Following two anemic-selling albums with his post-
Eurythmics outfit, the Spiritual Cowboys,
Dave Stewart released his proper solo debut in
Greetings From the Gutter. It curtails the more rock-leaning aspects of the prior albums for a funkier, dance approach with
Parliament/
Funkadelic alumni
Bootsy Collins,
Bernie Worrell, and Jerome "Big Foot" Brailey backing
Stewart. The sultry, almost campy, "Heart of Stone" is a funky, disco-styled song with infectious backing vocals performed by a female quartet including
Lady Miss Kier,
Nona Hendryx, and
Siobahn Fahey. "Chelsea Lovers" is a deliciously bittersweet, glam ballad (with a nod to
Bowie in the lyrics). "Jealous" is stripped down and soulful and "St. Valentine's Day" opens like a
Tom Waits song before giving way to a
Beatlesque, psychedelic melody.
Laurie Anderson adds violin and vocals to the eerie, spacy "Kinky Sweetheart," featuring a wicked guitar solo from
Stewart. "Damien Save Me" has a monstrous, hypnotic groove, a smoking sax solo from
Lenny Pickett, and some
Hendrix-like guitar. The playing is tight, the vibe is loose, and Greetings From The Gutter is some of
Stewart's warmest, most compelling work. ~ Tom Demalon