Description
The J Geils Band – You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Getting Odd – Vinyl Record
The J. Geils Band’s You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd is the band’s final studio album, released in 1984, marking a significant departure from their earlier sound. This album is notable for being the only one recorded without their iconic frontman Peter Wolf, who had left the band due to creative differences in 1983. With keyboardist Seth Justman taking on lead vocal duties and contributing heavily to songwriting and production, You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd presents a unique chapter in the band’s discography, blending rock with a strong emphasis on synthesizers and an 80s pop-rock sound.
With Justman leading the project, the album has a polished, synthesized production style that aligns more closely with the electronic and pop trends of the mid-80s. This contrasts sharply with the blues-based rock that initially defined the band’s sound. Tracks like “Concealed Weapons,” the album’s lead single, feature punchy beats and an upbeat, funky rhythm that showcases the band’s attempt to reinvent itself for a changing musical landscape. However, without Wolf’s dynamic vocal presence and charisma, the album has a distinctly different feel from their earlier hits like “Centerfold” and “Freeze-Frame.”
Notable Tracks
“Concealed Weapons” – As the lead single, this track is upbeat, with a catchy hook and polished production, epitomizing the album’s more synthesized direction. The song attempts to carry forward the band’s fun, playful spirit but with a slicker, more dance-oriented vibe.
“Heavy Petting” – A funky, rhythm-driven song that emphasizes the pop-rock elements prevalent in 80s music, this track reflects the band’s stylistic shift with layered synthesizers and rhythmic hooks.
“You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd” – The title track brings a bit of the J. Geils Band’s earlier attitude, though with a highly produced, keyboard-heavy sound, encapsulating the band’s attempt to maintain their identity amid changing dynamics.
You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd received mixed reviews upon its release, as longtime fans found it challenging to embrace the band’s new direction without Peter Wolf’s presence. The album struggled on the charts, and the band disbanded soon after, marking this as their last original studio release. While You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd is often overshadowed by the band’s more commercially successful albums, it remains an intriguing piece for fans interested in exploring the evolution of classic rock bands during the 80s.
You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd stands as a unique, if unconventional, part of The J. Geils Band’s legacy. It captures a brief period of reinvention, showcasing their effort to adapt to a new era while staying true to the spirited energy that characterized their earlier hits. Although the album didn’t capture the fanfare of previous records, it remains a collectible for devoted fans and a glimpse into the band’s final attempt at innovation.
EMI Records
Song List
1. Concealed Weapons
2. Heavy Petting
3. Wasted Youth
4. Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe
5. Tell ‘Em, Jonesy
6. You’re Gettin’ Even While I’m Gettin’ Odd
7. The Bite from Inside
8. Californicatin’
9. I Will Carry You Home
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