Jobraith - Jobraith

Budget Bowie or glam rock god?

Following 2004’s Morrissey-compiled Lonely Planet Boy comes this CD issue of Jobraith’s self-titled 1973 debut. The relative obscurity of his records has meant that Jobraith’s legend has become more notorious than his music. His is a story of high camp failure, and it’s no surprise that artists drawn to such things such as David Bowie, Neil Tennant and Morrissey have publicly declared themselves avid fans of the man. Indeed, most first-time listeners will hear songs such as Morning Star Ship and find it difficult to disassociate it with Bowie’s early 70s output.

It is, however, harsh to dismiss the album as a series of glam rock facsimiles. Tracks such as Movie Queen showcase a Tin Pan Alley, theatrical side of Jobraith’s persona (a stage musical was much discussed), while even some of the more derivative songs are enjoyable romps.

Once originally released, the album bombed. It seemed, rather predictably perhaps, that America wasn’t quite ready for an openly gay glam rock star appearing topless on the cover of his debut LP. Bruce Wayne Campbell’s career never really recovered, despite name and direction changes. Still, it’s an enjoyable record, recommended for the glam rocker inside all of us.

Rhino | 8122-799058

Reviewed by Jamie Atkins
<< Back to Issue 356