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Nick Lowe

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Nick Lowe, born on 24 March 1949, is an English singer, musician and producer. He plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica and is regarded as a well-known figure in pub rock, power pop and new wave. His career began in 1967 in Kippington Lodge, together with his school friend Brinsley Schwarz. At the end of 1969 the band was renamed Brinsley Schwarz and played country and blues rock. In 1975 Lowe left and became bassist and singer of Rockpile, alongside Dave Edmunds.

Music and breakthrough

In August 1976 So It Goes was released, the first single on Stiff Records, where Lowe was also house producer. Among other things he produced the first album by The Damned and work by Elvis Costello and Graham Parker. His first solo albums were Jesus of Cool and Pure Pop for Now People, both from 1978, followed by Labour of Lust in 1979. That album includes Cruel to Be Kind, his best-known song, alongside I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass. He also wrote (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding, which became a hit for Costello, and I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock 'n' Roll), a hit for Dave Edmunds. There is only one official Rockpile album, Seconds of Pleasure from 1980, because the two singers were under contract to different record companies.

Influence

In 1979 Lowe married the country singer Carlene Carter, and later played and recorded with Johnny Cash. His strength lay in short, melodic songs with a dry humour, and in his role as a producer and maker of records that paved the way for new wave.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Cruel to Be Kind and notice the tight, cheerful pop structure: short verses, a chorus that sticks in your head and a clear band underneath. Hear how little frill the song needs.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: Artists