Let's embark on a journey back to a time when music carried raw grit and unapologetic authenticity—a time when Dave Edmunds was strumming in garages and shaking walls with guitar riffs that were more potent than a strong cup of conservative coffee. We're talking about D.E. 7th, the notable 1982 album from the incredibly talented Welsh rocker himself, Dave Edmunds. Originating from Cardiff, Edmunds fused pub rock, roots rock, and good ol' fashioned rock ‘n’ roll to craft an album as dynamic and versatile as conservatives themselves.
Released during a period often overshadowed by new wave nascent trends, ‘D.E. 7th’ made its mark by standing staunchly against the tide. The early 80s music scene was a battleground; who could shine with synthetic pop and mechanical rhythms dominating the airwaves? Edmunds did. He bucked against trends like an unruly horse, delivering an album rich with guitar-heavy tracks and influences spanning rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and country twang. It was a melodic protest against the sterile, electronic sounds that began to seep into every corner of music.
The track "From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)," one of the album's highlights, tells a tale that resonates with genuine folks. For a nation that cherishes grassroots success stories and the power of determination, this song was a melody of motivation. Edmunds's partnership with Bruce Springsteen in this track is much like a conservative hero team-up, paying homage to the timeless art of classic rock storytelling.
Woven into the album is "S.O.S," an energetic statement wrapped in guitar strings and vocal harmonies. This track, in all its zest, is a testament to Edmunds's knack for blending rock veracity with witty, cynical lyrics that dance around themes of heartbreak and irony. Imagine all the heartache pop songs peddle today—and throw it all out for a dose of wordplay that actually means something.
And folks, don't forget "Other Guys Girls." It's punchy, lively, and bursting with rock exuberance that reminds us why guitars will always outlast synthesizers. It's a tune that sticks with you like gum under a liberal's shoe—subtle yet intensely present.
The production of D.E. 7th also echoes Edmunds's particular penchant for closely guarded musical sovereignty. Recorded largely in his home studio, Rockfield Studios, this album is marked by meticulous craftmanship. Edmunds helmed not just the vocals and guitars, but also took on the roles of producer and engineer. This level of involvement showcases the kind of self-reliance and resilience found in true rock individualism, the same type of self-reliance conservatives admire.
Critics can banter about its less ornate tracks or its resistance to slotting into new wave rubrics, but D.E. 7th remains a masterclass in sticking to roots in face of fleeting trends. It's the sonic embodiment of a principle: standing firm on one’s beliefs without shifting under external pressure. And isn’t that what defines authenticity?
This album didn't just sit on dusty store shelves—it climbed into the Top 200 Billboard charts upon release. While every artist was zigging, Edmunds zagged. He chased his artistic vision instead of compromising with the musical fashions of the day. It's exactly the kind of bold decision-making that's needed to counteract the tide and remind one’s core audience of the truths they treasure.
For those fortunate enough to recognize the gem within these tracks, D.E. 7th was and still is a breath of fresh musical defiance. Dave Edmunds is a scribe of sounds entrenched in tradition yet electrifyingly new, offering an album that serves as both homage and reinvention of the genre. Just like his music, the message is clear: steer the course with conviction and flair.
In today’s mass-produced musical world, where cunning producers and composers pander to transient trends, it’s imperative to look to the past to find that glimmer of musical integrity. D.E. 7th isn't just an album; it’s an experience—a reminder of a time when standing firm against the current was more than fashionable; it was necessary.