Joe Jackson - Body and Soul

1984 followup to the smash Night & Day album, exquisitely recorded and heavily influenced by jazz, pop standards, and salsa, Body and Soul, which hit #20, contained the hit 'You Can't Get What You Want ('Til You Know What You Want)'. Mercury. 2005. Album Description

Joe Jackson - Sometimes You Can Get What You Want.......

After the huge success of Jackson's previous album "Night And Day" Joe continued in generally the same direction musically although inflicting even more jazz, soul, and R & B influences here. The album produced the big hit with the snazzy "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Get What You Want), and was a successful album commercially. I like this one quite a bit better than "Night And Day". The album starts out a little slow for me as "The Verdict" and "Cha Cha Loco" are probably my two least favorite songs on the album, but after that with the possible exception of "Go For It", everything is great. "Not Here Not Now", the instrumental "Loisaida", "Happy Ending" which features an incredible vocal duet between Jackson and Ellen Foley, the somber duet "Be My Number Two" and the rousing finale "Heart Of Ice" are all top notch Jackson. For the most part this is a very strong Joe Jackson album and probably an essential disc for fans. October 8, 2008

Less than I expected

Nothing of real interest here, neither the production or the writing is much to write home about. It will make a good coaster for your coffee cup. June 1, 2008

A classic, remastered

A highlight of Joe Jackson's big band period, with cover art and liner notes to match. The band cooks. A highlight is the guitar solo on "You Can't Get What You Want.." The remastering captures the warm sound of the original. April 23, 2008

Can't rave enough about it!!

If you're someone who appreciates quality song-writing and performance, this album is for you. Don't be fooled, though. This is not of the 'Sunday Papers' or 'Is She Really Going Out' Joe Jackson fare. Nor is it 'Pack Rat' styled crooning.

This album features a full orchestra, a deft variety of genre, a big room, and mostly one-takes. I'd suggest low lighting, high volume, and a really good wine......and several listenings! November 3, 2006

Watch out for sound problems with this German manufactured reissue

After discovering that Body and Soul had finally been remastered and reissued in what seemed to take a millenum, I eagerly placed my order and waited for the prized disc to arrive. However, to my dismay I discovered that this German manufactured reissue is riddled with pops, clicks, and general distortion. (this is quite apparent in the few opening seconds of "Not Here, Not Now")

Initially assuming it was a player issue, I proceeded to play in the disc in three other units and heard the same problems. (My original disc of this title from 1984 does not have these audio problems)

Convinced I simply had a defective disc, I requested a replacement which was received the next day! (Thanks Amazon) Unfortuntely, the replacement disc had exactly the same playback problems confirming that it was a manufacturing problem that affected the entire run (or at least a large portion) of this title.

This is simply one of the cleanest and most dynamically recorded albums of the era and all the problems appear to be associated with the German manufacturer who produced this disc.

I would suggest waiting for A&M (Universal) to sort out this issue before sacrificing your $10! August 24, 2006

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