Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Big Stir, 2025
9/10
Listen to Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Sorrows consists of Arthur Alexander, Joey Cola, Ricky Street and Jett Harris, and this previously unheard album from 1981 showcases their timeless and under appreciated, gritty rock formula.
“Never Mind” starts the record with Alexander and Cola’s dense guitars that suit Harris’ intricate drumming and percussive fun via plenty of proto-punk spirit, and “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?” follows with playful drumming and plenty of rhythm that invites singing-along.
Further along, “Kiss You Later” is ready for the dance floor thanks to the animated rhythm section and melodic singing from Alexander and Cola, while “Cricket Man” offers a John Lennon tribute that comes with fluid keys and soaring vocal harmonies.
Close to the end, the rockabilly festivities of “Somethin’ Else” benefits much from Street’s bass acrobatics, and “You Don’t Own Me” exits with a thumping retro-rocker that sounds right at home in today’s version of charged garage rock.
It’s amazing that this was recorded in just one night. The band’s punk influenced, CBGB roots are always present, and they manage to incorporate power-pop traces into their raw approach that will appeal to fans of Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Kinks or The Cars.
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