This had to happen and I’m glad it did. From a personal standpoint, this completes my collection of The Bongos and Bongos-related items on CD. It’s an album that I’ve enjoyed immensely over the years, since I first bought it at Pier Platters in Hoboken in the ’80’s. My copy is well-worn, having been played frequently (especially by my then-girlfriend, rest her soul) and it’s been a long time waiting for a clean, digital-age edition to finally be available. I’m also happy for James and Richard, as these songs are beloved by all who know them and they deserve to be heard again (and hopefully embraced by new, younger fans). As a collector, I really enjoyed the liner notes that accompany the package and tell the story of the album’s evolution, which add up to youthful exuberance. But enough opining – here are my takeaways:
“I’ve Got A Secret” is still one of my favorite songs; I’ve seen Richard perform this numerous times, including a blistering version done by The Bongos at Maxwell’s in autumn, 2009. It’s as catchy a song as one could ever hope for or desire to write – simple, straightforward, hooky and melodic; pop perfection. And, truth be told, even I still do it on occasion in my acoustic set. This always screamed “radio single”!
“Flew A Falcon”, which many know from Mr. Barone’s majestic 1987 Cool Blue Halo live album makes its original appearance here. A confessional of sorts, it’s dramatic, eloquent and mysterious, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
“My Sin” rocks along in a powerhouse fashion – four on the floor steady rhythm that kicks and has you stomping your foot along in time.
“Five Years Old” is a liquid, time shifting piece with Richard’s impassioned vocal delivery.
“Lost Like Me” – the closest to a “traditional” Bongos track on Richard’s side. I’ve often wondered what this would have sounded like if it had been part of the Cool Blue Halo set, but that’s just personal conjecture.
“Jacob’s Ladder” is an instrumental and is very much of its time, which is what makes it so much fun. Hypnotic grooves abound!
“Time Will Tell” is James at his pop mastery best; there are so many elements to this wonderful, warm moment; acoustic guitars, a cheerful keyboard frame and nifty harmonica punches.
“Dizzy” is, indeed, the old Tommy Roe hit from the ’60’s and while I wasn’t crazy about the original, James’ delivery feels much more personal – the update sound is probably why I would only listen to this version.
“Angel In My Pocket” is frenetic, taut and definitely has the feel of a “Bongos” track, but it carries you off at 100 miles an hour, which I love, because it’s a jolt. The guitar figures are absolutely stellar.
“Jamais” is my other favorite on James’ side. Its quirkiness wrapped in melody is, again, perfection.
“No One Has To Know” is simply beautiful; it’s a perfect ending to this collection.
I’ll bypass the bonus tracks because I want to focus on the original album. Having said that, this is still a triumphant moment by two gifted and compelling songwriters/musicians. I think Nuts and Bolts has greater poignancy for me today to listen to in one sitting because of time having passed and it, confessedly, has brought up so many emotions from then to now. Which says this album still does its job – to move you; make you think – make you feel.
Even forty-plus years later, that’s quite a feat.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – essential
Nuts and Bolts is currently available (again)
https://iconoclassicrecords.com/album/nuts-bolts/
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