ERIC STEWART "VIVA LA DIFFERENCE"

Artist: Eric Stewart
Album: Viva La Difference
Company: Mercury
Catalog: STRSCD20081
Released: 2009
Genre: rock
Grade: **** 4 stars
Condition: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Comments: CD format
Quantity available: SOLD
Price: $80,00 SOLD



Eric Stewart began recording what would become "Viva La Difference" in 2006, but the sessions quickly ground to a halt with Stewart shifting his attentions to renovating his UK home and building a studio in France.   Three years later the album was finally finished.  Sadly the collection didn't attract much attention from the media or the buying public and while you can readily download it, good luck finding a CD copy for under $100.  (As much as I love Stewart, there's no way I'm going to pay that for a CD.)  

 

Musically I've got to admit is fourth studio set was a major surprise.  All of Stewart's earlier solo albums were interesting, but none were knock-me-to-the-floor-and-take-away-my-breath good.   While this one didn't reach that status, on a song-for-song basis it was good.  Very good.   Vocally Stewart seldom sounded as impressive - even more startling given he was in his mid-60s.  Exemplified by tracks like 'Gnome Sweet Gnomes' and 'Down By the Palace' he also seemed pretty pissed off, adding a nice slice of dry and biting bile to his instantly recognizable voice.  Yeah, for 10cc fans there were occasional flashbacks to that band's unique sound - to my ears 'Millennium Blues' and the breezy title tracks came close.  That said, this wasn't going to be mistaken for a 10cc release.  The songs were simply too mainstream for anyone to mistake this for a 10cc release.   Personally that was something I was more than willing to deal with.  Anyhow, there were plenty of highlights.  The slinky 'Friends Like These' was one of those tunes that crept into your head and wouldn't leave, while 'It's In the Blood' underscored Stewart's melodic gifts.    Executive summary -   this was simply one of the most commercial and melodic releases across the entire 10cc and family discography.   Shame nobody heard it.

"Viva La Difference" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Gnome Sweet Gnomes   (Eric Stewart) - 5:20

Geez, talk about a dark and cutting tune ...   Every time I hear this one I'm left to wonder what triggered Stewart's slew of stinging bile seemingly aimed at the world of banking, or maybe international charities.  Makes me wonder if Stewart knows something about the banking system, or world charities that I don't.   Maybe I should hold on to my Combined Federal Campaign contributions.   Stewart's seldom sounded as good (the way he sings the refrain "play with your plunder ..." is bone chilling) and I've always loved the snarling guitar sound he gets on this one.   rating: **** stars

2.) It's In the Blood   (Eric Stewart)  - 5:00

Most people have forgotten what a talented melody writer Stewart is.  The breezy 'It's In the Blood serves as a wonderful example of his gifts.  One of those tracks that may not immediately sink in, but suddenly you find yourself humming the "it's in your blood" chorus.  The song also sported one of his prettiest guitar solos.   rating: **** stars

3.) Friends Like These   (Eric Stewart) - 4:50

Love the slinky slide guitar that opens the tune and kicks it along  ...   Slow builder with an almost hypnotic feel and one of the album's spotlight numbers.   Months later this one is still bouncing around my head.   rating: **** stars

4.) Down By the Palace   (Eric Stewart) - 5:40

I was never a fan of 10cc's lite reggae offerings ('Dreadlock Holiday'), and have to admit that 'Down By the Palace' didn't do much for me.   On the other hand, the tune sports one of Stewart's most blistering slices of social commentary.   rating: *** stars

5.) Do Not Bend   (Eric Stewart) - 4:36

Pretty mid-tempo tune that showcased Stewart's clever wordplay and was one of the most radio-ready selections (not that anyone was paying attention).   rating: *** stars

6.) Millennium Blues   (Eric Stewart) - 3:55

In case anyone had forgotten, 'Millennium Blues' showcased Stewart's frequently overlooked guitar chops.  To my ears this one had a very 10cc-esque feel.   Might explain why I like it so much.   rating: *** stars

7.) Viva La Difference   (Eric Stewart) - 3:36

The title track was another tune that included a dollop of reggae influences, though this time it was relegated to the sidelines with the focus on Stewart's jazzy guitar chords and the killer title track refrain.   Great tune.   rating: **** stars

8.) We're Not Alone   (Eric Stewart) - 5:41

The opening backward tapes were irritating, but Stewart's dark and pensive delivery saved the tune.  rating: *** stars

9.) Word of the Mouth   (Eric Stewart)- 3:43

The album's first true disappointment - non-descript tune that showcased a very '80s feel.   rating; ** stars

10.) Sleep At Night   (Eric Stewart) - 4:35

Another tune that I could live without ...  bland, formulaic, mildly bluesy track though it sported one of the album's best guitar solos.   rating: *** stars

11.) Can't Get Enough   (Eric Stewart) - 4:24

I certainly liked the harpsichord (?) opening, but then 'Can't Get Enough' shifted into production mode, losing any semblance of originality.    rating; ** stars