A leftfield gem from the 1980s: Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods

Camera: John Darko | Editor: John Darko

This video was inspired by the work of Steve Guttenberg, the Audiophilliac:

Jerry Harrison's sophomore solo album "Casual Gods" (1988, Fontana 832 992-2) is a pleasure to listen to for its Talking Heads-like songs but also its excellent dynamic range:

...and it's NOT available to stream* on Tidal, Qobuz or Spotify.

*in Germany.

Dynamic range database:

What is dynamic range?: "In music, dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest volume of an instrument, part or piece of music. In modern recording, this range is often limited through dynamic range compression, which allows for louder volume, but can make the recording sound less exciting or live." [Source: Wikipedia]

What is the loudness war?: "The loudness war (or loudness race) refers to the trend of increasing audio levels in recorded music which reduces audio fidelity and, according to many critics, listener enjoyment." [Source: Wikipedia]

A real-world example of the loudness war:

#dynamicrange #loudnesswars #talkingheads
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[treehouse]

I checked the DR of my all-time favourite album: "Rattlesnakes" by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, from 1984. LoudnessWars lists the DR of a 1990 CD reissue at 13. I have no idea whether that's high, low, or neither, but either way, the record still *explodes* out of the speakers with its timeless, shimmering elegance.

[joshbrewster]

Right on! Can’t believe this album is forgotten. Harrison was totally underrated in Talking Heads. Love this album.

[rdlperry]

Rain Tree Crow. Great dynamics and similarly never tire of it along with Ry Cooder's Paris Texas. Teenage memories of the 80's I still play many times a year.

[nervouscough]

This is a CD I have owned since it came out in the 80’s. I listen to it many times each year.

[ShellstaTube]

Talk Talk - The Colour of Spring.
Big Country - The Crossing, Steeltown, The Seer, Peace In Our Time ... anything from the 80's.
Simple Minds - Street Fighting Years.

[vicentevargas]

Tracy's Chapman, 1988 debut album, I love that record. When I hear it, I'll hear it, from start to finish. It's awesome.

[HandyAndyTechTips]

I love this album! Had it for years on CD. Both "Rev It Up" and "Man With A Gun" were huge Top 20 hits in Australia.

[leemiller]

Thank you for exposing me to this album... picked it up recently on vinyl after watching your video. Not only does it sound excellent and dynamic, it is just great music!

[Kevin_MKRSR]

Regarding modem recordings and compression... "they are EXHAUSTING to listen to". I think you nailed it there. From zero to Ear fatigue in seconds flat.

[Supperconductor]

Supertramp’s Live in Paris. I remember trying to record that to cassette from my LP for a friend. It wasn’t easy getting the level right due to the dynamics.

[bob]

I am a Talking Heads fan but never heard of this album. It's a great listening set of tracks. Thanks so much, great review.. please review more !!

[colossusrageblack]

Listened to album on Tidal. It seems really well recorded and clean. The drums sound fantastic.

[ladstenttube]

My Dad had the Sheffield Lab vinyl in the 80s of Thelma Houston pressure cooker album. It shocked me then and I still regularly listen, even streaming it still sounds amazing.

[gregclarke]

Glad to see you shine a light on this 80s obscurity. Bought the CD at the time and still sounds great. Always loved “Man With a Gun.”

[DonHamlin]

Really interesting information. More music reviews covering sound and musical quality are always welcome.

[skipskipson]

Thanks for telling me about this record. The Modern lovers and Talking Heads are all time bands for me. Never checked out Jerry's solo stuff. Just ordered this one one eBay. Can't wait!

[dernarr]

Grace Jones - Island Life is an absolute jewel concidering dynamics.

[nigelkibble]

Thanks for an interesting post .I've just ordered the album on Discogs can't wait to hear that dynamic range

[Phil_fandbethere]

Doll by Doll - Gypsy Blood and also David Byrne and Brian Eno - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts.

I bought the Jerry Harrison LP when it came out and was blown away by it - still play it at least once a year now.

[radiotronic]

Poster child for well-mastered record is "Deep" by Peter Murphy - really wonderful on vinyl too. FYI, Roon shows "Casual Gods" in both Tidal and Qobuz versions.