The initial London sessions weren’t going well. The sound was too derivative of himself. His own sound had become dated in the last 3 years, it was now too “new wave.” He and his band decamped to The Netherlands, armed with soul albums as reference. They ended up with 20 completed tracks, eighteen originals and two covers, all under 3:35 with some as short as 1:49, split evenly 10 songs per LP side. The band changed sounds completely, recording as if they were Booker T. & the MG’s, including a version of Sam & Dave’s “I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down.”

No matter the changes of studio and sound, the producer of Get Happy, released 44 years ago today by Elvis Costello and the Attractions, was the same man that produced their previous albums. The incomparable Nicholas Drain NICK Lowe.

photo c/o SomethingIsHappening, Bowery Ballroom, NYC, November 5, 2023

Nick Lowe’s achievements are too many to list. His songwriting is exceptional, both lyrically and musically. His output has been consistently great, critically appreciated and commercially underappreciated, but his fanbase is loyal. The majority of his albums have never charted in the US, and none have hit the Top 40 since 1979. As he says “I don’t really belong in the mainstream, and I quite like that. Later in life, suddenly, if you’re an outsider, it’s something to be celebrated, rather than getting on people’s nerves.”

He is probably most famous for his hit single “Cruel To Be Kind,” as well as for writing “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.” He also had some notoreity for his “ghastly/Rick Astley” rhyme in his song “All Men are Liars.” People may also know Nick from Johnny Cash’s late period cover of “The Beast In Me” which Nick first released on his album The Impossible Bird. Nick’s “So It Goes” was the first ever record released on the legendary label Stiff Records, funded by a loan from Dr. Feelgood’s Lee Brilleaux. Nick is also a classic rock radio stalwart as a member of Rockpile, with songs like “Teacher Teacher” and “I Knew the Bride.” His songs have been covered by everyone from Linda Ronstadt to Dion, Leo Kottke, Wilco, Solomon Burke, Rod Stewart, Huey Lewis, The Mavericks, Robben Ford, and Mavis Staples. He is also responsible for one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time, Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family from 2013.

His Production credits are staggering. Just a few of the bands and artists he has produced: Graham Parker and the Rumour, The Pretenders, Dr. Feelgood, Paul Carrack, Dave Edmunds, Wreckless Eric, The Damned, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

I’ve seen him a half dozen times or so, generally solo, strumming chords with his thumb, sublime, looking and sounding completely effortless. Everyone should see Nick Lowe solo.

In the last few years he has toured with Los Straitjackets backing him up, releasing two live albums and three singles. Everyone should see Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets.

Before I forget, look for the original vinyl pressing of Rockpile’s only album Seconds of Pleasure. The original pressing came with a bonus 45 of Nick and Dave Edmunds performing fantastic, faithful versions of four Everly Brothers songs:

In honor of Get Happy‘s 44 year release anniversary, Today’s Playlist is a SomethingIsHappening compendium celebrating the great Nick Lowe, as Artist and Producer: