Bernard Jewry's reinvention as the dark prince ...of early 70's glam rock was as bewildering as his failure to capitalise on the chart promise of his early 60's career with the Fentones. After years in the wilderness performing in low key clubs and cabaret, Bernie's good fortune came with a chance introduction to the much underestimated writer/producer Pete Shelley, who was looking for a new vocalist with the personality to project his songs to a youthful, mainstream audience. Bernie, of course; was ever the willing opportunist and saw little to lose jumping on the glam bandwagon. It shouldn't really have worked - a 32 year old with dangerous sideburns and overtones of menace would surely have alarmed the children. But the carefully crafted Stardust persona, with its emphasis on black leather and theatrical glamour, was just quirky and distinctive enough to catch on with the teenagers during a time of wonderful excess. A star was born and for a brief period in 1974, shone very brightly indeed. But the star that burns brightly burns only half as long and for Alvin chart domination proved short lived. The key to success was the quality of song given to him by Shelley - five of Alvin's six singles produced and penned by Shelley featured a characteristic guitar lick combined with catchy hooks and a killer chorus. Once Shelley decided to break up the partnership, Stardust's 70's career went into sharp decline. This debut album was hastily recorded and released shortly after 'Jealous Mind' hit the top spot on the British Hit Singles chart, eventually peaking at a respectable No.4 and becoming Alvin's highest chart placing and most commercially successful album. It contains undoubtedly his two best known and biggest selling singles with a sprinkling of B-sides thrown in for good measure. It is the best place to start for those looking for an introduction to the great man but is probably not his best work. There's a nice balance between the pseudo rockers and the crooning ballads while some tracks are just a little too quirky for repeated play (Pull Together anyone??). With Alvin, there's a little bit of everything thrown in the mix. Standout tracks are the hits of course - Jealous Mind and My Coo Ca Choo - but it's Dressed in Black which provides the album highlight; a real chugging slow burner with a sleazy, seductive undertone. Hard to believe the flip-side of Alvin's debut single would feature the craziest hillbilly boogie this side of the Missouri! The Untouchable is an album hard to dislike and the moody posing of Stardust on the front cover remains one of the most iconic images from the glam rock era.
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Classic glam. And this includes the bonus track... Pull Together, which was the B-side of the My Coo Ca Choo single.
great album! had the orginal back in 74! a must for all fans!!... still sounds good even after all these years. dont make pop stars like this anymore!!!
