The Abominable Showman

The Abominable Showman
Studio album by
Nick Lowe
ReleasedMarch 1983
RecordedRockfield, Wales; Ampro, London
GenreGarage rock, pop, rock and roll
Length35:07
LabelF-Beat (UK), Columbia (US)
ProducerRoger Bechirian, Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe chronology
Nick the Knife
(1982) 		The Abominable Showman
(1983) 		Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit
(1984)

The Abominable Showman is the fourth solo album by the English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe, released in 1983.[1][2] Lowe supported the album by touring with Paul Carrack.[3]

The album was out of print for two decades until being reissued on CD and vinyl by Yep Roc Records on 14 July 2017. The reissue contained three bonus tracks.[4]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[5]
Robert ChristgauB+[6]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[1]
Spin Alternative Record Guide4/10[7]

The New York Times noted the "light but appealing funk, reggae and 1960's soul in addition to the expected garage-pop-and-roll."[8]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Nick Lowe, except where noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."We Want Action"Lowe, Carlene Carter2:35
2."Ragin' Eyes" 2:38
3."Cool Reaction"Pete Marsh, Andy Howell2:35
4."Time Wounds All Heels"Lowe, Carter, Simon Climie2:42
5."Man of a Fool" 2:44
6."Tanque-Rae" 2:48
7."Wish You Were Here" 3:14
8."Chicken and Feathers" 2:44
9."Paid The Price"Moon Martin3:24
10."Mess Around With Love" 3:05
11."Saint Beneath The Paint" 2:48
12."How Do You Talk to an Angel" 3:50
Total length:35:07
2017 Reissue Bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."Pet You and Hold You" (live)3:22
14."Crackin' Up" (live)3:13
15."(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" (live)3:37

Note: The packaging of the YepRoc reissue omits mention of "Pet You and Hold You" as a bonus track.

Personnel

Other credits

Production

The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios, Wales and Ampro Studio, London.

Singles

Three songs off this album were released as singles:

  • "Raging Eyes" / "Tanque-Rae" ("Raging Eyes" was recorded in October 1981)
  • "Cool Reaction" (Promo only)
  • "Wish You Were Here" / "How Do You Talk To An Angel"

Notes

  1. ^ a b The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. p. 436.
  2. ^ Tucker, Ken (1 April 1983). "Opening for Petty tonight will be Nick Lowe...". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. E22.
  3. ^ Takiff, Jonathan (1 April 1983). "Nick Lowe". Features. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 55.
  4. ^ "YEP ROC RECORDS TO REISSUE SIX LONG OUT-OF-PRINT NICK LOWE TITLES, MAKING HIS ENTIRE ALBUM CATALOG AVAILABLE ON ONE LABEL – Yep Roc Records". Yep Roc Records. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  5. ^ The Abominable Showman Nick Lowe Allmusic.com, Stephen Thomas Erlewine
  6. ^ "CG: Nick Lowe". Robert Christgau. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  7. ^ Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. p. 232.
  8. ^ Palmer, Robert (23 March 1983). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C22.