MR

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

Almost makes me want to run out and grab a copy. Almost.

Cain is great at doing what he does, as long as he sticks to that.

It's pretty amazing, of the Journey guys that have solo efforts, none of them come close to making music that sells as well as Journeys does. It's the combination of the guys that makes them great. Individually, some good and some not so good.

Great post btw.

Rick wrote:Almost makes me want to run out and grab a copy. Almost.

Cain is great at doing what he does, as long as he sticks to that.

It's pretty amazing, of the Journey guys that have solo efforts, none of them come close to making music that sells as well as Journeys does. It's the combination of the guys that makes them great. Individually, some good and some not so good.

Great post btw.

I agree they are better with each other. Journey is huge, so it's hard to duplicate. That doesn't mean they haven't had good side projects, they just didn't sell as well. Perry did well with Street Talk and Schon & Cain did well with Bad English commerically. Schon's solo stuff, HSAS, and Jan Hammer projects were good. Cain has a couple of good solo CDs. Storm, Bad English, and Hardline were real good as well. Hardline was just a few years too late.

Tito wrote:I agree they need each other.

Jesus, this place is becoming like The View!

Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

Rhiannon wrote:

Tito wrote:I agree they need each other.

Jesus, this place is becoming like The View!

I changed it.

Tito wrote:

Rhiannon wrote:

Tito wrote:I agree they need each other.

Jesus, this place is becoming like The View!

I changed it.

Too late, I quoted it...

Anyhow... good review. Well put together.

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

The lyrics to Lay Low Joe have to make some people shake in their boots. If I were them I'd be watching my back. SteveW are you listening?

Lay Low Joe (Holiday On Ice)
(Jonathan Cain, J.C.Phillips)

Joe was thinkin' sweet revenge
Since a stool sent daddy to the pen
Now joliet ain't cake on Christmas eve
Whiskey's eatin' Joe inside
When in this bar young Joe does spy
Mister pigeon 'cross the horse shoe
Gettin' loaded
Joe, he kind of looks at him
And back he tries to smile
He don't know Joe's wise to all his lies
Joe would like to waste this dude
Who sang in fed house court
For framin' up his dad
Cut his luck short

Better lay low, Joe
You say you wanna even up the score
Better lay low, Joe
Leave your bullets in the bottom drawer
Gotta lay low, Joe
Christmas ain't no time to war
New Year's is the time to score
Better lay low, Joe

When he least suspects young Joe will move
The stoolie's cool but Joe is smooth
One frame! One Shot! Two years' revenge worth waitin'
New Year's Even just might be hot
Let old acquaintance be forgot
Midnight! My knife! For Dad! The punk stopped skating
"Set my man another round," Joe smiles at the bar
Bloody Mary's what he must be drinkin'
"Hey thanks, kid, ain't it hot in here"
Joe answers with his eyes 'cause
"Can your chino ass" is what he's really thinkin'

Better lay low, Joe
Leave your bullets in the bottom drawer
Gotta lay low, Joe
Christmas ain't no time to war
New Year's is the time to score
Better lay low, Joe

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

You make him sound like Mr. Rogers

Tito wrote:The lyrics to Lay Low Joe have to make some people shake in their boots. If I were them I'd be watching my back. SteveW are you listening?

Lay Low Joe (Holiday On Ice)
(Jonathan Cain, J.C.Phillips)

Joe was thinkin' sweet revenge
Since a stool sent daddy to the pen
Now joliet ain't cake on Christmas eve
Whiskey's eatin' Joe inside
When in this bar young Joe does spy
Mister pigeon 'cross the horse shoe
Gettin' loaded
Joe, he kind of looks at him
And back he tries to smile
He don't know Joe's wise to all his lies
Joe would like to waste this dude
Who sang in fed house court
For framin' up his dad
Cut his luck short

Better lay low, Joe
You say you wanna even up the score
Better lay low, Joe
Leave your bullets in the bottom drawer
Gotta lay low, Joe
Christmas ain't no time to war
New Year's is the time to score
Better lay low, Joe

When he least suspects young Joe will move
The stoolie's cool but Joe is smooth
One frame! One Shot! Two years' revenge worth waitin'
New Year's Even just might be hot
Let old acquaintance be forgot
Midnight! My knife! For Dad! The punk stopped skating
"Set my man another round," Joe smiles at the bar
Bloody Mary's what he must be drinkin'
"Hey thanks, kid, ain't it hot in here"
Joe answers with his eyes 'cause
"Can your chino ass" is what he's really thinkin'

Better lay low, Joe
Leave your bullets in the bottom drawer
Gotta lay low, Joe
Christmas ain't no time to war
New Year's is the time to score
Better lay low, Joe

Is this to the tune of....You Don't Mess around with JIM?

Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Thanks for this Tito. I wasn't even aware of this album. Just downloaded Lay Down Joe from iTunes. Great tune. I love this kinda 70s sound

I think I'm gonna go ahead and buy the rest...

StevePerryHair wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

You make him sound like Mr. Rogers

I think Tito had a thing for mr Rodgers,thats why he likes Friga,what a shame Tito. A good neighborhood guy??He brings it??WTF My cat runs when he heres Friga sing, even back up.Good song writer and keyboard player,dont worship the flake

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Always thought something was wrong.
Always liked JC, just never cared for this not-so-whatever.
Where's 'back seat betty'?


later~

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Does anyone know if you can still get the CD? I keep hearing about this one and I would like to have it for my collection. All the CD's you can get here are pretty much new release, or ones that are top sellers.

Stevew2 are you sure you don't want me to find a copy for you?

I enjoyed parts of that album myself. I agree with the OP, that the highlight of the CD was Moonchild. One thing I noticed on my CD during Windy City Breakdown, near the first chorus, I noticed that the sound briefly cuts out on one channel, and then comes back on with in a second or two. Anyone notice this on their CD?

artist4perry wrote:

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Does anyone know if you can still get the CD? I keep hearing about this one and I would like to have it for my collection. All the CD's you can get here are pretty much new release, or ones that are top sellers.

Stevew2 are you sure you don't want me to find a copy for you?

http://www.woundedbird.com/

Page down on the left to Jonathan Cain, it will take you to the CD. You can order by paging down further to the left.

ForceInfinity wrote:I enjoyed parts of that album myself. I agree with the OP, that the highlight of the CD was Moonchild. One thing I noticed on my CD during Windy City Breakdown, near the first chorus, I noticed that the sound briefly cuts out on one channel, and then comes back on with in a second or two. Anyone notice this on their CD?

I'll have to check that out.

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

They may have. I didn't notice anything.

Tito wrote:

artist4perry wrote:

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Does anyone know if you can still get the CD? I keep hearing about this one and I would like to have it for my collection. All the CD's you can get here are pretty much new release, or ones that are top sellers.

Stevew2 are you sure you don't want me to find a copy for you?

http://www.woundedbird.com/

Page down on the left to Jonathan Cain, it will take you to the CD. You can order by paging down further to the left.

Thanks Tito!

artist4perry wrote:

Lora wrote:Windy City Breakdown is a good album for it's time. When it was originally released, the vinyl was actually pressed at the wrong speed (too fast), meaning the pitch is off. If you wanted to hear the album as it should sound, you needed a turn table with pitch control so you could slow it down to the proper speed. Hopefully they corrected that when the issued the CD.

Does anyone know if you can still get the CD? I keep hearing about this one and I would like to have it for my collection. All the CD's you can get here are pretty much new release, or ones that are top sellers.

Stevew2 are you sure you don't want me to find a copy for you?

I could use a copy, I have a table downstairs that wobbles,that Cd would fit just right under that left leg

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

annpea wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

He's just being the antithesis to Stevew2, nothing more.

annpea wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

Friga is Tito s daytime freind and nightime lover.He has posters of him in his bedroom. he thinks of him in the shower when he plays with his soap on a rope.He has his picture taped on his box of corn flakes that he eats out of every morning. Jons the cream in Tito s coffee, the apple of his eye, his everything. His reason for living. Friga can do no wrong in Tito s eyes.Love is blind sometimes. he will wake up and smell the coffee one day.he ll feel like a dirty dishrag that got thrown out the tour bus. Sj will be around to pick up the pieces,and wipe away his tears.Until then,we will have to put up with his apprication threads,and ranting about how good and real the lady is.Lord help us all.

stevew2 wrote:

annpea wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

Friga is Tito s daytime freind and nightime lover.He has posters of him in his bedroom. he thinks of him in the shower when he plays with his soap on a rope.He has his picture taped on his box of corn flakes that he eats out of every morning. Jons the cream in Tito s coffee, the apple of his eye, his everything. His reason for living. Friga can do no wrong in Tito s eyes.Love is blind sometimes. he will wake up and smell the coffee one day.he ll feel like a dirty dishrag that got thrown out the tour bus. Sj will be around to pick up the pieces,and wipe away his tears.Until then,we will have to put up with his apprication threads,and ranting about how good and real the lady is.Lord help us all.

Ithought you ld like that. Titos wacken off somewhere right now

stevew2 wrote:Friga is Tito s daytime freind and nightime lover.He has posters of him in his bedroom. he thinks of him in the shower when he plays with his soap on a rope.He has his picture taped on his box of corn flakes that he eats out of every morning. Jons the cream in Tito s coffee, the apple of his eye, his everything. His reason for living. Friga can do no wrong in Tito s eyes.Love is blind sometimes. he will wake up and smell the coffee one day.he ll feel like a dirty dishrag that got thrown out the tour bus. Sj will be around to pick up the pieces,and wipe away his tears.Until then,we will have to put up with his apprication threads,and ranting about how good and real the lady is.Lord help us all.

I'm in tears. This may be my favorite post of all time.

annpea wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

He is NOT a relative, but a local kid done well. I've wanting to buy this CD for a long time and finally got it last week. It's funny this thread made its way back to the top, because I was going to post to upgrade the review (after listening to the CD many times now). This is a good CD. I would highly suggest to download off of Itunes: Moon Child and Your Lady or Your Life. If you like those download Windy City Breakdown and Lay Low Joe. Good songs.

stevew2 wrote:

annpea wrote:

Tito wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:Was this a used record store?
Nice review...almost makes me wish I liked JC!!
Can't deny his talent.....as long as he doesn't sing....

There is no reason NOT to like him. A good neighborhood guy.

His singing is pretty good on this album. He brings it couple of times.

They do have a lot of used records but this was the new reissued CD. In the past, over 10 years, I've looked in the used album section for this and he never had it. He knew what I was talking about though. It's a cool shop.

Tito, what is it that has you pushing jon cain so hard? be honest now is he a relative of yours?

Friga is Tito s daytime freind and nightime lover.He has posters of him in his bedroom. he thinks of him in the shower when he plays with his soap on a rope.He has his picture taped on his box of corn flakes that he eats out of every morning. Jons the cream in Tito s coffee, the apple of his eye, his everything. His reason for living. Friga can do no wrong in Tito s eyes.Love is blind sometimes. he will wake up and smell the coffee one day.he ll feel like a dirty dishrag that got thrown out the tour bus. Sj will be around to pick up the pieces,and wipe away his tears.Until then,we will have to put up with his apprication threads,and ranting about how good and real the lady is.Lord help us all.

I love it when you talk dirty!!! unless it makes Andrew mad....then NO!!