Basher: The Best of Nick Lowe
77 min · 25 tracks · new wave
A sharp blend of witty lyrics and melodic hooks, encapsulating the essence of late 70s and early 80s rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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So It Goes Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cruel to Be Kind — This track exemplifies Lowe's knack for combining upbeat melodies with sardonic lyrics about love and relationships, making it one of his most enduring songs.
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I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock 'n' Roll) — A quintessential slice of rockabilly-infused pop that reflects Lowe's ability to craft catchy narratives set against infectious rhythms.
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(I Love the Sound of) Breaking Glass — This song captures the energy of late 70s punk-influenced pop, showcasing Lowe's signature wit alongside an irresistible hook.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- witty lyrics for sharp minds
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- sing-along moments with friends
- playful irreverence throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive experiences
- need slow, contemplative sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation introduces new listeners to Lowe's influential sound and songwriting.
- Themes
- late 70s rock revival· sardonic love stories· rockabilly nostalgia
- Career context
- Released in 1990, 'Basher: The Best of Nick Lowe' marked a retrospective of Lowe's career from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. At this point, he was transitioning from his work with the band Brinsley Schwarz to a solo artist celebrated for his songwriting and production skills, having already garnered acclaim for hits like Cruel to Be Kind.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Costello· Graham Parker· Joe Jackson
Tracklist
- 1 So It Goes Start here 2:31
- 2 Heart of the City 2:01
- 3 (I Love the Sound of) Breaking Glass 3:12
- 4 Little Hitler 2:59
- 5 No Reason 3:31
- 6 36 Inches High 2:58
- 7 Marie Provost 2:47
- 8 American Squirm 2:31
- 9 Cracking Up 2:58
- 10 Big Kick, Plain Scrap 2:28
- 11 Born Fighter 3:09
- 12 Switchboard Susan 3:48
- 13 Without Love 2:28
- 14 Cruel to Be Kind 3:28
- 15 When I Write the Book 3:17
- 16 Heart 3:42
- 17 Raging Eyes 2:38
- 18 Time Wounds All Heels 2:44
- 19 Maureen 3:06
- 20 Half a Boy & Half a Man 2:55
- 21 7 Nights to Rock 2:46
- 22 She Don't Love Nobody 3:22
- 23 The Rose of England 3:26
- 24 I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock 'n' Roll) 4:26
- 25 Lovers Jamboree 3:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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