When asked to review this album I did know that I knew the name Jackie Leven, I remembered he released loads of solo albums and did something with Ian Rankin, and I knew that sadly he had died.
I did not know he was lead singer of Doll By Doll a band he formed in 1977. They released four albums to no commercial success and Leven disappeared for a good few years as he could not sing due to a physical attack and an addiction to heroin.
Remember was their debut in 1979 and you can see why they were not a success as this is seriously out of step with releases like Unknown Pleasures and Metal Box where guitar solos and frantic drums were not the in thing, these are all over Remember. I would say they fit in more with the pub rock scene of the time, but others may disagree.
It’s Leven’s voice that shines here for me able to deliver with conviction when needed and easily capable, when he feels the need, to switch to falsetto.
Opener Bucher Boy is a difficult start for me, I cannot get there but Chances is beautifully played and sung and goes seriously mad two minutes in. Sleeping Partners and Lose Myself are majestically played and Leven is practically screaming at one point in Lose Myself.
Janice takes us down a notch, fantastic lyric from Leven.
The album ends on my favourite The Palace of Love a lovely riff runs through the song and is more immediate for me, well worth anyone’s time.
7/10
GIVE IT A STREAM: The Palace of Love