At Least We Got Shoes

Last updated
At Least We Got Shoes
At Least We Got Shoes.jpg
Studio album by
Released1986
Label Mirage
Producer John Rollo, John Lyon
Southside Johnny and the Jukes chronology
In the Heat
(1984)
At Least We Got Shoes
(1986)
Better Days
(1991)

At Least We Got Shoes is an album by the American band Southside Johnny and the Jukes, released in 1986. [1] [2] It was the band's final album for Mirage Records. [3] At Least We Got Shoes peaked at No. 189 on the Billboard 200. [4] Southside Johnny and the Jukes supported the album with a North American tour. [5]

Contents

Production

The album was produced by John Rollo and John Lyon. [6] Southside Johnny thought that he was more attentive during the production of At Least We Got Shoes, and had resolved the personal problems that were present during the making of the band's previous two albums. [7] Bobby Bandiera replaced guitarist Billy Rush prior to the recording sessions for the album. [8] The band, which numbered nine members for the sessions, had tested many times in a live setting all of the album's songs. [9] [10] "Walk Away Renée" is a cover of the Left Banke song. [10] "I Only Want to Be with You" is a version of the song made famous by Dusty Springfield. [11]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]

The Gazette wrote that "the world's unluckiest R&B band reaches for the brass ring, but grabs it only" on the cover songs. [13] The Kingston Whig-Standard concluded that "the band's roots have been rediscovered on this album; the zesty horns are back... The result is perhaps the best Jukes' album ever." [11] The Houston Chronicle determined that Southside Johnny "sounds happy, rejuvenated... The upbeat horn section polishes his New Jersey rock 'n' soul, updated only slightly by keyboard programs." [14] The San Diego Union-Tribune deemed the album "straight-ahead beer-sweat bar rock," writing that "this white T-shirt and blue jeans stuff swings like a sledgehammer." [15] The Omaha World-Herald noted that "the horn section, which continues to be the band's driving force, seems more focused than ever." [16]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Hard to Find" 
2."Tell Me (That Our Love's Still Strong)" 
3."Walk Away Renée" 
4."Take My Love" 
5."You Can Count on Me" 
6."Till The End of Night" 
7."I Only Want to Be with You" 
8."Lorraine" 
9."I Can't Wait" 
10."Under the Sun" 

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oingo Boingo</span> American new wave band

Oingo Boingo was an American new wave band formed by songwriter Danny Elfman in 1979. The band emerged from a surrealist musical theatre troupe, The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, that Elfman had led and written material for in the years previous. Their highest-charting song, "Weird Science", reached No. 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southside Johnny</span> Musical artist

John Lyon, known professionally as Southside Johnny, is an American singer-songwriter who usually fronts his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richie Rosenberg</span> Musical artist

Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg is an American trombonist originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a former member of the house band on Conan O'Brien's late-night talk shows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E Street Band</span> Bruce Springsteens backing band

The E Street Band is an American rock band that has been the primary backing band for rock musician Bruce Springsteen since 1972. In 2014, the E Street Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For the bulk of Springsteen's recording and performing career, the band included guitarists Steven Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren, and Patti Scialfa, keyboardists Danny Federici and Roy Bittan, bassist Garry Tallent, drummer Max Weinberg, and saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

The Miami Horns are an American horn section best known for touring and recording with Southside Johnny, Bruce Springsteen, Little Steven and The Max Weinberg 7. They have also toured, performed or recorded with, among others, Diana Ross, Gary U.S. Bonds, Robert Cray, Bon Jovi, Cissy Houston, Joe Cocker, Dave Edmunds, Darlene Love, The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow and Ricky Martin. As individuals, the various members have also worked with the likes of Aerosmith, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Power Station, Graham Parker, and They Might Be Giants.

Ernest Carter is an American drummer. He has toured and recorded with, among others, Bruce Springsteen, David Sancious, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and Paul Butterfield. During his time with Springsteen, he played the drums on the song "Born to Run".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Pender</span> Musical artist

Mark "The Loveman" Pender is a trumpet player and vocalist who has played with Southside Johnny, Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen. Since 1993 he has performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien as a member of The Max Weinberg 7 and The Tonight Show Band. He formerly performed on Conan as a member of the Basic Cable Band from 2010 to 2018. He is a member of The Miami Horns, leads his own band, The Mark Pender Band, and plays regularly with La Bamba & The Hubcaps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes</span> American musical group

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are an American musical group from the Jersey Shore led by Southside Johnny. They have been recording albums since 1976 and are closely associated with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. They have recorded or performed several Springsteen songs, including "The Fever" (1973) and "Fade Away" (1980). Springsteen has also performed with the band on several occasions. In 1991, Springsteen and the E Street band appeared on Southside Johnny's Better Days album.

<i>Hearts of Stone</i> (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes album) 1978 studio album by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

Hearts of Stone is the third album by New Jersey rock band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, released in October 1978. The album peaked at number 112 on the Billboard 200 chart during the week of January 13, 1979. All of the album's songs were written by Southside Johnny, Bruce Springsteen, and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt. Van Zandt, the band's manager, also produced, arranged and played guitar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Manion</span> American musician

Ed Manion, also known as Eddie "Kingfish" Manion, is an American saxophonist, who plays both tenor and baritone sax. As a solo artist, he released his own instrumental album titled Nightlife in 2015. Manion is currently a recording and touring member of Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. He was a touring member of the horn section for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and also a member of Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band Tour, later called Bruce Springsteen with The Sessions Band. He is an original member of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, The Miami Horns, and Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. As a session musician, he has recorded, toured, and/or performed with, among others, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Diana Ross, Gary U.S. Bonds, Bon Jovi, Willy DeVille, Dave Edmunds, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Darlene Love, Ronnie Spector, Dion, The Allman Brothers Band, Kim Wilson, and Graham Parker. As a solo artist, he released his own CD titled Follow Through in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Born to Run tours</span> 1974–77 series of concert tours by Bruce Springsteen

The Born to Run tours were the unofficially-named concert tours surrounding the release of Bruce Springsteen's 1975 album Born to Run which occurred between 1974 and 1977. The album represented Springsteen's commercial breakthrough, and was marked by a grueling and meticulous recording process. To make ends meet Springsteen and the E Street Band toured constantly during the first set of recording sessions for it, performing his new songs as he developed them. Financial success was short-lived, however, as he was soon plunged into legal battles with his former manager Mike Appel and enjoined from further studio recording. Touring continued as a means of making a living, long after the conventional period of playing in connection with an album's release was over; only when his legal issues were finally resolved in 1977 did these tours conclude.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Bandiera</span> American guitarist, singer, and songwriter

Robert "Bobby" Bandiera is an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter from New Jersey. Bandiera played rhythm guitar for Bon Jovi in live performances from 2005 until 2015 and for nearly two decades was lead guitarist for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bandiera and his band have backed Bruce Springsteen at benefit concerts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing Ever Goes as Planned</span> 1981 single by Styx

"Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" is a song written by Dennis DeYoung and released by American rock band Styx on their tenth album Paradise Theatre, as well as being the 3rd single released from the album. A chart disappointment following the first two singles off the album, it peaked at No. 54 on the U.S. pop chart in late summer 1981. It also reached No. 33 on the Canada RPM Top Singles chart in the week of September 5, 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Stann</span> Musical artist

Joey Stann is an accomplished saxophonist who has worked as a sideman and has recorded with a long list of rock and roll luminaries. Stann performs primarily on the tenor, Alto saxophone and baritone saxophone and has contributed vocals and has played and recorded the Hammond organ and piano on stage and in studios. A New York native, he is recognized for his lifelong association with Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. Stann originally joined the band in 1980. He left to play with Gary U.S. Bonds from 1981 to 1985 before rejoining Southside Johnny. He currently freelances with other bands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Kazee</span> Rock and soul keyboardist

Jeff Kazee is an American pianist, vocalist, songwriter and Hammond B3 organist for the Rock/Soul band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He has also worked extensively with Bon Jovi and with Jon Bon Jovi in his solo career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Fever (Bruce Springsteen song)</span> 1973 song performed by Bruce Springsteen

"The Fever" is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1973. The song would not see formal release until the 1999 compilation 18 Tracks.

<i>Reach Up and Touch the Sky</i> 1981 live album by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes

Reach Up and Touch the Sky, sometimes called Reach Out and Touch the Sky, is a 1981 double live album by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. Released on Mercury Records in 1981 to satisfy the contract of the band, which had recently broken up, it was a moderate commercial success, charting in the United States and reviving the band's flagging sales. It was also critically well received. In 2003, the Rough Guide to Rock indicated that the album was the band's "defining moment".

<i>I Dont Want to Go Home</i> 1976 studio album by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

I Don't Want to Go Home was the first album by seminal New Jersey rock/R&B band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The work helped establish the basis of the Jersey Shore sound. It was produced and arranged by manager Steven Van Zandt, who also sang, played guitar, wrote the title song, and elicited the contribution of two compositions by Bruce Springsteen, who also wrote the liner notes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Upstage Club</span>

The Upstage Club was a legendary coffee shop, music venue, and afterhours club in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The club is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Influential musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Bill Chinnock, Southside Johnny, David Sancious, Little Steven Van Zandt, Garry Tallent, Vini Lopez, and Danny Federici first honed their live performance skills at the club. It was where the Asbury Jukes, Steel Mill, and the Blackberry Blues Band were formed.

<i>Slow Dance</i> (Southside Johnny album) 1988 studio album by Southside Johnny

Slow Dance is an album by the American musician Southside Johnny, released in 1988. It was marketed as a solo endeavor, although a few Asbury Jukes played on the album.

References

  1. Benarde, Scott (30 May 1986). "Here's a New Playlist for Top 40 Stations". Features Showtime. Sun Sentinel. p. 26.
  2. Gutterman, Jimmy (Jul 17, 1986). "Records: At Least We Got Shoes". Rolling Stone. No. 478/479. p. 125.
  3. "Southside Johnny Biography by Mark Deming". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  4. "Billboard 200: Week of July 12, 1986". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  5. Habich, John (22 Sep 1986). "Johnny Lyon and the Jukes". Star Tribune. p. 3C.
  6. 1 2 MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1996. p. 630.
  7. Brown, G. (September 19, 1986). "'Southside Johnny' Lyon makes return to soul roots". Weekend Plus. Chicago Sun-Times. Denver Post. p. 66.
  8. Heim, Chris (23 May 1986). "Southside Johnny and the Jukes: At Least We Got Shoes". Friday. Chicago Tribune. p. 66.
  9. Metella, Helen (29 May 1986). "Albums' titles tell the story of the hard-working Jukes". Edmonton Journal. p. C7.
  10. 1 2 "Southside Johnny and Jukes a band designed for the stage". Toronto Star. AP. 29 June 1986. p. E2.
  11. 1 2 Burliuk, Greg (12 July 1986). "A Band Back with Brass". Magazine. The Kingston Whig-Standard. p. 1.
  12. "At Least We Got Shoes Review by William Ruhlmann". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  13. Griffin, John (3 July 1986). "Summer Gems Sparkle". The Gazette. p. F3.
  14. Racine, Marty (June 8, 1986). "Records". Zest. Houston Chronicle. p. 12.
  15. Hawkins, Robert J. (July 23, 1986). "It's a long way from the Jersey shore to Solana Beach...". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C11.
  16. Healy, James (July 27, 1986). "New Guitarist, Focused Horn Section Give 2nd Wind to Southside Johnny". Entertainment. Omaha World-Herald.