John Phillips - Pussycat

Ground control to Glimmer Twins

Singer-songwriter John Phillips, living in London at the time and working on the soundtrack for David Bowie’s The Man Who Fell To Earth film, was the first solo artist signed to Rolling Stones Records in 1976. Produced by the Glimmer Twins, Pussycat famously reunited the duo with ex-Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, while also featuring his replacement Ron Wood. Other sessions participants include Michelle Phillips, Chris Spedding, Traffic’s Reebop Kwaku Baah (whose percussive hand drum accents drive the anti-apartheid protest song Zulu Warrior), Jean Rousell and James Biondolillo. The music ranges from ballads to country, pop and rock, with many of Phillips’ compositions dealing with people he knew.

For various reasons, however, the project was abandoned and, over the years, the original 10-track album masters were lost. Their recent discovery prompted this outstanding release. Besides Zulu, other highlights include the philosophical 2001, a nostalgic Oh, Virginia, the bouncy, strip club-themed title tune and Susan, Susan, about Phillips’ daughter and “her glory days of glitter and platform”. Five bonus tracks complete the package; three are from the Pussycat sessions (all impressive) and two are striking outtakes from the Bowie soundtrack. Recommended.

Varese Sarabande | 3020669032

Reviewed by Gary von Tersch
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