https://variety.com/2024/music/news/karl-wallinger-world-party-dead-1235938501/
Cleveland’s Eric Carmen made a name for himself as one of
the leading figures in 1970s power pop, especially as the lead singer and
songwriter for the Raspberries. His obit in Variety lists Kurt Cobain
and Bruce Springsteen among his admirers. While I could live without some of
his solo stuff (“All By Myself” and “Hungry Eyes” in particular), the
Raspberries produced some great singles, highlighted by the guitar riff that
kicks off (and continues through) “I Wanna Be With You”.
Although less prolific (and much less well-known), Welsh
singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger also deserves
recognition for his work with the Waterboys, and subsequently as the prime
mover in World Party. “Ship Of Fools” was his only song to dent the U.S. Hot
100, although several of his albums and other songs had more success elsewhere
in the world, as well as on alternative radio here.
Favorite Eric Carmen tracks (Raspberries, unless otherwise
indicated):
Let’s Pretend
Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)
Make Me Lose Control [solo]
Go All The Way
Never Gonna Fall In Love Again [solo]
Favorite World Party tracks:
Ship Of Fools
All Come True
Put The Message In The Box
Way Down Now
