Dwight Twilley Band: Classic or Dud?

I'm been reading this thread thinking, maybe I've been listening to the wrong Twilley.

His first 'solo' album, Twilley, from 1979 is seriously slept-on. Lavish Jams for days.

But nope, this is actually the one album I've bought, and have had zero success getting it to click.

(I do get more mileage out of the first Shoes album, btw, which is one of the common comparisons upthread, but I can totally see why people would also consider that one overrated)

I'm been reading this thread thinking, maybe I've been listening to the _wrong_ Twilley.

_His first 'solo' album, Twilley, from 1979 is seriously slept-on. Lavish Jams for days._


But nope, this is actually the one album I've bought, and have had zero success getting it to click.

(I do get more mileage out of the first Shoes album, btw, which is one of the common comparisons upthread, but I can totally see why people would also consider that one overrated)

By which I mean, while I like both songs, I don’t think the record really gets going until midway thru the first side. I also think “I’m On Fire” is a bit of a head fake and a little more cock rock than they actually were.

By contrast, once you get to Feeling In the Dark’s phased out shuffle, the shimmer of You Were So Warm and I’m Losing You, the record just hits another gear and doesn’t really come back down. But it starts with a bit of a head fake.

(as I said)

Since most of his records aren’t on Spotify, I downloaded his first three. Twilley and Scuba Divers were on a two-fer by Raven I think. I’m still digging into them but the first begins with a long Beatle-y tune ballad with strings and brass. It’s an interesting way to start off a solo career – it doesn’t sound inconsistent with anything he did with the band (who of course were plenty Beatle-y) but not really like anything they did either. One of the reviewers called it a “dirge” but I kind of wonder whether there was kind of an intended career pivot here they didn’t really follow through on.

Jungle, from 1984, is the real pivot and an unabashed pop move – synths, really tight harmonies and Linndrum beats, and the simplest song structures of his career. “Girls” was a top twenty song I somehow never heard until a few weeks ago. Between the call and response hook with Tom Petty in the chorus and the conceit of collecting intentionally dopey “insights” into the titular subjects, the whole thing is delightful (and the video is a pretty ace parody of Porkies).

Elsewhere, “You Can Change It,” which has a great big rush of a chorus and guitar hook, is where you start realizing that someone had the idea of positioning Dwight to capitalize on the Rick Springfield market – and that he’s pretty good at it. “Cry Baby” is another in that vein. Collectively, each of the tunes here has just enough melodic twists to remind you what a sly songwriter Twilley is, even when he’s clearly gunning for radio play.

Wild Dogs reissue: https://iconoclassicrecords.com/album/wild-dogs/

Awesome. I’ve since read that Shooting Stars was not only the last thing Dwight did with Phil but that he also wrote the tune for Phil right after his rather grim cancer diagnosis. Incredible song.

The only Dwight Twilley song I’m crazy about is “looking for the magic” but that one is easily a top 10 song of the 70’s for me, so I’m gonna go with classic if only for that song.

Reposted on his Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news of Dwight Twilley’s passing. Today, he peacefully departed this world, surrounded by the love of his life, Jan, and close friends. The loss is immeasurable, and our words can't capture the depth of our grief. Dwight's musical prowess touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. We are profoundly thankful for the enduring musical legacy he has bestowed upon us all.

In the days to come, we will provide further details as we honor and remember the remarkable life of Dwight Twilley. 🎶❤️ #DwightTwilley #MusicLegend

;_; RIP

Rock'n'Roll Heaven Is On Fire Tonight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpU05HKaJug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24DFbedbJ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1wSEhjFWaE

From 2018: Remembering Shelter, The Church, Tulsa & Leon Russell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRDiuTmuq_4

oof that's terrible news. seems like yesterday i saw him rock the bell house in brooklyn, but looking back that was 2014.

Jeezus, no end to this guy's bad luck:

https://tulsaworld.com/life-entertainment/local/music/tulsa-music-artist-dwight-twilley-dies/article_19c2525a-6e32-11ee-8c80-b3b7fc7dc636.html

Twilley was driving alone Oct. 14 when he suffered a massive stroke, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. He passed away at Ascension St. John Medical Center in the Critical Care Unit with his wife and close friends at his side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWQVy8smxmU

xpost what an awful end :(