Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel — 436

 

ALBUM: Face to Face (live, 2  LPs 1976)

I bought it at a community flea market in Athens, Ga.,   because it was cheap, interesting cover and the live album led off with ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ the George Harrison/Beatles song. I listened to it a few times but it never really registered until I got to the last song called ‘Make Me Smile.’

How did I never hear this song before? Cool tune with several long stops and silent holds. Its stop-start delay effect is effective  — and you can dance to it. Love the song. I later found that I had it on a compilation record called Monument to British Rock. I think I probably like the studio version even more with it’s exaggerated Dylan vocal style.

My understanding this band was big in England, even huge in the 1970s.

Not a lot of love in the states though. I’m sure Cockney Rebel–  the band’s name left many Americans scratching their heads. And maybe it is a British thing in the way that British comedy often leaves Americans wondering what they missed.

See the video of Make Me Smile. Fave line:‘Maybe you’ll tarry for a while.’