Last night after work, I stopped at one of the last remaining local record stores, Remember When Records in Westmont, and no shit, they had Jonathan Cain’s debut CD (album) Windy City Breakdown. After almost purchasing this reissued CD by Wounded Bird Records over the past couple years, I finally pulled the trigger and bought it.
Besides just listening to the disc, I was paying attention if I could hear anything that would foreshadow what would become of the great career of Jon Cain.
First a quick overall analysis, this is definitely a mid - 70’s album (with the kind of songs you hear on one of those Time Life infomercials). Remember this was recorded in 1976. If you were just to put this on, not knowing anything or who or what this album was, you would know right away this came from the 70’s. So, if you liked that genre, you would probably like this CD. Another thing, you need a magnify glass to read the linear notes (lyrics). Now, for a song by song analysis:
Windy City Breakdown – Self titled track opens the album. This sounds like a 707 (first two albums) song with a little pre-Cain Babys mixed in. A fun song to start the album - Windy City Breakdown, City slicker Shakedown.
Lay Low Joe (Holiday on Ice) – People, I ain’t bullshiting, he lets you live. I’d STFU if you’ve criticized Cain. This should’ve been the closing song to the Sopranos. Sample lyrics:
Joe was thinkin’ sweet revenge
Since a stool http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stool_Pigeon sent daddy to the pen
Joe would like to waste this dude
Who sang in the fed house court
For framin’ up his dad
This line is poignant since I just brought it up the other day, in exact form I may add:
When he least suspects, young Joe will move
There are more lyrics like that in the song. Don’t let the Steely Danesque sounding chorus fool you. SteveW, I watch my back if I were you.
Rock It Down – Starts off with a Seals & Crofts Diamond Girl sounding intro with a little Spinners mixed in (what a diverse talent, who else could pull that off?). Honestly, a mediocre song, no real chorus. Last line of the verses (I guess) sounds like Lido Shuffle. This one didn’t really do it for me.
Moon Child – first song just written by Cain, no co-writers. Let’s see what Cain’s got in his early years. Survey saids, “We have a winner.” He shines. J.C. Phillips who produced the album and co-wrote the first 3 tracks apparently should’ve just stayed out of the way. This is the moment I was waiting for – I finally see the future great songwriter. A Jon Bon Jovi Blaze of Glory feel to the beginning. This is where Cain also pushes it vocally at times. This song almost sounds like it could’ve fit on Dream After Dream. Very good song. The next two songs are also just written by Cain as well.
Rollercoaster Baby – Another 707 sounding song. I like the little jam after the 3 minute mark. Ok song.
Spinning My Wheels – Maybe we got rid of J.C. Phillips too soon.
This song is blah. Steely Dan feel to it, not my cup of tea.
Go Now – A Moody Blues cover. You can hear the piano that would become famous one day in this song. Decent song.
Your Lady or Your Life – Most rockin’ track on the album. A Springsteen sounding track, vocals included. Again, Cain brings it vocally in this song and is the sole writer of the song. It’s a song about a grease ball trying to steal the girl. Oh, oh sounds like Jon got his ass kick on Old Army Trail Road (hey I don’t live that far from there). Good song and story.
Final analysis, overall a nice debut outing for Mr. Cain. Nothing that sounds like Journey as a matter of fact it does amaze how in less than 5 years he made the leap from this album to writing rock n’ roll staples like Don’t Stop Believen’, Open Arms, and other songs off of Escape. There really isn’t anything that sounds like his stint in the Babys as well. So, he did grow after this album. The only thing I see that resembles Journey is the album cover which shows a lot of “street light people.” I also like the album cover because it does reference the songs. You can tell this was a rough part of town – old West Side.
I was pleasantly surprised what Cain brought to the table vocally when he pushed it. It was pretty strong at times. There was also some good piano work during some of the songs. That’s probably the best you could do to hear the future “sound”. Young Tommy “Mugs” Cain did a good job on the drums as well. This CD isn’t going to be for everybody but if you want to see where it all started – this is a nice addition then. I definitely see the raw talent after listening to this album. Sign him up!
Best songs:
Moon Child
Lady or Your Life
Windy City Breakdown
Lay Low Joe
