Wreckless Eric rocks Oxford at Proud Larry's
By Twinkle Van Winkle
Issue date: 7/18/06 Section: Arts & Life

When I found out Wreckless Eric was playing in Oxford at Proud Larry's, I have to admit that one of those scenes you see in old footage of the Beatles getting off the plane on their first American tour with all the girls passing out immediately flashed through my head. I mean, I was like, "For real?"

And in reality, it is like that. Wreckless Eric, one not to give a piddle about the music biz, famous blokes or in-depth reporting is truly one of the most real guys when it comes to music. He doesn't care about being knighted or becoming some great rich pop star.

That stuff is a million miles away from his world, and what I consider my world, too. He's used to what most of us musicians here in Oxford thrive on: duct-taping together some mics and going into debt buying recording equipment to set up in our living rooms, playing our songs to the same people a hundred times, living off of bar food and free drinks and feeling
that camaraderie of other musicians just like us that are trying to make it.

When I first heard Wreckless Eric years ago, I felt like it was something that I had always been missing. The truth his lyrics hold and the simplicity and sometimes irony of the situations described in his songs seemed to be full of imagery that I could relate to.

Even though he claims it is an "albatross" for him at some times in his life because he has to play it so many times, the song "Whole Wide World" is the story of not just a guy who can't find the right girl, but it also has a universal appeal for all of us who just can't seem to find that right person. One of the most popular songs he wrote, it is still one of the top ten best songs ever.

The song opens up with a simple steady guitar riff and builds as it gets into the chorus and other verses. It is so simple, yet full of torment and self-doubt. At the same time, it's about not giving up and keeping up the
search for true love.

Wreckless Eric made his first record in 1976 for Stiff Records. Label-mates include the Pogues, The Damned, Elvis Costello and Devo, as well as other greats. He did some touring, had a spell or two of personal problems (the drink being the largest part of it) and has produced and recorded most of his own records himself over the years.

The thing about Wreckless Eric that appeals to me is his sense of humor and how he fits it into a rock song. His adorably shaky Brit accent is still the same, his real person outlook hasn't changed and if you don't like it, he would probably just give you two fingers.

The best thing to do to find out about him is check out his website, which he updates personally, and to check out his book "A Dysfunctional Success," put out by the Do Not Press. It is basically his autobiography, the what-not-to-do if you want to be a famous pop star.

To sum up Wreckless Eric isn't as easy as it seems. Sometimes he writes the most simple words that express the most complicated feelings, but he still has a halo of solid genius that relays heartfelt stories everyone can understand. It's Lo-Fi smarmy rock that spans generations and doesn't exclude anyone. Full of different influences, from Cajun music to punk, blues and '60s soul, he brings it all together refined as his own style.

Wreckless Eric, a once in a lifetime experience, will be at Proud Larry's tonight along with Amy Rigby and local solo artist Tyler "Kid Twist" Keith.

Show starts at 10 p.m. Check out Wreckless Eric at www.wrecklesseric.com, and for a peek at his tunes check out www.myspace.com/twinklevanwinkle for some great older Wreckless Eric tunes and some of his incredible new songs.

This is a great article - I hardly recognise myself!




I like this idea of girls passing out but unless I can get into one of those delusional mid-life crisis things I think I just have to accept that those days are over. There were some very nice looking girls at the show though...




It's just as well cos it probably ain't going to happen.

It really isn't that bad - debt, yes, and albums recorded in the living room (well. at least Le Beat Group Electrique), but I'm really not sure about living off bar food, and as to free drinks, I just don't. And duct tape on the microphones - never! Also, I try to avoid other musicians for the most part because the camaraderie makes me nervous. But apart from that it's an awful life!








Twenty years ago I thought it was an albatross but now I see it more as a budgie or possibly a trilling thrush. Or maybe a pelican with its mouth full of fish. Actually I love playing Whole Wide World. And the record is great, as long as you can find a copy that hasn't been speeded up half a tone.











It's just a technicality but I think I'd left by the time the Pogues got there.


A hell of a lot of touring in fact!












I saw it more as how to be successful without actually appearing to be, even to yourself.





I'm hoping that smarmy means something different down in Mississippi!












I should say a big thankyou to Twinkle Van Winkle!