Brinsley Schwarz Surrender To The Rhythm CD

Before punk rock's emergence, there was a "back to the roots" movement known as "pub rock," where bands rejected glitter and pomp, instead embracing the country, blues, and R&B roots of rock and roll. Brinsley Schwarz were the best known and one of the very best as well--the band launched the solo careers of Nick Lowe and Ian Gomm while the rest of the band became the basis for Graham Parker's band the Rumour. SURRENDER TO THE RHYTHM--originally issued in 1991, reissued in 2001--consists of 22 reasons of loping, funky shuffles, pure pop nirvana, and rustic hippie twang, with melodies you can't get out of your head.

The 20-track compilation Surrender to the Rhythm is an excellent retrospective of Brinsley Schwarz's career. The compilation is culled from each of the group's albums, touching lightly on their earlier records and drawing heavily from Silver Pistol, Nervous on the Road, and The New Favourites, which is appropriate, since they were the stronger records. Although Nervous on the Road remains a necessary album, Surrender to the Rhythm compiles nearly every one of the Brinsleys' greatest tracks, including "Country Girl," "Ju Ju Man," "Down in Mexico," "Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)," "Happy Doing What We're Doing," "Don't Lose Your Grip on Love," "The Ugly Things," a ripping live version of "Home in My Hand," and the original version of Nick Lowe's classic "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding." Surrender to the Rhythm offers convincing evidence that Brinsley Schwarz is one of the great underrated bands of the early '70s, while essentially summing up the spirit of pub rock. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

22 track anthology from each album by the pioneers of English "Pub Rock". The band included their namesake, Nick Lowe and Ian Gomm.

U.K. release.

Liner Note Author: Brinsley Schwarz.