Friday, March 20, 2020

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your favorite post is a tie -

Versus Tuesday

Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love 

In the Versus Tuesday post, "Addicted to Love" was covered by Astronaut2005 Drummer.  In the Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love post, I detailed the successes of the song as well as the album "Addicted to Love" was a track on.

Robert Palmer was a talented musician and so in this post I thought I would delve deeper into his background.


Image result for robert palmer images free iheart

January 19, 1949 - September 26, 2003

Robert Palmer was truly unique in his approach to music by considering a combination of genres including soul, jazz, rock, pop, reggae, and blues.

Robert Palmer's early years in the music industry began with the band, The Mandrakes.  He was only 15 years old.  In 1969, he was invited by the band, The Alan Bown Set, to sing on the single, "Gypsy Girl."  He re-recorded all vocals for the album, The Alan Bown Set!.  (The original lead singer, Jess Roden, departed in 1969 but had originally provided vocals for the band's album.)

Palmer's career truly launched with the British R&B band, Vinegar Joe.  Vinegar Joe formed in 1971 and released three albums but was best known for concerts and launching the solo career of Robert Palmer and fellow singer, Elkie Brooks.

Robert Palmer's solo career began in 1974 with his debut album, Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley.  This album was recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The album reached the Top 100 in the U.S.

Palmer's second album, Pressure Drop, was recorded in New York City and released in 1975.

Some People Can Do What They Like is Palmer's third album, released in 1976.

Double Fun is Palmer's fourth album, released in 1978 and recorded in the Bahamas.  This album reached the Top 50 on the Billboard chart.  "Every Kinda People" reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Secrets is Palmer's fifth album, released in 1979.  "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)" reached No. 14 on Billboard Hot 100.

Clues is Palmer's sixth album, released in 1980.

Pride is Palmer's seventh album, released in 1983.

Riptide is Palmer's eighth album, released in 1985.

Heavy Nova is Palmer's ninth album, released in 1988.  This album was produced in Switzerland.

Don't Explain is Palmer's tenth album, released in 1990.

Ridin' High is Palmer's eleventh album, released in 1992.

Honey is Palmer's twelfth album, released in 1994.

In July 1983, Robert Palmer performed at a benefit concert hosted by Duran Duran - at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

And then there was the supergroup, the Power Station - Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, and Tony Thompson.  The Power Station was released in 1985.

Iconic songs in Palmer's solo career include "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and "Simply Irresistible."

Iconic songs with the Power Station include "Some Like it Hot" and "Get It On (Bang a Gong)".

Honors include -
2 Grammy Awards (Best Male Rock Vocal Performance)
MTV Music Video Award
2 Brit Award nominations

"...elegant and sophisticated..." ... "master of several styles"
- Music journalist, Paul Lester

On the other hand -

"...unprofessional..." - according to critics when Palmer backed out unexpectedly during The Power Station tour to continue his solo career

On September 26, 2003, Robert Palmer passed away from a heart attack.  Duran Duran's tribute is a fitting conclusion to this post - "...This is a tragic loss to the British music industry..."

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