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This mix started as most of them do: with one song, or in this case a whole collection of songs.  The culprit was Jakob Dylan’s new album, which made me think about children of famous musicians who have music careers as well. Some of these kids who have famous parents have done quite well, but none have reached the level of success their parents archived. You can call it “born in the shadow of giants,” or just exceptional talent is not genetic, but you gotta admire these kids for following their musical passion — even if it leads to a spotty career.

Ready? Steady? Go!

“Say You’re Wrong,” Julian Lennon

He not only looks like dear old dad, but he sounds like him, too!  Curses. Well, maybe not since Valotte did quite well in terms of album sales, was nominated for a Grammy and had a couple of top 10 singles.  This was the third single off the album, and it didn’t do well at all.  However, I’ve always been partial to “Say You’re Wrong” because, simply put, I didn’t get burned out on it. (more…)

Let us take a quick trip back to the land of Cutouts Gone Wild! and unearth a song that was heard by roughly 17 people upon its release in 1989.

It had been nearly three years since Julian Lennon had released an album, and five years since he had released a hit album. Mr. Jordan had its work cut out for it to say the least, and the Bowietastic lead single “Now You’re in Heaven,” well, it just confused people. He doesn’t sound like his father anymore. What’s wrong with him? Imagine what kind of panic would have taken place had they heard him channeling Elvis on “I Get Up.”

But “Angillette” is the song that I gravitated to as a heartbroken college kid. And upon re-inspection of the lyrics, I’m not sure why. What exactly is wrong with the girl he’s addressing? Is she using Julian as a booty call boy toy? (“Please don’t call me like you’ve always done before / As if I need to know, am I your basic whore”) Is she suicidal? (“Can’t you save her Lord, ‘cause I just seem to miss / There’s only so much one can do to save a friend / I’ve given her my all, it’s useless to the end”) Lastly, what is her actual name? ‘Cause it ain’t Angillette. The opening line to the song is actually “Have a nice day with your Stoli and Gillette.” Get it? Wocka wocka wocka! But wait, what Gillette? The actor? The glam singer? The shaving cream? The football stadium?

So yeah, I never quite got the song as a whole, but found the cascading piano melody and tasteful guitar playing irresistible, plus the last line in the chorus rang true as my relationship with College Ex #1 (we’ll call her Jane) wound down: “I want my life back / I want you.” It’s not profound, but it sure hit the mark.

Julian Lennon - Angillette

Julian Lennon - The Secret Value of Daydreaming (1986)
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“The son of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia, Julian Lennon parlayed a remarkable vocal similarity to his father into a moderately successful singing career during the 1980s.”

So begins Julian Lennon’s All Music Guide bio. It isn’t the most flattering of introductory sentences, but it’s fairly accurate, anyway. While making perfectly clear that I have absolutely nothing against Julian — and have enjoyed his music from time to time — it’s hard not to look at his career as a poignant lesson for anyone dumb enough to think about following in a well-known parent’s footsteps.

Julian’s dad was more well-known than most, of course; he was one half of the most beloved songwriting team in the history of rock & roll, murdered in cold blood during the prime of his life. Given all that — not to mention the fact that John hadn’t even been dead five years when Julian’s first record came out — there was literally no way Julian could win. He could have been twice the songwriter his dad was and it wouldn’t have mattered.

Of course, Julian Lennon is not twice the songwriter his dad was; on a good day, he might fill 60 percent of that glass, and most of the time, he didn’t get anywhere near that level. But having said all that, this album’s overall crappiness is not entirely Julian’s fault. (more…)