Jeff Christie has described his solo album
project as containing his best body of work, featuring songs
of a more "mature" nature. Four of the songs from
the never-released album were issued on singles, and if they
are any guide, there is certainly a clear desire shown by
Jeff towards composing material that kept up with the trends
of the time.
The songs have a flavour that is very much in
tune with the music of the early 80's .. a mixture of sanitised
American rock styles and the electronic techno sounds emerging
from the UK. Bereft of twangy guitar intros or simple poppish
structures, the songs don't sound like typical Christie offerings,
although at least one of them - Both
Ends of the Rainbow
- could easily have been converted into a "Christie
song".
Both
Ends Of The Rainbow
(J Christie)
This is country pop music at its finest, a composition worthy
of the likes of John Fogerty or even Paul McCartney. Jeff
reunites with Paul Fenton on drums to create this lovely melody
and great singalong chorus. This song given a characteristic
Christie power guitar introduction could have been
a massive hit for Christie if released when the band was still
together. The motivational message in the song is to never
give in with "both ends of the rainbow, sometimes
you lose, sometimes you win".
Turn
On Your Lovelight
(J Christie)
The flipside of Jeff's first solo single
is a more frenetic and rockier song that focuses on love relationships
oddly, a theme not frequently used in Jeff's compositions.
It has a slick "American" sound, with wailing guitar
(think REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship and bands of their
ilk). Again, Paul Fenton features on drums.
Tightrope
(J Christie)
Jeff's follow-up single centres on the hectic pace of modern
living ("life is a tightrope"), and the song's tempo
reflects this, with Jeff utilising the staccato, robotic singing
techniques of bands like Devo, Talking Heads and numerous
others of the time. The guitarwork employed is reminiscent
of the chaotic styles employed by David Bowie. Jeff plays
on all instruments.
Somebody
Else
(J Christie)
This love song is slower-paced but has a structure not dissimilar
to some punk rock offerings of the time, and incorporates
the rocky guitar style of the A-side. Jeff uses an interesting
Bee Gees-like warble for one of the refrains. If anything,
the song demonstrates Jeff's versatility and ability to change
with music styles as needed.
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