Jerky Versions of the Dream
| Jerky Versions of the Dream | ||||
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| Studio album by Howard Devoto | ||||
| Released | 26 July 1983 (USA, I.R.S.) | |||
| Recorded | 1982/1983 | |||
| Genre | Post-punk | |||
| Length | 42:24 | |||
| Label | Virgin Records | |||
| Producer | Howard Devoto & Greg Walsh | |||
| Howard Devoto chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Jerky Versions of the Dream | ||||
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| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
Jerky Versions of the Dream is the only solo album recorded by Howard Devoto, original singer of Buzzcocks and Magazine. It was his only studio album, which was released at the time with two singles, "Cold Imagination" and "Rainy Season", being a short-lived solo career for Devoto, who in 1986, went to form a band alongside guitarist Noko, which later was named Luxuria.
Recording
The process of Devoto's solo album began, shortly after the demise of Magazine. Already frustrated by an unsatisfactory string of replacements for guitarist John McGeoch, Devoto left the group after the pre-album single to Magic, Murder and the Weather had failed to chart. Devoto started to write songs during 1982, later making a demo with guitarist Alan St Clair and a drum machine. He also started working with his former Magazine bandmate Barry Adamson. Eventually, Devoto decided to combine the two projects and record a solo album, instead.
Release
The album was released in United States on the I.R.S. label, on 26 July 1983.[2][3]
The first single to be released from the album was "Rainy Season", which was considered by many to be a stand-out track.[citation needed] The song's video was heavily rotated on MTV. On the release of the album it peaked at #57, on the UK album chart. It was eagerly anticipated and widely received by amazing reviews. A subsequent tour in Europe, the United States, and Canada was full of sold out crowds. However, the album's second single, "Cold Imagination", failed to chart as well, and Devoto's solo career was put on hold.
Track listing
All songs written by Howard Devoto except where noted.
- "Cold Imagination" – 4:21
- "Topless" – 3:47 (Devoto, Dave Formula)
- "Rainy Season" – 5:06
- "I Admire You" – 5:15
- "Way Out of Shape" – 3:55
- "Some Will Pay (For What Others Pay To Avoid)" – 3:44 (Devoto, Formula)
- "Waiting For A Train" – 4:53
- "Out Of Shape With Me" – 4:14
- "Taking Over Heaven" – 3:57
- "Seeing Is Believing" – 3:19
Bonus tracks
- "Rainy Season" (7" Single Version) – 3:40
- "Rainforest" (Variation N16) – 5:12
- "Cold Imagination" (Extended Version)" - 5:08
- "Cold Imagination (BBC Radio 1 Peel Session Version) - 4:33
- "Topless" (BBC Radio 1 Peel Session Version) - 3:39 (Devoto, Formula)
- "Some Will Pay (For What Others Pay To Avoid)" (BBC Radio 1 Peel Session version) -3:52 (Devoto, Formula)
Personnel
- Howard Devoto - lead vocals, producer, arrangement
- Dave Formula - keyboards, arrangement
- Alan St Clair - guitar
- Martin Heath - bass guitar
- Pat Ahern - drums
- Gary Barnacle - saxophone
- Andy Diagram - trumpet
- Penelope Houston - backing vocals
- Pamela Kifer - backing vocals
- Laura Teresa - backing vocals
- Leroy James - additional guitar
- Greg Walsh - producer
