Scott 2

Description

SCOTT 2 represents the axis of the singers career. Somehow Scott Walker (by now writing under his given name, Engel) carved himself a commercial as well as critical success just as the pop stars existential angst assumed the upper hand. As with predecessor SCOTT, the fascination with Jacques Brel is evident in the inclusion of three of the Belgians songs. Next is as shockingly graphic as The Girls and the Dogs is comic, but most instantly identifiable is Jacky. This U.K.-banned hit single and leadoff track heralds the records arrival at bawdy, breakneck speed. The Brel influence smothers one of SCOTT 2s four Engel originals, The Girls from the Streets. For all its grandeur, the song feels like an homage. No such accusations can be leveled at Plastic Palace People or The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, where Scotts writing begins to flower, his voice assuming a towering poise and distinction. The whole of SCOTT 2 is lent weight by the wildly inventive arrangements of Wally Stott, Peter Knight, and Reg Guest. One or two MOR covers aside, the combination of vocals and orchestration is magically evocative.