Though I was fully immersed in New Wave and Post-Punk by the late 70s I did still harbour a secret taste for the forbidden world of American Soft Rock. I bought singles by Toto, Boston, and Foreigner that I kept hidden under my bed along with my dirty magazines in case anyone saw them (that second bit isn’t true). This is another illicit purchase I made in 1979.
I had never heard of John Stewart before this record, but he had been a member of The Kingston Trio in the 1960s and wrote The Monkees “Daydream Believer” before becoming a cult solo artist. “Gold” was his biggest (and only?) hit due in no small part to the guest vocals of Stevie Nicks and guitar by Lindsay Buckingham. Both were flying high on Rumours fame at the time so having them appear on your record was quite the coup.
Records don’t sound much more Californian than this, a mellow groover that probably sounds great while driving a big car on a warm night. I had no problem listening to this sort of thing alongside Joy Division, and because I’m old I’m more likely to listen to it now.
Download: Gold – John Stewart (mp3)
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Never been a fan of Toto, Boston or Foreigner, but I’ve loved this song since I first heard it way back when. As you said, a great sound when driving. The chorus and Lindsay Buckingham’s guitar are the dream topping on a fine rockalong song.
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This song sounds darker than mellow gold, vaguely ominous. I’ve always loved it.
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Other good ones by John Stewart:
Runaway Fool Of Love
Over The Hill
The Spinnin’ of the World
July, You’re A Woman
Sweet Dreams Will Come (duet on a Nanci Griffith album)
Some Lonesome Picker
Hunters of the Sun
18 Wheels
Clack Clack
You Can’t Look Back
Kansas Rain
Hit And Run
Dreamers On The Rise
Wheatfield Lady
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For decades (and decades) the PR folks have said I should sure dig this guy. And it’s failed every time. I would note that (subconsciously or not) his (ugh) influence is more widespread than ever.
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I see you’re reading “The Grifters” — a tremendous book, one of Thompson’s most psychologically complex and among his top two or three. Movie also highly recommended.
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Love the movie. Read a few Thompsons before, not been let down yet
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