Some People Can Do What They Like
Island Records, 1976
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Palmer_(singer)
REVIEW BY: Eric E5S16
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/14/1997
Robert Palmer become popular with his Secrets album in 1979, which featured the rock classic "Bad Case Of Loving You." Later, when Riptide was released in 1985, "Addicted To Love" was a #1 hit. Also in 1985, he was a part of the pop rock group, The Power Station, which featured members of Duran Duran.
The styles of the two songs mentioned is nowhere compared to his 1976 release, Some People Can Do What They Like. This album was long before "Bad Case Of Loving You" and "Addicted To Love" surfaced the airwaves. (It was his third chronological release.) If you're not familiar with Palmer's earlier albums, you won't be disappointed.
The first two songs open with "One Last Look" and "Keep In Touch"; both of these songs could easily fit the "Smooth Jazz" radio-station playlists.
"Man Smart Woman Smarter," "Spanish Moon," and "Have Mercy" would satisfy any fan of the group Little Feat. In fact, "Spanish Moon" was written by the original lead singer, Lowell George. When George died of a heart attack in 1979, Robert Palmer was rumoured to be the likely candidate for George's replacement. (It never happened.)
Palmer's version of "Spanish Moon" is very bluesy, likewise the tunes "Gotta Get A Grip On You (Part II)" and "What Can You Bring Me." They're not bluesy like B.B. King or Stevie Ray Vaughan; it's a different kind of blues, as it is mixed with jazz, as Palmer does it in is own special way.
The bass guitar, keyboards and harmonica makes the tune "Hard Head" a real cool tune. "Off The Bone" is the only instrumental on the album, and the title track of this album is a great rocker.
This album combines different sources of music. Robert Palmer has combined blues with jazz. There are some songs that feature "just a touch" of reggae.
Many rock talents become famous after many albums and/or years have gone by. Robert Palmer is one of those. None of these songs didn't get steady airplay, (at least to my knowledge, being a avid listener of music radio during the time), but to any person who is curious in discovering any talent's early works, Mr. Palmer's beginnings is an event not to be missed.