Mad About The Wrong Boy
- Lester Burnham
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:55 pm
Mad About The Wrong Boy
Hi everyone,
This is my first post on the site -- I've mostly lurked for the past few months, but I've been a huge fan of Elvis's for about five years now. Anyway, with the formalities out of the way, I've been listening to The Attractions' Mad About The Wrong Boy, and I'm disappointed with how sparse the liner notes are; does anyone have any information on it, like where and when it was recorded, when it was released, who plays guitar (or is that even guitar?)...
Also, who does the singing on the album? Is it just a case of whoever wrote it, sang it, or does Steve do most of the singing?
Thanks!
This is my first post on the site -- I've mostly lurked for the past few months, but I've been a huge fan of Elvis's for about five years now. Anyway, with the formalities out of the way, I've been listening to The Attractions' Mad About The Wrong Boy, and I'm disappointed with how sparse the liner notes are; does anyone have any information on it, like where and when it was recorded, when it was released, who plays guitar (or is that even guitar?)...
Also, who does the singing on the album? Is it just a case of whoever wrote it, sang it, or does Steve do most of the singing?
Thanks!
Welcome Lester!
'Mad..' was discussed before -
see
http://www.elviscostellofans.com/phpBB2 ... php?t=5186
A handy way to find stuff on this forum is to put a few key words into the 'search' function and see what it will get you.
'Mad..' was discussed before -
see
http://www.elviscostellofans.com/phpBB2 ... php?t=5186
A handy way to find stuff on this forum is to put a few key words into the 'search' function and see what it will get you.
- And No Coffee Table
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- Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2003 2:57 pm
It was released in September 1980, so it was presumably recorded shortly before that, between Get Happy!! and Trust. I don't know where it was recorded (aside from "in the British Isles," as it says on the back of the CD).does anyone have any information on it, like where and when it was recorded, when it was released
I don't hear very much guitar, but as far as I know the Attractions play all the instruments. I know Pete sometimes plays guitar, but I don't know if he did in 1980.who plays guitar (or is that even guitar?)
Both, I believe. Steve does most of the writing, and I'm pretty sure that's him singing the 11 songs he wrote either by himself or with his then-wife as "Brain/Hart." I assume Bruce sings the three he's credited with writing ("Little Miss Understanding," Motorworld," and "Slow Patience"), and I guess Pete sings the two he co-wrote with Bruce ("La La La La La Loved You" and "Lonesome Little Town").Also, who does the singing on the album? Is it just a case of whoever wrote it, sang it, or does Steve do most of the singing?
I've rarely listened to this album all the way through, and yet I find I rather enjoy these songs in small doses when they pop up on my iPod in shuffle mode.
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- thepopeofpop
- Posts: 414
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:19 am
- Location: Newcastle, Australia (& Citizen of the World)
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
The liner notes reflect the very sparse kind of info available on Costello related releases back in the early days (although admittedly "Taking Liberties" does have some information, but it is the exception).Lester Burnham wrote:does anyone have any information on it, like where and when it was recorded, when it was released, who plays guitar (or is that even guitar?)...
Also, who does the singing on the album? Is it just a case of whoever wrote it, sang it, or does Steve do most of the singing?
It was released in the summer of 1980, but it may have been recorded earlier than that.
It was recorded at Eden Studios and produced by Roger Bechirian.
All the Attractions can play guitar but on this album you'll find that the rhythm guitar is often Steve and the "lead guitar" parts (such as they are) are played by Bruce (who was virtually playing "lead bass" in the Attractions anyway).
The majority of the singing is by Steve, but that's because he wrote and/or co-wrote most of the songs.
- Lester Burnham
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:55 pm
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Actually I believe the guitar solos on "Mad About the Wrong Boy" were by Tim Renwick, who used to play with Bruce Thomas's old band, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver. I have the album sitting in my shed and can't remember if he's credited on it or not, but I'm almost certain he was drafted in to do the guitars. I think I was told this by either Steve Nieve or Fay Hart.
If you look at Tim's website he includes "The Attractions" as one of his session credits.
If you look at Tim's website he includes "The Attractions" as one of his session credits.
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Slightly off kilter but on the video accompanying PLU Steve plays Elvis' Jazzmaster and obviously plays the real chords !
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
where's THAT sulky????? LINK PLEASE!!!!!!!
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
I think he is referring to the official video:bronxapostle wrote:where's THAT sulky????? LINK PLEASE!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WWp67DsTk4
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Thank you Soul for clarifying me, I like to flummux BA now and again
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
thanks sulky...love being FLUMMuXED long distance by you!!!
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- Location: Chocolate Town
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Can this material be found/heard anywhere online? A 'Youtube' search reveals no hits. It seems like it'd be an amusing way to while away a few minutes when I should be working
When man has destroyed what he thinks he owns
I hope no living thing cries over his bones
I hope no living thing cries over his bones
- thepopeofpop
- Posts: 414
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:19 am
- Location: Newcastle, Australia (& Citizen of the World)
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
I can now very much confirm that it is Bruce who is playing lead guitar. He actually quite fancies himself as a guitarist. You can only imagine what he thinks of Elvis' earlier efforts in this area.
--Paul--
Now put on your ironic dancing shoes
And dig my brand new rhythm and hues:
https://www.paulinglis.org
Now put on your ironic dancing shoes
And dig my brand new rhythm and hues:
https://www.paulinglis.org
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
I was under the impression that the album was recorded sometime around August/September 1979 when Elvis was producing the debut album by The Specials, but I might be wrong. Would make sense particularly with Elvis pre-occupied elsewhere.
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
I apologise if I was wrong about Tim Renwick playing guitar, but that it what I have always believed.
Can I ask how you managed to confirm that it was Bruce?
Can I ask how you managed to confirm that it was Bruce?
- Ymaginatif
- Posts: 530
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- Location: Paisley Park
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
"Taste Of Poison" is a great new wave song!
Always one I wanted to cover if I had a band
Always one I wanted to cover if I had a band
Listen: https://ymaginatif.bandcamp.com/
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- Location: SF
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
The arrangement of Arms Race is kick-ass.
Particularly the bass line.
Particularly the bass line.
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Oh, dear , I'm going to have to dig this out and listen to the LP and the free EP. I always loved Steve's playing and the performance of "Hooligans And Hula Girls " and "Al Green" from Keyboard Jungle on a BBC Whistle Test show were really excellent. I have recordings of this on a very ropey video but it's a classic !
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
I just noticed that someone put this entire album on YouTube yesterday. Perhaps one of you? Anyway, here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMWo5JvyiPw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMWo5JvyiPw
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Bruce answered some questions over Christmas about this album -
http://www.brucethomas.co.uk/?p=1883#comments
David Witherington I was playing “Mad About the Wrong Boy” recently and wondered if you sang lead on your songs? It’s really an interesting listen 32 years later…experimental pop sounds and the lyrics make intriguing images. This album is underrated and I like to revisit it from time to time. Nice work, and I’m grateful that it exists as part of the canon. Oh, and Merry Christmas!
Bruce … and a Happy New Year. Yes, I did sing on my songs. It exists as part of a canon it should be shot out of
Your guitar playing as well?
Bruce All the good guitar work was super session man and ex-Quiverer, Tim Renwick.
http://www.brucethomas.co.uk/?p=1883#comments
David Witherington I was playing “Mad About the Wrong Boy” recently and wondered if you sang lead on your songs? It’s really an interesting listen 32 years later…experimental pop sounds and the lyrics make intriguing images. This album is underrated and I like to revisit it from time to time. Nice work, and I’m grateful that it exists as part of the canon. Oh, and Merry Christmas!
Bruce … and a Happy New Year. Yes, I did sing on my songs. It exists as part of a canon it should be shot out of
Your guitar playing as well?
Bruce All the good guitar work was super session man and ex-Quiverer, Tim Renwick.
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- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:33 am
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
Hooray! I was right about Tim Renwick being the guitarist. I was hoping my memory hadn't failed me. Now I'm just interested to know how thepopeofpop managed to get (and "confirm") the wrong information. Weird because he seems much more knowledgeable than me normally...
Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
What great news about the deluxe double cd reissue of this. I'm really looking forward to hearing Elvis' guide vocals on disc two and the sleevenote where he finally tells us how important Bruce Thomas was to his early days. OUT TODAY!
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Re: Mad About The Wrong Boy
WOW!!! i never heard of this coming. disc two features EC guide vocals???? on all tracks? WHAT A SCORE!
any link to purchase John?
any link to purchase John?