Although released in 1986 I didn't get it until I found this on sale back in '87. This was when CDs were having a bit of a packaging issue and because most record stores weren't configured for them, somewhere some smartass must have figured that creating a full reproduction of the artwork in a disposable long box was a good idea.
Yeah, it last about as long as you think it would last - not long.
Regardless, I found myself in the possession of This Side of Paradise and I did remember hearing "Emotion in Motion" which was a cool track, and even knew that Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears provided the guitar. It was a pretty decent song, and oddly not the best song on the album.
I always found it cool when a guy did a solo album and then brought along the guys from the band to play on some of the tracks. Ric brought everyone from The Cars except David Robinson to guest on at least one track. Poor David, everyone forgets about the drummer.
"True to You" is probably the most Cars sounding song on the entire album with Greg, Elliot and Ben all showing up to help. Elliot Easton as usual killed it, although I have to say while it was the most Cars like, it also felt really derivative (it's always pretty bloody catchy). Comparisons to The Cars is kind of unavoidable, especially when your the singer and songwriter - however I have to say Ric manages, aside from "True to You," to craft a really cohesive album that is a great mix of rock and technology. The songs are a little longer, a little darker and I still find myself enjoying what I hear. It's been a long time since I've played this, and when I found the record I couldn't help myself. I already had it, but having readable liner notes was too much to pass up ... so I didn't. Although readable is a bit of a stretch given the font and colour choices ... sigh. Still, easier than the CD booklet.
Among the guests, G.E. Smith appears on this album as well, and I have to admit that I was always irritated by G.E. Smith. Mainly because of his ubiquitous appearances on SNL as bandleader. He just bugged me ... I don't know why. Jealousy? The guy was a monster player, but he always seemed to be mugging for the camera. Over the years I've found his name in the credits on albums as varied as Desmond Child and Rouge to his long time association with Daryl Hall & John Oates. I've had to reluctantly revise my opinion. Here's to you Mr. Smith.
The unsung hero here was Steve Stevens. He brought his array of space gun effects and guitar wizardry to several songs on the record. To me the centrepiece was the album's title track and closing song. "This Side of Paradise" was over eight minutes of brooding pop goodness and one of the best songs Ric ever wrote. Of course, I've not heard everything he ever wrote, so I suppose I should amend that to the best song I've heard by Ric. The song takes time to build, the droning drum loop is almost hypnotic, and Greg Hawke's bass and keyboard work is right in the pocket. When Chris Hughes (also known in some circles as Merrick) overlay the acoustic drums the song adds another dimension. The cherry on top is Steve Stevens who adds his familiar but effective sonic textures on guitar. The song's instrumental code doesn't feel tacked on, it actually gives the listener a moment to process everything that's just happened. Like I said, this was my favourite piece back then and hearing it now simply reaffirms my long held opinion.
What I didn't expect was the discover the entire album in a way I'd not really heard before. Ric once mentioned that he saved his moodier songs for his solo work, and that rings true on the songs here. The balance between his penchant for quirky blended with the brooding tone of the album is really pretty cool.
This is wicked all the way from start to the big finish.Wonders never cease.
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