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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol. 36, No 11 May 30th, 1973
Joe Cocker — Lo and Behold AML 34662
Joe Cocker — Lo and Behold AML 34662
"Pardon me, son, if what I'm saying brings, you down.
But that's the only way to show you thatl'm a clown. "
Thus Joe Cocker begins his fourth (and final?) album, setting a mood that permeates every groove. However you initially approach it, in the final analysis Lo and Behold" can only be seen as Cocker's personal statement concerning the hassles built into the life of a rock star, cheif among which seems to be self-inflicted damage.
From a conceptual point of view, the album is more restrained and subtle, but less together than its predecessors. The flash and sparkle that marked "With a Little Help..." and "Cocker!" have disappeared, and the crazed anarchy that threatened to drown Cocker on "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" has also been shoved aside. In its place is a smaller, more complementary unit led by longtime friend, Chris Stainton.
"I need the total fascination of the Black-eyed blues,
Total Destination of the colour I choose,
I don't mind if you turn me around,
Just as long as it gets fine,
oh, it gets fine."
"Soon, I'll have to go and get back on the road,
Then I'll have no reason left at all."
If you are a faithful Cocker freak, listen to this album, if for no other reason that to hear what he sounds like without accompaniment from the Western Springs beer can bashers. There's enough here to make it worthwhile. If you're not, listen anyway, if only for realisation of just how badly drugs can screw you up.
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