Sunday, March 17, 2024

Eric Carmen, Karl Wallinger

https://variety.com/2024/music/obituaries-people-news/eric-carmen-dead-raspberries-singer-all-by-myself-go-all-the-way-1235938937/

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):

I Wanna Be With You

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:

Is It Like Today?

Ship Of Fools

All Come True

Put The Message In The Box

Way Down Now