It’s big. And by that I mean the music is big and bold and brassy. That was the offering of solo artists of this calibre back then. But actually what does appeal greatly are the quieter moments such as during ‘Montague terrace’. What a delight, as is the story telling during ‘Amsterdam’.
Scott Walker originally came to prominence as one of the Walker Brothers (none of whom were related) in the mid 60’s. Contrary to the direction most artists took in those days, he was an American who came to Britain and ended up staying through to his death early in 2019. Good looking, in a band, American, the 60’s. It was hardly a mix that could go wrong. But the music ran out of steam. By the late 60’s the three had split as the likes of Hendrix, Zeppelin, the Who and many more bands were dominating the air waves ahead of the classic sounds of music ‘arranged and conducted by’.
The front cover belies the music. Whilst the music is undoubtedly early / mid 60’s did he just tread the wrong path? Undoubtedly a fine vocalist and someone who epitomised the 60’s ‘look’ there was a Frank Sinatra / show-time lean to his music which I suspect just didn’t appeal that well to the kids growing up with rock ‘n roll.
But that doesn’t detract from the fact this is a fine output which captures the music at the time, however short lived. I think we have moved on but there is, undoubtedly, a place for this. And you will not hear anyone better than Scott Walker to remind us about the evolution of ‘pop’ music 50+ years ago.
