Nicely done, Mark.....I was completely unaware of Brutus (I'm stateside, for your readers!), while I DO remember those 2 late-'70s Zwol albums on EMI America. I was at a Houston record store at the time, and remember stocking them both, with a decided, "What's this?!" We, obviously, weren't provided with much, if any, local or regional promo from domestic EMI/Capitol.
So, in front of the lonely ole "Miscellaneous Z" bin-divider it went (and hid)! Needle never touched vinyl on either, at least, for me! Real time/boots on the ground proof of the how and why a record never sells! If local Capitol reps were ignoring retail, how much were they personally pushing Zwol to either AM or FM?
I did enjoy the "Call Out My Name" song, and "Darlin' I"ll Be True." I found it odd that, on the '78 Zwol solo, he had Roger Cook singing background vocals. Usually a songwriter, Cook WAS in a duo with his frequent songwriting partner, Roger Greenaway, in the mid-'60s, called David and Jonathan.
I appreciate the vid that features a rare Jayne County sighting! In that similar lane, a lot of Zwol solo sounds to me quite similar to the attack and approach of Jobriath. Just kind of fairly non-distinct rock punctuated by exaggerated and effete mannerisms which do nothing to advance the performance. I wrote about Jobriath several months ago. If you're interested, you can search him on my site!
Thanks Brad! Was going to ask a while ago if you had heard of Zwol before. Been meaning to check out your Jobriath post. I actually have his first album on vinyl!
I can almost guarantee that, had you just mentioned "Zwol," nothing would've registered. I had to see the covers, and know the context (year, label, etc)! That's where your info-rich article came in! Enjoy the Jo! His first album on vinyl?!? So, YOU'RE the one!!!😂
I was ignorant about Brutus until this. I loved your detailed post on Brutus! It was fascinating to learn about their journey and Zwol's solo career. Your insights brought the band's history to life, great work.!
I can't believe I hadn't heard of the guy, the band(s?), and hadn't registered *ANY* of those songs! Wild.
I don't remember hearing any of them on the radio (classic rock or oldies) which is crazy considering his solo stuff crossed over a little.
Nicely done, Mark.....I was completely unaware of Brutus (I'm stateside, for your readers!), while I DO remember those 2 late-'70s Zwol albums on EMI America. I was at a Houston record store at the time, and remember stocking them both, with a decided, "What's this?!" We, obviously, weren't provided with much, if any, local or regional promo from domestic EMI/Capitol.
So, in front of the lonely ole "Miscellaneous Z" bin-divider it went (and hid)! Needle never touched vinyl on either, at least, for me! Real time/boots on the ground proof of the how and why a record never sells! If local Capitol reps were ignoring retail, how much were they personally pushing Zwol to either AM or FM?
I did enjoy the "Call Out My Name" song, and "Darlin' I"ll Be True." I found it odd that, on the '78 Zwol solo, he had Roger Cook singing background vocals. Usually a songwriter, Cook WAS in a duo with his frequent songwriting partner, Roger Greenaway, in the mid-'60s, called David and Jonathan.
Here's a list of Cook/Greenaway songs (several are longtime faves, and I'm sure, yours, as well!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_written_by_Roger_Cook_and_Roger_Greenaway
I appreciate the vid that features a rare Jayne County sighting! In that similar lane, a lot of Zwol solo sounds to me quite similar to the attack and approach of Jobriath. Just kind of fairly non-distinct rock punctuated by exaggerated and effete mannerisms which do nothing to advance the performance. I wrote about Jobriath several months ago. If you're interested, you can search him on my site!
Thanks Brad! Was going to ask a while ago if you had heard of Zwol before. Been meaning to check out your Jobriath post. I actually have his first album on vinyl!
I didn't mean to be cagey! Here's the Jobriath. I hestitate just dropping links, willy-nilly!
https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/audio-archaeology-1973-the-legacy?utm_source=publication-search
I can almost guarantee that, had you just mentioned "Zwol," nothing would've registered. I had to see the covers, and know the context (year, label, etc)! That's where your info-rich article came in! Enjoy the Jo! His first album on vinyl?!? So, YOU'RE the one!!!😂
I was ignorant about Brutus until this. I loved your detailed post on Brutus! It was fascinating to learn about their journey and Zwol's solo career. Your insights brought the band's history to life, great work.!
Thanks Jon!