Stupidity (Dr. Feelgood album)

Infobox Album |
Name = Stupidity
Type = Live Album
Artist = Dr. Feelgood


Released = 1976
Recorded = 1975
Genre = Rock, Pub rock
Length =
Label = United Artists Records - UAS 29990
Producer = Dr. Feelgood
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3tkvu3u5anxk link]

Last album = "Malpractice" (1975)
This album = "Stupidity" (1976)
Next album = "Sneakin' Suspicion" (1977)

"Stupidity" was the third album by Dr. Feelgood, released in September 1976. It was their first live album recording.

Comprising recordings taken from 1975 tours, the live album "Stupidity" finally captured the relentless, hard-driving energy of Dr. Feelgood at their peak. All the music on "Stupidity" is presented raw and without overdubs, making it clear that the dynamic friction between guitarist Wilko Johnson and vocalist Lee Brilleaux could propel the band toward greatness. While many of the versions here do not differ in form from the original studio versions, these unvarnished performances are considerably more exciting, revealing the Johnson originals "She Does It Right" and "All Through the City" as minor rock and roll classics. [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jzfqxqr5ldte Allmusic.com review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine] ]

Their mushrooming popularity was confirmed when live set "Stupidity" (1976) topped the UK charts.cite book
first= Martin C.
last= Strong
year= 2000
title= The Great Rock Discography
edition= 5th
publisher= Mojo Books
location= Edinburgh
pages= p. 290-291
id= ISBN 1-84195-017-3]

The album reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart in October 1976 (for one week), and remained in that chart for nine weeks. It was their first and, to date, only recording to reach number 1, and appeared over eight months before their first single entered the corresponding UK Singles Chart - "Sneakin' Suspicion" (June 1977).cite book
first= David
last= Roberts
year= 2006
title= British Hit Singles & Albums
edition= 19th
publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
location= London
pages= p. 162
id= ISBN 1-904994-10-5]

Along with "Rock Follies" in 1976, it reached the top spot in the UK without the benefit of a hit single.cite book
first= Paul
last= Gambaccini
year= 1996
title= British Hit Albums
edition= 7th
publisher= Guinness Publishing Ltd
location= Enfield, Middlesex
pages= p. 18
id= ISBN 0-85112-619-7]

Track listing

All tracks composed by Wilko Johnson; except where indicated

#"Talking About You"
#"20 Yards Behind"
#"Stupidity" (Solomon Burke)
#"All Through The City"
#"I'm a Man" (Bo Diddley)
#"Walking The Dog"
#"She Does It Right"
#"Going Back Home" (Mick Green, Johnson)
#"I Don't Mind"
#"Back in the Night"
#"I'm a Hog for you Baby" (Leiber, Stoller)
#"Checking Up on My Baby" (Sonny Boy Williamson)
#"Roxette"
#"Riot in Cell Block #9" (Leiber, Stoller)
#"Johnny B. Goode" (Chuck Berry)

The original vinyl album had the first seven tracks, recorded in Sheffield, on Side 1, and the next six tracks, recorded in Southend, on Side 2. The final 2 tracks, recorded in Aylesbury, were on a free single, only issued with the first 20,000 copies, making this a collector's item. [Discography on band's website [http://www.drfeelgood.de/albums.htm] ] This is, however, contradicted on the back of the 1998 Grand Records re-release (GRANDCD 21), which states that tracks 8-15 were all recorded at Southend.

Personnel

*Wilko Johnson - guitar, backing vocals
*Lee Brilleaux - vocals, guitar, harmonica, slide guitar
*John B. Sparks - bass guitar
*The Big Figure - drums, backing vocals

*Dr. Feelgood - producer
*Vic Maile - audio engineer, mixing
*Will Birch - liner notes
*Paul Henry - design

References