the first of his 27 solo studio albums, the most recent, Lifetime Achievement, hit the shelves earlier this year.

Album I and Album II (1971), have now been bundled as a “2 Classic Albums on 1 CD” by Cherry Red.

Loudon Wainwright I

Wainwright has always been self admittedly interested in the “dynamics of the dysfunctional”. His songs reflect that, moreso in later albums, where much “hurting and healing” inside the family circle is chronicled.

The debut is a spare, acoustic affair, ranging from the the bittersweet ‘School Days’ to the darkly poetic ‘Hospital Lady’ to the whimsical ‘Central Square Song’.

Protest song, ‘Uptown’ carries an emotional weight that is exactly what is required for the story, and the sharply humorous ‘Glad To See You’ve Got Religion’ showed there was a lot more to him than observational acuity.

The album enlisted a sizeable fanbase and multiple invites to play live almost from the moment of release. ***

Loudon Wainwright II

Gaining in confidence (although that was something he never really lacked), Wainwright treated us to another album of songs recorded to the sparse accompaniment of an acoustic guitar – adding only a sprinkling of piano here and there.

His sardonic, occasionally cynical, sense of humour broke through big time on ‘Samson And The Warden’, and the much since covered ‘Motel Blues’.

The latter’s not so hilarious, life-on-the-road reflections struck a chord with many bands. Especially with Alex Chilton who covered it with Big Star in 1992. His solo version was released posthumously, in 2013.

Arguably, ‘Be Careful There’s a Baby in The House’ makes the most lasting impact. It led to further recognition of the artist in the UK, thanks to repeat plays by John Peel on his groundbreaking “Sounds Of The Seventies” Radio Show. It’s a noirish observation of parenthood and its consequent responsibilities, and will bring a knowing smile to the faces of mothers and fathers everywhere. ****

Review by Brian McGowan

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)