CHARLIE "KITCHENS OF DISTINCTION"

Artist: Charlie
Album: Kitchens of Distinction
Company: Voiceprint
Catalog: AVP495CD
Released: 1977
Genre: rock
Grade: **** 4 stars
Condition: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Comments: CD format
Quantity available: 1
Price: $20,00


Having made quite a name for himself as a producer including handling a post-Paul Rodgers Bad Company, Foreigner, Styx's Tommy Shaw, Telsa, etc., some two decades after the release of the last Charlie album, Terry Thomas got the itch to record again.  That decision certainly came as a surprise to me given the ugly way Charlie seemingly came to an end back in 1986.   Even for a big Charlie fan, 1986's "In Pursuit of Happiness" clearly reflected a band that had run out of creativity and energy.  It was an album that Thomas probably wished he'd never recorded.   Against that backdrop, I wasn't quite sure what to make to Thomas' decision to reactivate the Charlie nameplate via the release of 2009's "Kitchens of Distinction".    The resulting album was apparently intended as a Thomas solo effort, but contributions from keyboardist Julian Colbeck and other studio players gave the album a distinctive Charlie sound and in the end Thomas decided to release it as a Charlie effort.  Regardless, most comebacks are a disaster, and you were left to wonder what could Thomas bring to the table after this long layoff ...   Well, the good news was the Charlie comeback was an exception to the rule.  Thomas' return to the recording studio found him reinvigorated and full of piss and frustration - yeah all the ingredients necessary for a good Charlie album were here ...   And in case you didn't pick it up from some of the subtle song titles ('Shit TV', 'Blue Sky Bullshit'), boy was Thomas steamed with the state of affairs.  Vocally he sounded as good as ever and how could you not love an album that took on mindless commercialism (the title track) and the all consuming pursuit of fame which included a nasty little nod at Simon Cowell ('Shit TV'). As mentioned, that instantly recognizable Charlie sound remained intact, but this time around Thomas seemingly tried to avoid some of the earlier pop leanings.  Thomas' DNA simply wouldn't allow him to craft a song without some commercial edge, but on a song-by-song basis, the result was Charlie's hardest rocking collection.  Doubt that comment then check out the blazing 'Alcohol' which would put many grunge bands to shame, or the equally rockin' 'Never Be The Same''.   

 

"Kitchens of Distinction" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Get a Life   (Terry Thomas) - 

Capturing the classic Charlie sound, 'Get a Life' was one of the album's most mainstream selection.  Thomas' dry, rugged voice seldom sounded as good and their instantly recognizable harmony vocals were a treat to hear again.   rating: **** stars

2.) Kitchens of Distinction   (Terry Thomas) - 

The lyric wasn't particularly subtle, but it was clever and heartfelt making 'Kitchens of Distinction' one of the album's standout performances.  The song's nifty jazzy lead guitar also underscored Thomas' overlooked talents in that realm.    rating: **** stars  

3.) Popstar   (Terry Thomas) - 

Easily the album's most commercial song, with the insidiously catchy chorus "is Robbie Williams gay ..." 'Popstar' was also the snarkiest performances ...   Clearly inspired by the former Take That member's life, you were left wondering if Thomas was just being mean spirited in targeting Williams.  That did nothing to diminish the song's commercial edge.   rating: **** stars

4.) Shit TV   (Terry Thomas) - 

 In case you were wondering how Thomas really felt about celebrity, 'Shit TV ' found him singling out a long list of American and UK minor celebrities (David Dickinson ...) for abuse.  You didn't want Robbie Williams to feel all alone did ya' ?   rating: **** stars

5.) Don't Let Go   (Terry Thomas) - 

Turning his anger inward, the snarling mid-tempo ballad 'Don't Let Go' was the kind of song Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabel always wanted to write.  Dark, embittered, and highly catchy it climbed in your head and simply wouldn't leave !!!   Another album highlight.   rating: **** stars

6.) Alcohol   (Terry Thomas) - 

Probably the hardest rocking track in the entire Charlie catalog, 'Alcohol' was a take-no-prisoners slice of grunge rock with a set of lyrics that were equally brutal.  Thomas slapped a killer guitar solo onto the end of the track.   rating: *** stars

7.) Cars   (Terry Thomas) - 

Belying the song's pretty and breezy melody and another hysterical lyric (when's the last time you heard a song that included references to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Massarati, and Porsche), 'Cars' biting anti-consumerism stance should make you think twice about buying your dream car ...   maybe a second hand Jeep is good enough after all.  Maybe it was just my ears, but this one had a distinctive Donald Fagen and Walter Becker vibe ...  rating: *** stars

8.) Blue Sky Bullshit   (Terry Thomas) - 

Maybe I'm just getting old and increasing cynical, but I have to admit that 'Blue Sky Bullshit' struck a chord with me.  I don't think I've ever heard a rock song that managed to aptly tag all of those self-congratulatory poseurs trying to tell the rest of us how to lead our lives ...   Wonder if this was inspired by anyone in particular ?  If so, that person better hope that Thomas doesn't catch them alone in a dark alley.   rating: ***** stars

9.) The Art of Cool   (Terry Thomas) - 

Kicked along by Martin Cruz Smith's stinging slide guitar, 'The Art of Cool' managed to destroy wannabe upper class pretense in under four minutes.  This song should routinely be piped into every Starbucks as a warning that coffee is a drink, not a lifestyle.   Mr. Thomas - a job well done.   rating: **** stars

10.) West Coast Thing   (Terry Thomas) -

As a middle aged white guy, I have to laugh every time I listen to 'West Coast Thing'.  Sonically this one nailed the classic Charlie sound (ah, Julian Colbeck on Fender Rhodes) with some of Thomas' most searing lyrics taking on an American lifestyle I've never experienced and will never understand.   For goodness sakes, I don't even understand stay-at-home moms so what chance do I have of understanding a young L.A. babe ?   rating: **** stars

11.) Never Be The Same   (Terry Thomas) - 

In his songs Thomas has always exhibited a penchant for making bad relationship decisions and the searing rocker 'Never Be The Same' documented another series of bad choices.   rating: **** stars  

12.) It's Not Enough   (Terry Thomas) - 

With a pseudo-grunge feel, the closing rocker 'It's Not Enough' was catchy, but came off as simply piling on ... Thomas had made his points earlier and more effectively.  The album's first real disappointment.  'course I was also the last song.   rating: ** stars

 

Simply one of the best comebacks I've heard in years and probably the best thing Terry Thomas has ever done.  Can't wait to hear the next one !!!

 

 

For anyone interested, there's a nice Charlie website at: http://charlie-music.com/