Their previous two albums (1978’s ‘Nielsen Pearson Band’ and the self-titled 1980 release) were solid, well-crafted affairs. But it’s their third and final album ‘Blind Luck’, which most AOR fans are familiar with.
Written by: RichardB
ARTIST: Nielsen Pearson
ALBUM: Blind Luck
LABEL: Capitol
SERIAL: ST 12176
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Reed Nielsen, Mark Pearson – lead and background vocals
Additional Musicians: Keyboards and Piano – Robbie Buchanan, Jai Winding, John Bowen, Richard Landis, Ian Underwood * Guitars – Mike Landau, Charles ‘Icarus’ Johnson, Steve Lukather * Bass – Neil Stubenhaus * Percussion – Lenny Castro, Victor Feldman, Steve Foreman * Drums – Carlos Vega * Backing Vocals – Joe Chemay, Jon Joyce, Jim Hass
TRACK LISTING: 01 Hasty Heart * 02 Sentimental * 03 Too Good To Last * 04 Break Nobody’s Heart * 05 I Hear You Breathing * 06 Lauralei * 07 Expectations * 08 Fadeaway * 09 Got Me Where You Want Me * 10 Carrie
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Nielsen Pearson Background
Their previous two albums (1978’s ‘Nielsen Pearson Band’ and the self-titled 1980 release) were solid, well-crafted affairs. But it’s their third and final album ‘Blind Luck’, which most AOR fans are familiar with. And it’s rightly lauded as a classic of the West Coast genre.
As you can imagine this album received zero publicity in the UK when released in the summer of 1983. I therefore stumbled upon this album almost by accident. Or should that be ‘Blind Luck’?
However a quick scan of the impressive list of the supporting cast. It’s a veritable who’s who of some of the hottest session musicians of the early 1980’s. That told me all I needed to know.
The Songs
If you check out Nielsen Pearson on the sleeve I think you know what to expect. Quite clearly they have been taking a leaf out of the John O’Banion book of fashion tips. Casual jackets and skinny ties were de rigueur for ‘undercover lovers’ back in the early 1980’s.
In fact John O’Banion is a good reference point musically. Plus of course there’s a dash of Toto lurking there in the mix. Mainly because the ubiquitous Steve Lukather has several guest spots.
The albums strength lies in the stunning harmonies of this duo coupled with their ability to pen a catchy tune. It’s a feast for those who like their music heavy on the melody as opposed to the guitars.
‘Hasty Heart’ is a good way to start proceedings. Especially when the intro has Robbie Buchanan’s swirling keys in perfect tandem with Mike Landau’s power chords. The icing on the cake being the killer vocal hook and Luke’s free flowing solo on the fade out.
‘Sentimental’ is textbook perfect AOR. Nielsen Pearson have the perfect template to launch from. The pulsating keyboards giving way to some solid Mike Landau riffs and yet more sumptuous vocal harmonies.
‘Too Good To Last’, the David Roberts tune (and the only cover onboard) is the equal of the original. Due to an immaculate performance from Reed Nielsen whose plaintive vocals encapsulate perfectly this song’s introspective mood.
‘Break Nobody’s Heart’ is a fine up-tempo rocker punctuated by Mike Landau’s distinctive stop/start guitar. It’s similar to that which was deployed to great effect on Steve Perry‘s ‘You Should Be Happy’.
The poignant ‘I Hear You Breathing’ is musically lighter fare approaching Player territory. It’s a pleasant way to round out side one nonetheless. One of the better tracks from Nielsen Pearson.
‘Laurelei’ (not the Styx classic) sees the boys perfecting their best Toto moves. Hats off to guitarist Charles ‘Icarus’ Johnson who does a surprisingly good Steve Lukather impersonation. There’s some shredding solo guitar. No mean feat considering the guy normally keeps company with Al Jarreau and Stanley Clarke. Not exactly AOR luminaries.
The memorable ‘Expectations’, is predominantly driven by Robbie Buchanan’s staccato keyboards. Charles Johnson’s guitar takes a back seat this time around.
The undeniably haunting ‘Fade Away’ features more understated guitar fills from that man Lukather. Again, it’s characterized by yet more of those lush vocal harmonies.
‘You Got Me Where You Want Me’ is perhaps the most overtly commercial fare on the album. Though chock full of potential US top 40 material, this is ironically for me the album’s low point. A little too throwaway. It sounds like a tune that didn’t make the grade for George Benson’s ‘In Your Eyes’ album.
Fortunately album closer ‘Carrie’ is a pleasant, mid-paced rocker and a good way to end the album.
In Summary
To quote the song title it appears ‘Too Good To Last’ was sadly prophetic. I’m not sure what happened to Nielsen Pearson. There appears to be a dearth of information on the Net as to their absence.
In short, this duo’s aesthetic appearance like their music is slick, upbeat, though unthreatening. Definitely an album for those who enjoy their AOR lite.
Nielsen Pearson on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
