I really like Love Too Late… the real album from Sorrows, and equally like Steppin’ Out!, Arthur Alexander’s solo debut for Big Stir. Both albums are of a piece, and a good one.

Arthur was kind enough to answer some questions for me.

Andrea Weiss: This is radically different than Sorrows. What prompted the change?

Arthur Alexander: Is it?!? Interesting you should say that. On the one hand, it seems like a natural progression, and on the other, I guess it’s also a natural process of what happens when you’re stepping away (or stepping out?) from a self-contained band into a solo artist framework. There are certain dynamics in play when you work with your four band mates and try to shape the sound and musical landscape of a band like that. When you enter a “solo arena” things change, or I should say, they should change, or what’s the point?! There are many solo albums I’ve heard from a band member who came out with their solo record and they sound just like their band, only without them. So yeah, what was the point of that? Sounds more like an ego trip to me, so the other guys don’t give you any lip and you can do whatever the hell you want, rather than something truly musically and stylistically different, something that’s really a vehicle for them to express something that’s free of constraints of the band they’re in, and you can say, “Oh, I see why he or she did that!”

AW: The music starts off as blues rock, but by the end it’s folk rock, which I like. What made you want to cover different styles?

AA: Well, it may start off as blues rock and end with folk rock, but indeed, there’s a lot of this rock and that rock in between! LOL  If you listen to Sorrows albums and my first solo album One Bar Left, you will notice that, in large measure, it goes back to what I just said above. Sorrows are anything but a one trick pony! We cover a lot of diverse styles and musical landscape. As did I on my first solo album, and this album is no exception, just a further extension of that mindset. It’s my musical DNA talking. “Ecletic” is what I do! Throughout my entire music career people tried to pigeon-hole me into a musical box of one kind or another -- as long as it’s a “box.” That’s not how I roll, I don’t do “boxes!” Music is a universe of sounds, genres and styles and I love a lot of them. Whatever I hear in my head finds its way into my music and I don’t question where it came from. The only things that matter: do I like it, is it good and does it serve the song? The best example of that? As I was working on this new album, Steppin’ Out!, I did say to myself, on many occasions, “Man, this thing is really all over the place! How the hell is this all going to work as an album?!” And then, when I finally put it all together, kicked back, closed my eyes and listened to it as a whole body of work, when the record ended, I opened my eyes and said to myself, “Damn, it works just great, cool songs, all over the place, something for everyone!… OK, I’m done!

AW: The music sounds both contemporary and old at the same time, which is great. What were you going for the most?

AA: I went for what I always go for: to write good songs, and songs that people can actually remember! All that set to cool, musically varied and interesting arrangements, and sounds that are an amalgamation of the whole music library that’s in my head. I may start with some preconceived ideas, but in the end, whatever sounds and styles subconsciously resonate with me, that’s where I go and I don’t fight or question it.

AW: Lyrically this is about love and life, with a hint of politics. What made you want to cover all the bases?

AA: Again, same thing. A feeling of a song kinda dictates the mood and subject matter. And it all evolves from there. Love songs… well, that’s a timeless topic! There’s not a person on this planet that can’t relate to that subject, especially when the lyrics are heartfelt and delve a little deeper than “Baby, I love you, don’t leave me!” We’ve all been in love (or still are), been screwed by someone who swore they had your back, or you’re still looking for “the one!” “Life” is another good one to share with a listener. Mine’s great, how’s yours? People need to hear that whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone. They may need a little pick-me-up, or just be reminded that one life is all you got, so you’d better make the most of it. No do-overs! “Politics?”... ahhh, that’s another good topic. It’s a good vehicle to raise issues in the listeners’ consciousness, make people either feel affirmed that their social and political views are shared by others whose music speaks to them, or, to just piss people off! That works great too! LOL

AW: Were you glad to see the Sorrow album released?

AA: “Glad” would be an understatement of the year. No, wait... make that a lifetime. I suppose you do know that the album you’re referring to, Love Too Late… the real album, is the real version of what Sorrows expected to record back in 1980 when we went to London to record our second album, a follow-up to an extremely well-received Teenage Heartbreak, not the cluster fuck our then record label and the hack we brought in to produce for our band, not himself, foisted upon us behind our back. I spent 40 years to get to the point when we, Sorrows, will be able to finally relegate that piece of fake garbage that was Love Too Late to the dustbin of history, or better yet, environmental laws allowing, a bonfire! Fortunately, since the album was a total flop and it was only released on vinyl, there are not too many copies floating around, mostly promo copies sent to DJs, who quickly dumped them at record stores’ used record bins. If you find one, buy it, burn it, and I’ll pay you for it. Love Too Late… the real album is, in my thoroughly biased opinion, one of the finest power pop records ever released and I, for one, am damn proud of it. Now you can ask me how I really feel about it!

AW: Why did you decide to make a solo album?

AA: I didn’t just decide. Steppin' Out! is a follow-up to my 2018 first solo album, One Bar Left. A natural progression of things, I suppose. Sorrows no longer being a full-time functioning band, a lot of songs, accumulated and newly written, a lot of pent up energy! I felt it would be cool to put them out into the world and hope people will like what they hear. Judging by the reception both albums received thus far, it was the right move. And besides, this boy wants to rock and roll!

AW: If a young person wanted to play power pop and post punk, what would you say to them?

AA: I would tell them do not start with power pop or punk. First immerse yourself in the music of the 50s and 60s. This is where it all came from. Understand and learn the craft of a good song and then, and only then, you’ll actually be able to make something worth listening to. In spite of what many bands would like to believe, getting a Rickenbacker guitar, Vox amp, and a pair of Beatle boots, or mindlessly slamming through tuneless songs with guitars fuzzed out into oblivion is neither power pop, or pre/post or after punk.

AW: Do you have any plans to tour?

AA: YESSSS, I DO!!!!  Like… forever!?!? I have a great band and we love to play live! But these days the climate for touring, at least for lesser known bands, is not a friendly one. We’ve been touring up, down, and sideways around Los Angeles, but it costs a lot of money to put and keep a band on the road and, especially in the US, the venues are not exactly known for being truly supportive of musicians. You don’t get paid enough to put the gas in the van, much less to actually come home with some money in your pocket to put it towards your next tour? It’s really frustrating, but one day, and hopefully soon!