Weekend Onesie: When Art Imitates Itself

Weekend Onesie: 

When Art Imitates Itself

Life is so circular.

So, in 1977, I'm reading this rave review in Rolling Stone magazine about the debut album of a new artist, Bruce Roberts. I can tell by what is said in the review that this is very much an album I would love. The review mentions that one of the songs (Starmaker) would be perfect for Streisand. Well, Starmaker did become a hit of sorts, but not for Streisand. No, instead she chose I Don't Break Easily (it's on her Songbird album). Anyway, I find a copy of Bruce Robert's debut album about six months later and it remains on my turntable for the next six. That is to say, I studied that damn thing like it was the bible of songwriting.

By the time his debut album came out, Bruce was an industry pro. He had released a few singles early on, on Bell Records, but they went nowhere. He was also the voice of Danny Bonoduce (of The Partridge Family) on Bonoduce's sole solo album. And, of course, before and after his two-album fling at Elektra, he was (and remains) a bona fide songwriter. He would work with Donna Summer (All Through The Night, Enough Is Enough (No More Tears), etc.). He even duets with her on the theme song for the Stallone film Daylight (Whenever There Is Love). He also wrote a bunch of hits for other artists: Laura Brannigan, The Pointer Sisters, Barbara Streisand, Gladys Knight, Rita Coolidge... it's a long list. And co-wrote with a lot of industry heavyweights, including Carole Bayer Sager. 

If interested, you should check out his superb 1995 album, Intimacy. The man has a voice that is amazingly flexible with the loveliest of tones. 

Okay, back to the subject of today's post...

That debut album... the album cover? 

I was puzzled. I was several years from graduating from high school and had no idea what to make of that big grey triangle in the background. Yes, as I was infatuated with the album's music, so I became fascinated by its cover. 

Fast forward to November of 2024 and I came upon this image... a vintage ad for socks or sock garters? I dunno. But... ping! 

And so, I wonder; was this the inspiration behind Bruce Roberts album cover? Did he happen to see it and want to replicate it or was this the work of his art direction team: Tony Lane, Todd Smith and Howard Carriker?

Indeed, it was. On the album sleeve's credits it states that it is in the style of E. Cole Phillips, the illustrator of the original ad. 

And so, a question that began in 1977, is finally answered in 2024. 

As for that big grey triangle? Well, I eventually stumbled on what that as all about... certainly nothing ever taught at my high school. 

I still have that album.

I play it at least once a year in its entirety and mourn the loss of the child who bought and studied it. 

Yes... life is so circular.

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I'd Rather Be Alone - Bruce Roberts