Cruel to Be Kind

June 1, 2019
Solid, occasionally hagiographic life of the British musician who helped pub rock evolve into punk, New Wave, and beyond. Nick Lowe (b. 1949), writes Mojo contributor and musician Birch, is "simply peerless," a musician's musician whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Rod Stewart. He is also an international man of mystery and renowned toper who, while now calmed down at age 70, would put the fear in Keith Richards for powers of consumption. The author recounts Lowe's musical evolution from "beat group" to pub rock, the latter of which was a more energetic answer to America's singer/songwriter wave of the early 1970s, born with the rise of bands like Kippington Lodge, which, though they "simply lacked teen appeal," put Lowe at center stage as singer, songwriter, and bassist. An encounter with fellow musician Brinsley Schwarz sealed the deal. Their live debut was unimpressive, writes Birch, opening for Van Morrison; watching him onstage, Lowe recalls, "I had a mounting sense of dread that we'd made a terrible mistake." They got better, launching a musical movement that fed directly into the punk ethos of a few years later. After Costello recorded his "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love, and Understanding," Lowe came under increasing demand as a songwriter, boasting that he could write for anyone--the Clash, the Jam, Tin Pan Alley; he also began to produce while playing live with Dave Edmunds, Carlene Carter, Ry Cooder, and others. The question, asked and answered, as to why Lowe isn't more famous is a little obvious; there are and have always been many journeymen musicians who provide rock-solid support without ever making the headlines. But though he tends to be a touch worshipful, Birch makes clear that Lowe's contributions to pop music have been many and mighty--and certainly worthy of celebration with a biography. If unlikely to bring new fans into the fold, sure to please old-time admirers of an essential rocker.

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June 10, 2019
Musician and music writer Birch debuts with an admiring set of fan’s notes, drawing on interviews with his friend, singer-songwriter Nick Lowe, as well as on interviews with Lowe’s acquaintances and bandmates. Weaving Lowe’s music with the threads of his life, Birch traces Lowe’s story from his childhood in 1950s Surrey, England, where he listened to country, jazz, Elvis, and Lonnie Donegan. From there he takes readers to Lowe’s gig with the band Brinsley Schwarz and their opening for Van Morrison at the Fillmore East in N.Y.C. in 1970; his marriage to country singer Carlene Carter in 1979, and his musical partnerships with Elvis Costello, Dave Edmunds, and Graham Parker. Lowe’s biggest hit—“Cruel to Be Kind”—came in 1979, and he continued to develop into a songwriter’s songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by Costello, Solomon Burke, Tom Petty, Diana Ross, and Rod Stewart. In leisurely, insightful prose, Birch ponders why Lowe is not better-known, and concludes that Lowe is simply not interested in any activity that involves self-promotion or “prostituting himself on chat shows and social media.” With a no-frills writing style, Birch offers a solid biography for Lowe’s devoted fans.

July 1, 2019

For the past 40 years, Nick Lowe has held a unique place in popular music. He is beloved by musicians and critics as one of England's best songwriters and producers yet known to much of the general public through only one song: 1979's "Cruel To Be Kind." Musician and journalist Birch (No Sleep Till Canvey Island) has been a friend of Lowe's since the 1970s, so he may be the perfect writer for this conversational, somewhat authorized biography (Lowe reviewed and edited key passages of the book). Lowe had an unexpected windfall when Elvis Costello and the Attractions' cover of his song "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" appeared on the soundtrack to 1992's The Bodyguard, which sold more than 45 million copies. His story is all the more engaging for being about a talented and charming man who has quietly left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary music. VERDICT An enjoyable and personal look at a cult hero who is more working artist than rock star.--Peter Thornell, Hingham P.L., MA

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