Brian Cobbold — Rare Footage & Clips
The unassuming figure of Brian Cobbold has left an indelible mark on the sonic landscape of the 1980s. A session musician and arranger, Cobbold's work is woven into the fabric of one of the most iconic albums of that era: Paul Carrack's Suburban Voodoo. Released in 1982, this album marked a turning point for Carrack, who had previously been a member of Squeeze, lending his distinctive voice to their hit single "Tempted".
Cobbold's involvement with Noise To Go, the collective of musicians assembled by Nick Lowe and Carrack, is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defined this period in music history. The same group would go on to provide backing for Lowe's albums Nick the Knife (1982) and The Abominable Showman (1983), cementing their status as one of the most sought-after ensembles of the time.
The Suburban Voodoo album itself reached a respectable #78 on the Billboard 200, with Carrack's "I Need You" becoming his first chart hit as a solo artist. This track, which peaked at #37 in the US in October 1982, is a masterclass in atmospheric songwriting, its lush instrumentation and soaring vocals conjuring up images of rainy nights and desperate longing.
One clip from the DeepCutsArchive that showcases Cobbold's work on Suburban Voodoo is the album's opening track, "From Now On". This hauntingly beautiful song features Cobbold's signature arrangement style, which blended elements of rock, pop, and R&B to create a unique sonic palette. The way Cobbold's keyboards and guitar textures intertwine with Carrack's emotive vocals creates a sense of tension and release that is both captivating and unsettling.
Thirty years after the initial release, Carrack would revisit "From Now On" for his 2012 album Good Feeling, reworking it into a very different arrangement. This reimagining serves as a testament to Cobbold's enduring influence on Carrack's music, and highlights the ways in which his contributions continue to shape the sound of this iconic artist.
Cobbold's role in shaping the sound of Suburban Voodoo is all the more remarkable when considered within the broader context of 1980s popular music. This was an era marked by excess and experimentation, with artists pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of production and arrangement. Cobbold's work on Suburban Voodoo represents a key moment in this narrative, one that showcases his ability to craft memorable melodies and textures while working within the constraints of a specific genre.
As we delve deeper into the archive, it becomes clear that Cobbold's involvement with Noise To Go was not limited to just these few albums. His work on Nick Lowe's Nick the Knife (1982) and The Abominable Showman (1983) demonstrates a remarkable consistency in his approach, as he seamlessly adapts to different vocal styles and songwriting sensibilities.
The significance of Cobbold's contributions cannot be overstated. By working behind the scenes with artists like Carrack and Lowe, he helped shape the sound of an entire generation of musicians. His influence can be heard in everything from the lush arrangements of 1980s pop to the more experimental textures of post-punk and new wave.
As we explore the archive further, it becomes clear that Cobbold's legacy extends far beyond his work on Suburban Voodoo. From the atmospheric soundscapes of Nick Lowe's albums to the more introspective moments on Paul Carrack's Good Feeling, his contributions continue to resonate with listeners today.
Curated from public records and music databases.
