Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

As part of a series, this blog delves into the songs and bands that have shaped my love of music. By sharing these stories, I hope to entertain and introduce you to new music or reintroduce you to music you previously enjoyed.

Have windsurfer, will travel

In my past life as a twenty-something with “no direction”, I spent a serious amount of time windsurfing. Growing up in the prairies we had the two essential elements needed, lakes and wind. Part of the obsession was aa yearly trip to one of the windiest places in the American Northwest, Hood River Oregon.

Back in 1980s and 90s Hood River was known for one thing, windsurfing. During the Summer months Hood River was crammed with windsurfers, young and old, rich and poor. It was a tight community of people who loved to be on the water, sleep in a tent and drink the odd cheap beer. Most of us stayed until our money ran out or weather turned to Fall.

It was during one of those trips I was introduced to Lloyd Cole. If you slept in a van and enjoyed a cold beverage after windsurfing all day then you stayed at the Wind Ranch camp ground. You pay ten bucks a night, stake your claim to a piece of dusty ground, and rest up for the next day of sailing.

During one of those warm, dusty, windy nights as I walked to have my cold shower, the tune coming from a fellow traveller pricked my ears. “Hey bro” we talked like that… “liken those tunes, can tell the who that is?”, “Lloyd Cole”, my scruffy neighbour replied. The melody, lyrics, vocals, the cold beer and warm night all came together to create a moment I will never forgotten. I haven’t stopped listening to one of my favourite artists, Lloyd Cole.

Lloyd Cole

Lloyd Cole’s career started as Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, a British rock band that rose to prominence in the 1980s with their unique blend of intelligent lyrics and jangly guitar sound. The band's singer-songwriter was, of course, Lloyd Cole. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions released three critically acclaimed albums that established them as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the era.

Their breakthrough came in 1984 with the release of their debut album, "Rattlesnakes." The album was an instant hit, with its catchy melodies and literate lyrics, think Elvis Costello and the Smiths. The title track, "Rattlesnakes," was a particular standout, with its witty wordplay and infectious chorus.

Their second album, "Easy Pieces," followed in 1985 and was another critical and commercial success. The album featured the hit single and one of my personal favourites, "Lost Weekend," which reached the top 20 in the UK charts.

The band's third and final album, "Mainstream," was released in 1987 and marked a departure from their earlier sound. The album was produced by the legendary Stewart Copeland of the Police, and the single "Jennifer She Said" became one of their biggest hits.

Following the release of "Mainstream," the band split up, with Cole pursuing a successful solo career.

After the Commotion

Lloyd Cole’s solo career continues to be defined by his intelligent lyrics, which tackled subjects such as love, sex, politics, and literature. Cole's lyrics were often introspective and poetic, with a keen eye for detail and a dry wit. Lloyd continues to write great music and lyrics, his music as a solo artist and with the Commotions has stood the test of time.

I highly recommend searching out Lloyd Cole as well as Lloyd Cole and the Commotions music on Spotify or Apple Music.

Here are a couple of links to get you started.

Forest Fire

No Blue Skies

Don’t Look Back

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