Album Review

Rudy [TM] [allmusic.com]

Given that Joe Jackson studied composition and music theory at London's Royal Academy of Music, it's no surprise that his restless musical spirit led to an album's worth of modern classical music. That it came after the acclaimed ''Big World'' album was a surprise to many of us, as he had just brought an electric guitar back into his band. Don't count on it being ''purist'' in the sense that only traditional classical instruments were used here--Jackson utilizes a drum kit, synthesizers and others as tonal colorings throughout. In the right mood, this is an interesting diversion from his other works. One favorite of mine includes the album opener ''No Parasan,'' which I understand was originally composed as a piano duet. This album is also host to one of his most haunting compositions--'Nocturne,' played on solo piano. Most critics and many of his fan base didn't understand this album when it came out (some with reviews as insulting as AllMusic's official review here), but a few of us ''got it,'' and still enjoy to this day.