More than two decades after its release, [Wreckless Eric's song, "Whole Wide World,"] was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time. It was also acclaimed as one of the "top 40 singles of the alternative era 1975–2000." --Wikipedia
Like a lot of young people in the late 1970s that song was my first introduction to the music and artist known as Wreckless Eric (Eric Goulden). The lyrics were earnest and simple, the vocals desperate and breaking, the imagery exotic yet accessible in the way that even the most exotic dreams seem within reach to young men.
Wreckless Eric became one of those artists in regular rotation on my turntable in those days, mixed in with the likes of The Clash, early U2 & REM, Oingo Boingo, Talking Heads, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, The Suburbs, John Lee Hooker, The Smithereens, and so on. I loved his voice. It was so unpolished and honest. His music was (and is) much more eclectic than the success of "Whole Wide World" and "A Pop Song" (his other most recognized tune) might suggest. And what a great stage name is Wreckless Eric?!
I don't want to spend too much time on one song because between Eric and his uber-talented wife, Amy Rigby, they have a huge catalogue of great tunes. But a few final words on that song are merited. A number of bands have covered the song, including The Monkees, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements and The Proclaimers who, in my opinion, recorded the most beautiful version (below):
The song also saw a resurgence in popularity via the pivotal scene in the wonderful movie Stranger Than Fiction (what I describe as the only Will Ferrel movie where Will Ferrel doesn't act like a buffoon...he's actually quite amazing and subtle in the film).
But again, that's just one song, albeit Eric's most recognizable. His music runs the gamut from pop to punk, sweet love songs to irreverent rockers. Amy Rigby is an artist whose music I've only come to know in recent months from working on getting this event on the calendar. And what a wonderful "discovery" she has been. She's pretty, her voice is gorgeous, she's an amazing wordsmith and her sense of humor is infectuous. Dig this sweet-sounding though hilariously malevolent song about an ex-boyfriend:
Amy's 1996 album "Diary of a Mod Housewife"was called the "concept album of the year" by the Village Voice and Spin named her "Songwriter of the Year" that same year. Check out more about Amy at her website: http://www.amyrigby.com/.
Now for the real subject of this post. Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby are coming to Stumpjack! Saturday, November 20th (next Saturday) is the day. They're coming over here from their home in France with a lot of great songs and stories, and this is going to be one helluva fun show.
It's a ticketed, semi-private event (the plan is that once everyone is in we will not be open to the public...probably, maybe, still working on the details of that part...). Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. If you want to be a part of this party you need to let us know asap, like right now...really, right now, send an email and/or come on over and pony up so you get on the guest list. Act now!
Here's a wonderful video of Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby doing "Whole Wide World":
Check out more of Wreckless Eric at his website: http://www.wrecklesseric.com/