Your thoughts on David Essex's Rock On

No Coreys = No sale

 

Crikey!

I know it from this: 1.35 onwards.

 

Well it shows off his vocal talent more than Rock On. When I hear Rock On the singing sounds like Essex had had a dose of phenobarbital to chase his martini.

 

I'd never thought of that! But yeah!!

Surprised only one person has mentioned REM's "Drive". Equally as wonderful.

 

Musically and lyricly it isn't all that much, very simplistic.
But the way it was recorded and mixed was fantastic when it was released. It was a time when guys were doing everything they could to find new and interesting sounds with very limited gear.
It is the perfect example of how a song doesn't need to be musically complex or lyrically clever to be fun to listen to.
I remember when it was released , I think it was in late 1972 or 73. I liked it then, I still like it.

 

I'm having trouble gaining leads as to finding out if this song was ever used in a 1993-94 Bud Light beer commercial. But I do remember such an occasion.

 

I wonder if it was inspired by Melodie Nelson.

 

It was December 1973, hitting the U.S. charts at no. 5 March 9, 1974.

 

I remember reading a review of Rock On when it came out (probably in Circus or Hit Parader) saying that it sounds like something The Beatles would have done if they stayed together.

 

In a sense, the near stripped-down sound may remind a few listeners of the quiet sections of the Chuck Berry-inspired "Come Together."

 

I liked it at first, but now I can't stand to listen to it.

 

Jimmy Dean.....James Dean!

 

Thanks, I knew it was some time around that time period. They played hell out of it on the radio.

 

I never cared for this song, even though I've listened to it a number of times to try and like it, but it never works for me.

And one thing that grates on me: Jimmy Dean made sausage, JAMES Dean is who should be mentioned!

 

Do not really care for it.

Original yes, listenable, to me at least, not really all that much.

 

It seemed quite unusual to me when it first came out. It was played to death on the radio where I lived. It was a very big song that year.

 

Dave Howard Singers rules!

 

Rock On was one of the coolest songs on the radio back then.
Different fron the rest.

Similar vibe from: Lou Reed- Walk on the Wild Side
Similar with a unique, bass centered groove: For the Love of Money- O'Jays

Cheers!

 

Just noticed David's first 3 albums were reissued on CD by Cherry Red/7TS in 2015. The second and third albums are slightly expanded. Anyone bought these and can comment on the sound quality?

 

Superb single. I like the moment when the guys from The Real Thing come in with their backing vocals ("prettiest girl I've ever seen")

 

Jimmy Dean also made country music, such as "Big Bad John." But yes, that always bothered me, too. Madonna made the same faux pas in the song "Vogue," using Jimmy Dean when she obviously meant James Dean.

As for "Rock On" the song, it sounded like nothing else on the radio at the time, so I noticed it in that respect. I remember that it was one of my late brother's favorite songs in the era.

 

I love David's first two albums. Songs like Rock On, America, Lamplight and Stardust just don't sound like your typical 70s heart throb fodder. I got into them in a big way about 10 years ago after seeing That'll Be The Day and Stardust. Was mocked relentlessly by my mates for some reason! Will check out these reissues mentioned above.

 

I don't recall All The Fun Of The Fair being as strong as the first two. It did include the Rolling Stone, If I Could and Hold Me Close singles, though. I'll have to give it another spin.

 

Never cared for that one.

 

Really liked it years ago but haven't listened to it in ages. Cool song. Though I prefer his two chart toppers - Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star