In the liner notes of the latest Holmes release, Greatest Hits, Rupert writes, "I hope that some of these songs may sound a sympathetic note in you and I trust whatever images they may conjure are yours and yours alone." To try and say what images and ideas each song on each album evokes from me, therefore, would be futile, since they are different for each person. I will give my commentary, but wenn it comes to the imagination and the music, that is solely between you and the album.
Now, I'll sadly admit I don't have every single Rupert Holmes album. I am, however, in the midst of obtaining all of them. So- as they arrive- this page shall be updated. For now, do enjoy.
Napster may be Metallica's enemy, but it's a Holmes Fan's best friend. If you can get past the listings of rendering after rendering of 'Escape' (which, by now, I am convinced everyone has in mp3 form) you can find the rest of the Holmes' classics, some of which aren't even available on CD anymore. Touch & Go was my first Holmes mp3. Originally a single, it found its way to The Epoch Collection and from there to my PC. Not only does this song display classic Holmes hyperbole, it's a sweet tune and a great beat to have in your head during a night class that won't end.
Brass Knuckles is this songwriter-scribe's most intriguing musical mystery since Drood. This song is originally found on both the self-titled Rupert Holmes and Widescreen. The rhythm sets you in the underworld of the shady streets and keeps you guessing along with the lyrics. The plot it paints proves the point, "nothing's what it seems in Chinatown."
Terminal Techno-Remix Yes. You read correctly. There is someone out there creating techno-remixes of RUPERT HOLMES SONGS. Ok, at first any Holmes fan might find this sacrilegious, but being a peruser of techno, and having a decent knowledge of the good, the bad, and the ugly of remixes, I can guarantee you that this is most assuredly the former, and not the latters. (Sorry, Mr. Eldridge.) Taking the fantastic Terminal (the original of which can be found on both Widescreen and Greatest Hits) and adding a basic techno rhythm proves this song not only to be a bittersweet ballad but an upbeat dance mix even the Roxbury boys would love.
Our National Pastime This is my new favourite song. Any Holmes fan, heck, any American must listen to this song because it captures the essence of our culture; baseball and romance to the tune of our national anthem. The timing of the last line is unforgettably humourous, and the song itself is guaranteed to cheer you up on a rainy day. A special note to WENN fans (which I'm sure ALL of you are): I think 'Karen' must be from Pittsburgh...
No Small Affair You know, the movie about a bandleader? It was for me- thanks to Channel 6 at 2 a.m. I have obtained a copy of Rupert Holmes' only film appearance, and it makes the movie, along with all the music he wrote for it. On that note, here's another hint for WENNers- do you think Penelope and Mackie were at the wedding too?
The infamous Partners in Crime. I was first introduced to this album when I was perusing Barnes & Noble's rock section and found a listing under 'Holmes'. There it was. On CD. The album that contained Rupert Holmes' two top rock hits. Needless to say, I nearly ran to the cash register.
Being a person whose peers prefer the likes of bands like RANCID and artists like Christina Aguilera, I appreciate and sympathize with the unique whenever I find a glimpse of it. With Partners in Crime I found more than a speck- I found ten tracks of pure enjoyment.
My Personal Favourites:
Escape Who can't dig a song about a couple so tired of their marriage that they seek refuge in anonymous affairs with each other? The irony found here basically prepares you for anything Holmes-esque in that there's always going to be some unexpected twist.
Lunch Hour The rhythm of this song is what first caught me. Later the song served to convince me that corporate America is to be sung about and not participated in. That is, unless you like long lunches.
Answering Machiene I'm a huge fan of musicals, and this could fit into practically any one to one degree or another. I can see the Phantom and Christine jammin' to this one right now...
The People That You Never Get to Love Beautifully written, it's rhythmic prose at its best. In a recent interview, Rupert named this song as one he would most likely to be remembered by.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood My next acquisition was the soundtrack album from this multiple-Tony Award winning Broadway Dickensian treasure. To select certain tracks from this as my favourites would be impossible, simply because each song builds from another. However, I do believe that the opening number, There You Are is probably one of the most rousing in musical theatre, A Man Could Go Quite Mad is probably the best song for those frustrating days, and Ceylon's melody alone evokes a tropical, adventurous breeze through the room.
For a great take on Drood from the writer/composer himself, check out The History of the Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Rupert Holmes Greatest Hits This album is quintessential for any music fan whatsoever. It is, as the title insists, a collection of Mr. Holmes' greatest hits from the infamous Widescreen to the unforgettable (well, I would never forget it if I ever heard it, but enough of my strife) Adventure. The liner notes are a delectable treat in themselves; along with an intro from Rupert himself, the lyrics to all the songs are listed along with a page of quotes from different celebrities about Rupert's talent. Just released this summer, this CD is available now- so grab it a.s.a.p.!
My Personal Favourites:
Remember When That's right, it's the theme to the infamous television masterpiece. Sung by the composer, this is a brilliant ballad that brings back the aura of yesteryear, and, it's the only place where you can find a non-mp3/midi version of the theme song.
Terminal The title of this song displays the wordplay Rupert has mastered so well. Enough said.
Weekend Lover I think the rhythm of this song is really what caught me. I adore the beat to it.
I Don't Need You Again, I'm a sucker for showtune-ish stuff. This could be transformed into a stage-number super quick, or even a duet in a club if you'd prefer. But if you karaoke to it, you're a dead man.
Widescreen Go fig; I'm a film maker. Gee, wonder why I like this one...ok, you got me. I like Steve McQueen.
Morning Man Again, I love the rhythm, especially the chorus. My mom was a nurse too, so I can picture some of the scenes pretty well- especially 'she's out for the count 'til ten'...nothing like the night shift.
Talk If I ever go to an audience participation night at some classy after five joint, I am so singing this song. This is definitely the tune that has convinced me that I want to learn how to play the piano.
Recently, I was able to tape, da da da, the infamous No Small Affair. The 1984 flick that made Rupert Holmes a star, is indeed about a bandleader; trust me, I'm a film major, so I know what I'm talking about, and the only part of the movie to talk about are those fifteen minutes of fame given to Mr. Holmes. Needless to say, after calling every accessible Blockbuster in the tri-state area, I was more than thrilled to achieve a copy of this sought-out classic. My theory on the availability, or lack thereof? It's hot on the black market; that's how good Rupert Holmes is.
