The Abominable Showman
1983 studio album by Nick Lowe
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The Abominable Showman is the fourth solo album by the English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe, released in 1983.[1][2] Lowe supported the album by touring with Paul Carrack.[3]
| The Abominable Showman | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 1983 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | Garage rock, pop, rock and roll | |||
| Length | 35:07 | |||
| Label | F-Beat (UK), Columbia (US) | |||
| Producer |
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| Nick Lowe chronology | ||||
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The album was out of print for two decades until being reissued on CD and vinyl by Yep Roc Records on 14 July 2017. The reissue contained three bonus tracks.[4]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [5] |
| Robert Christgau | B+[6] |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | [1] |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 4/10[7] |
The New York Times noted the "light but appealing funk, reggae and 1960's soul in addition to the expected garage-pop-and-roll."[8]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Nick Lowe, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "We Want Action" | Lowe, Carlene Carter | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Ragin' Eyes" | 2:38 | |
| 3. | "Cool Reaction" | Pete Marsh, Andy Howell | 2:35 |
| 4. | "Time Wounds All Heels" | Lowe, Carter, Simon Climie | 2:42 |
| 5. | "Man of a Fool" | 2:44 | |
| 6. | "Tanque-Rae" | 2:48 | |
| 7. | "Wish You Were Here" | 3:14 | |
| 8. | "Chicken and Feathers" | 2:44 | |
| 9. | "Paid the Price" | Moon Martin | 3:24 |
| 10. | "Mess Around with Love" | 3:05 | |
| 11. | "Saint Beneath the Paint" | 2:48 | |
| 12. | "How Do You Talk to an Angel" | 3:50 | |
| Total length: | 35:07 | ||
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Pet You and Hold You" (live) | 3:22 |
| 14. | "Crackin' Up" (live) | 3:13 |
| 15. | "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" (live) | 3:37 |
Note: The packaging of the YepRoc reissue omits mention of "Pet You and Hold You" as a bonus track.
Personnel
- Nick Lowe – vocals, guitars, bass
- Paul Carrack – keyboards, backing vocals, vocals (7)
- Martin Belmont – guitars
- James Eller – bass
- Bobby Irwin – drums, backing vocals
- Robert Kirby – string arrangements
- Carlene Carter – harmonies and harmonics (4)
- Simon Climie – harmonies and harmonics (4)
- Pete Marsh – backing vocals (6, 9)
Production
- Roger Bechirian – producer
- Nick Lowe – producer
- Paul Bass – engineer
- Paul Cobbold – engineer
- Keith Morris – photography
Singles
Three songs were released as singles:
- "Raging Eyes" / "Tanque-Rae" ("Raging Eyes" was recorded in October 1981)
- "Cool Reaction" (Promo only)
- "Wish You Were Here" / "How Do You Talk to an Angel"