[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Joe Jackson — Fools in Love (Live)
Album: Live 1980/86
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2108









Released: 1988
Length: 7:22
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Fools in love
Well, are there any other kind of lovers?
Fools in love
Is there any other kind of pain?

Everything you do, everywhere you go now
Everything you touch, everything you feel
Everything you see, everything you know now
Everything you do, you do it for your lady love
Your lady love, your lady love, your lady love

Fools in love
Are there any creatures more pathetic?
Fools in love
Never knowing when they've lost the game

Everything you do, everywhere you go now
Everything you touch, everything you feel
Everything you see, everything you know now
Everything you do, you do it for your lady love
Your lady love, your lady love, your lady love

Fools in love they think they're heroes
Cause they get to feel more pain
I say fools in love are zeros
I should know
I should know because this fool's in love again

Fools in love
Gently hold each other hands forever
Fools in love
Gently tear each other limb from limb

Everything you do, everywhere you go now
Everything you touch, everything you feel
Everything you do, even your rock 'n' roll now
Nothing mean a thing except you and your lady love
Your lady love, your lady love, your lady love

Fools in love they think they're heroes
Cause they get to feel more pain
I say fools in love are zeros
I should know
I should know because this fool's in love again

Fools in love they think they're heroes
Cause they get to feel more pain
I say fools in love are zeros
I should know
I should know because this fool's in love again
Comments (264)add comment
 surfool wrote:


I get it. They have a lot in common. Quirky but amazing/strong voices. Great musicians and lyricists (esp. Costello on the lyrics front, IMO). Great band leaders. British.  Kinda a bit jazzy. Etc.


Good analysis, accurate comparison. Thanks!




wow this song sounds like Elvis Costello

 scraig wrote:

I'd love to hear "Cancer" as well as a bunch of other great Joe Jackson songs. 




Unfortunately William isn't much of a Joe Jackson fan. 
 danielh wrote:

I really thought this was Elvis Costello.



I get it. They have a lot in common. Quirky but amazing/strong voices. Great musicians and lyricists (esp. Costello on the lyrics front, IMO). Great band leaders. British.  Kinda a bit jazzy. Etc.
Fantastic live performance & recording of the same.
 Queue wrote:

Joe always seems to have an amazing bass player in the ranks.  This song is no exception, that solo grooves!



Graham Maby, as noted.

The flange effect on the bass just makes me melt. Joe Jackson arranges some phenomenal bass lines.
Excellent version of this song, thank you RP! I saw Joe in 1982 at the Greek Theater in Hollywood. His band was all keyboards and percussion, which was a big departure from his earlier guitar and bass driven songs. I was disappointed at first but when they did "Is she really going out with him" acapella it was awesome, they really won me over! Joe is not afraid to mix things up. 
He looks like such a pervert in that Wikipedia picture.
I'd love to hear "Cancer" as well as a bunch of other great Joe Jackson songs. 
Very thoughtful mature, lyrics, about a sucker in love.
I really thought this was Elvis Costello.
With Joe, add a decade when you think of his stuff. his big 80's stuff is often from the 70's, and he did the Swing Thing well before that was big.
 ToddBradley wrote:

I just thought the same thing! I was hoping this was some awesome Devo cover. It's got the same chord progression at "Gut Feeling". Speaking of weird connections, if you've seen Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" you've heard that intro music. Mark Mothersbaugh did the music for the movie, not surprisingly.



I found a reference to the Bluegrass Mongoloid song that states:
"There is a bluegrass version of the song, recorded in Cleveland, Ohio,
by the Hotfoot Quartet in 1980 and released as a 45 rpm single on the
Black Snake label."
But I could not find a link to the actual recording. I do have an .mp3 version of the song. It is great!
 nomnol wrote:


Is that the album produced without using (lead or rhythm) guitar? I know he said he wanted to make an album like that. And JJ certainly could. 


i guess that would be "night and day" one of many other briliant jewels in JJ treasure box

and this song was recorded on its consecutive tour...

http://tralfaz-archives.com/co...
This moves to 10 today from the Bristol office.  Love as always to you, RP.
I saw JJ perform in Calgary during this time period. He was great. I've always loved the Day and Night album.
 drewd wrote:

Look Sharp was an outstanding album IMO.  Definitely one of my all time favorites! Loved every song from start to finish, including this one. I kinda like this version as well.



Is that the album produced without using (lead or rhythm) guitar? I know he said he wanted to make an album like that. And JJ certainly could. 
 ExpatLarry wrote:

I've liked Joe Jackson for so many years(decades now) used to buy all his albums, and I've always thought he was kind of underrated. He's a damned good songwriter and musician and he definitely has never tried to sound like anybody else. My 2 cents.



Joe Jackson himself said - when I saw him at the Fillmore many years ago - that no one covers his songs. His songs are very unique to him. 
 rabaak wrote:

This guy is way under rated in my opinion. He has been producing good music since the 80's

Sunday Paper is one of my fav's.




Nobody (including Joe Jackson himself) agrees with  me, but I think Beat Crazy is a masterpiece.
Phenomenal bass work...
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:

Only 6,3 for this song? Is that because of this live version?



kinda sucko-barfo, that's why.
Glad to see joe is still around and still making great music
I've liked Joe Jackson for so many years(decades now) used to buy all his albums, and I've always thought he was kind of underrated. He's a damned good songwriter and musician and he definitely has never tried to sound like anybody else. My 2 cents.
 uncled wrote:
The intro of this song makes we want to listen to Devo's "Gut Feeling".....again.

by the way, does anyone know who did the country western version of Devo's "Mongoloid"?
I've only heard it once. Fabulous stuff.

 
I just thought the same thing! I was hoping this was some awesome Devo cover. It's got the same chord progression at "Gut Feeling". Speaking of weird connections, if you've seen Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" you've heard that intro music. Mark Mothersbaugh did the music for the movie, not surprisingly.
A solo by the normally quiet but rock-solid bassist Graham Maby ... and a great example of how the rest of the band can support a solo.
Was thinking to myself, "a Joe Jackson song would be great about now," and: Voila! A small silver lining during a global pandemic? Anyway, thanks Bill!
This is a perfect example of why I listen to / support Radio Paradise.

Such a great rendition of this song.  Never knew it existed (this live version) until now.

As is often repeated here - long live RP.
This guy is way under rated in my opinion. He has been producing good music since the 80's

Sunday Paper is one of my fav's.
Look Sharp was an outstanding album IMO.  Definitely one of my all time favorites! Loved every song from start to finish, including this one. I kinda like this version as well.
The entire double album is phenomenal. Love the swirling keyboards on this- the buildup to a crescendo of sound and feeling- to be matched by Joe’s snarling vocals- his derision at being a victim again. Great writer and performer....
a terriffic version from a terrific artist - the choice of this song on the playlist is one of many evidences that RP is digging very deep and with much consideration and tons of good taste into the library of worlds music
Wow... didn't know Steve Buscemi plays music as well.
 luckywhitegirl wrote:
Ewwww. On the bright side I like the color choice for "sucko-barfo". It really does look like barf. 
 

because of the comment, i went from a 3>>>1

great color!
Had the pleasure of seeing Joe in concert last year. He gave an excellent concert.
Superb.  But then, he always was a classy act.
Got woken up this morning by this song. Heard it for the first time and thought it was Elvis Costello. Obviously it isn't - but it's a great song. Gets an initial 8.
Saw some jazz guy cover this song at the Blue Note some random night I was there. Name was Steiger I believe. Great cover.
I admire Joe Jackson. If you get the opportunity to read his biography, do it! Love this guy!
 Queue wrote:
Joe always seems to have an amazing bass player in the ranks.  This song is no exception, that solo grooves!

 

That's Graham Maby on bass.

This is decent, but I prefer the rawness and somewhat faster tempo of the studio version.

wicked piece of music!  fun to slowly recite the lyrics along with this solid gang of pros, am in the very jam of desire with a particular vixen
Joe always seems to have an amazing bass player in the ranks.  This song is no exception, that solo grooves!
 Noé wrote:
I though it was the CURE {#Beat} A forest 1979

 


I though it was the CURE {#Beat}
 Andybob wrote:

I couldn't have put it better. I've now seen him live four times since 1982 with some big gaps in between. His shows are always challenging and refreshing featuring incredible musicians and brilliant arrangements. He defies genres.
There's a great bit in Hugh Cornwell's autobiography where he's staying in a hotel room and he kept hearing opera singing coming from the room next door. He tried banging on the door but no answer. He called reception and they couldn't get an answer. Finally it stopped. By chance he was leaving his room at the same time as the noisy neighbor and it was Joe Jackson who he'd met the odd time. He asked him what the hell was with the loud opera singing and Jackson apologized and said he always sang opera before a gig to limber up his vocal chords. What more can you say.

 
Great story Andybob! (Happy Birthday young man : )
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
Only 6,3 for this song? Is that because of this live version?

 
Well, I gave this song an 8... and it's up to 6.4... LOL
{#Hearteyes}
Only 6,3 for this song? Is that because of this live version?
 Synth80s wrote:
Joe is in my top 5 artists of all time. Most people know him for a limited chunk of his recorded output (usually the late 70s JJ Band albums and/or some mid-80s albums), but his total catalog is full of gems...and a few misses. Even when some of his experiments don't pan out, Joe deserves credit for constantly reinventing himself and being willing to try new ideas with his back catalog as this cut exemplifies. If you want to hear a songwriting tour de force, pick up Big World. It was his next release after this double live album, and it was a collection of great new songs all recorded live. He also has a number of live albums from the 90s and 2000s where his reinterpretation skills are on full display.
 
I couldn't have put it better. I've now seen him live four times since 1982 with some big gaps in between. His shows are always challenging and refreshing featuring incredible musicians and brilliant arrangements. He defies genres.
There's a great bit in Hugh Cornwell's autobiography where he's staying in a hotel room and he kept hearing opera singing coming from the room next door. He tried banging on the door but no answer. He called reception and they couldn't get an answer. Finally it stopped. By chance he was leaving his room at the same time as the noisy neighbor and it was Joe Jackson who he'd met the odd time. He asked him what the hell was with the loud opera singing and Jackson apologized and said he always sang opera before a gig to limber up his vocal chords. What more can you say.
Joe is in my top 5 artists of all time. Most people know him for a limited chunk of his recorded output (usually the late 70s JJ Band albums and/or some mid-80s albums), but his total catalog is full of gems...and a few misses. Even when some of his experiments don't pan out, Joe deserves credit for constantly reinventing himself and being willing to try new ideas with his back catalog as this cut exemplifies. If you want to hear a songwriting tour de force, pick up Big World. It was his next release after this double live album, and it was a collection of great new songs all recorded live. He also has a number of live albums from the 90s and 2000s where his reinterpretation skills are on full display.
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:
What a funny post: 3 angry Brits ending the reign of 3 American groups. Could it be this simple? {#Ask}
 
Wait a minute, wasn't Rick Astley a Brit?
https://c2.thejournal.ie/media/2011/07/rickast-390x285.jpg
{#Hearteyes}
great in his live recordings!
 MiracleDrug wrote:
always loved the axis of "Angry Young Men":

Elvis Costello

Joe Jackson

Graham Parker

these guys effectively ENDED the reign of terror from the likes of

REO Speedwagon

Styx

Jefferson Whatchamacallit

thank them...

PROFUSELY

 
What a funny post: 3 angry Brits ending the reign of 3 American groups. Could it be this simple? {#Ask}

It's weird.  At a couple of points he sounds like Elvis Costello singing Nature Boy--at least to me.


 bam23 wrote:
I generally avoid noting how much I dislike a song, since it hardly should matter to anyone, even me. …
 
Precisely the reason long ago I began to use Bill's (judgmental) rating system a different way: the frequency I'd like to hear the song on RP—I'd like to hear my 10s often and my 1s very little, with the others in between. This came after a "who-am-I-to-judge-these-(mostly)-wonderful-talents" moment, probably involving someone like Ray Charles, Bjork or Tom Waits, who are truly great but I don't want to hear as often as others. But for me it's all about the song, not the artist.
 expatlar wrote:
I'm glad to hear Joe Jackson on rp. The guy is a great songwriter and his friggin' singing should be judged in the same way Neil Young, Leonard Coen, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Leon Russell are judged. He's not a pure singer, who gives a...darn.

 

squeal young should stick to chewing his bubblegum... the rest of that group write so well it matters not if they are always in voice....Coen, Dylan and Russell make their own classes, so all their stuff is great even when they can't hold a note (mostly bob) when the really fine work nothing detracts from quality, as Van Morrison has proven from Them to now
Good stuff !
Ewwww. On the bright side I like the color choice for "sucko-barfo". It really does look like barf. 
 bam23 wrote:
I generally avoid noting how much I dislike a song, since it hardly should matter to anyone, even me. However, there is a combination of extreme earnestness and vocal dissonance in this particular performance that really grates. I like the instrumental portion, at least

 
The instrumental portion and his voice are in a close race on this song. 
My Joe Jackson greatest hits album is one of my favorites:   so slinky good!!!
I'm glad to hear Joe Jackson on rp. The guy is a great songwriter and his friggin' singing should be judged in the same way Neil Young, Leonard Coen, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Leon Russell are judged. He's not a pure singer, who gives a...darn.
 raga wrote:
Why less than a plain 10?
 
Cause its not very good?  Yup... thats why {#Yes}
Always liked Joe, but this version doesn't do much for me, and for the most part I'm not a fan of "live" albums.  The original on the studio album arrangement is quite different and really much better.
Like the music but the singing is painfully bad. That's why I find it hard to enjoy any songs Joe has recorded. His live performances in particular reveal how poorly he sings.
remarkably bad
Why less than a plain 10?
 PopKombo wrote:
Never heard this version.  One word.  WOW!
 
Yeah —- same here.  I foolishly LOVE this song {#Yes}
 myersei wrote:
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.
 
The anti-cigarette establishment? Like, anyone with an ounce of sense, is he referring to?
I learned to mute this as soon as I hear those bongos.  ick.  
More Joe!

I'm surprised that there are only 7 of his songs in the RP playlist.  I would have guessed that there would be at least a few dozen.  Starting with almost all of the Look Sharp album — what an incredible debut album.
I generally avoid noting how much I dislike a song, since it hardly should matter to anyone, even me. However, there is a combination of extreme earnestness and vocal dissonance in this particular performance that really grates. I like the instrumental portion, at least
Yep - what a track!

As a plus - he has some interesting views.

https://www.joejackson.com/smoking.php
Like it...most JJ is welcome by me...
just awful...
When I heard the beginning of the song I thought (and hoped) someone had recorded a funky version of "Gut Feeling" by Devo. It's exactly the same chord progression. Way to imitate the masters, Mr. Jackson! :-)
 ziakut wrote:
I like a lot of Joe Jackson music, but he takes himself far too seriously. Wonder if anyone has ever bought him a mirror for his birthday.
 
Hmm. I highly recommend "A Cure for Gravity: A Musical Pilgrimage," his autobiography. It would seem to me that he takes the music seriously, and himself with the right amount of self deprecation. And if you consider that he lives for performing live and the interaction with his audience, I think you'd find that his commitment to his work far outweighs whatever gravitas he occasionally conveys.

Never heard this version.  One word.  WOW!
always loved the axis of "Angry Young Men":

Elvis Costello

Joe Jackson

Graham Parker

these guys effectively ENDED the reign of terror from the likes of

REO Speedwagon

Styx

Jefferson Whatchamacallit

thank them...

PROFUSELY
Strange the intro sounds like Jaghit Singh.{#Eek}
 myersei wrote:
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.

S
tudies have shown that taking medical advice from musicians is hazardous to your health.

Never have cared for this guy much.  : \
for a split second I thought this was "sad and deep as you" by gov't mule.
 myersei wrote:
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.
 

Yea, but he is spot on about the Nanny State.  Refreshing to see that out of an artist.
I like a lot of Joe Jackson music, but he takes himself far too seriously. Wonder if anyone has ever bought him a mirror for his birthday.
 Proclivities wrote:

That's not really what he asserts; he writes more about the science (or lack thereof), specifically in relation to second-hand smoke.  I don't necessarily agree with his conclusions, but apparently you haven't read it, or just decided to inaccurately summarize it.
Good version of this tune, by the way.
 
That's pretty much exactly what he asserts.  Read past the first page.  The essay's divided into 4 parts of which the first is completely dedicated to discrediting the "convenient numbers".

Agreed though, good version of the tune. 
Interesting views on this song - first time I have heard on RP. Sometimes not knowing the artist can influence an opinion - I like this version cause I know his material and have seen him live - but I can understand people not relating to this live version of what is an excellent song from a studio album. The only thing I can add is that Joe Jackson is probably one of the most underrated UK songwirters of the "punk" era i.e. late severties / early eighties - imho, he is up there with Elvis Costello, Morrissey and Paul Weller - great lyrics - check out "Be My Number Two" - if you have ever been in that situation you will understand why it would bring a tear to a glass eye!!!!!
There must be 20 other Joe Jackson songs I would rather hear than this tortured version of a good song. How about something fun like 'Sunday Paper' or a song from Laughter and Lust. 

Key to a good live track is being able to sing in tune. I could hold key better than this guy. Awful!
 myersei wrote:
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.
 
Hurrah! Joe goes up in my list of people to get to know better. 

Anyone who questions what we are collectively fed on a daily basis that purports to be 'good for us' is certainly on my personal wavelength. 

Thanks for the heads up. 
You may be referring to the Inara George cover.  I like that version too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvKgqWq_VfM
 
soulcollision wrote:

there is a woman who sings this song, but i can't remember which artist - her version is far more inspiring and beautiful... this version shocks my system.

 

I love the original version of this song.  This live track actually bores me.  
 myersei wrote:
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.
 
That's not really what he asserts; he writes more about the science (or lack thereof), specifically in relation to second-hand smoke.  I don't necessarily agree with his conclusions, but apparently you haven't read it, or just decided to inaccurately summarize it.
Good version of this tune, by the way.


I never even liked the song until I heard this version. Quite nice.
 TimeWaster wrote:

Likin' the Hammond

 
I like how it builds to that first soft crescendo. . . 
 
Joe Jackson believes that the fact that smoking causes lung cancer is a lie spread the anti-cigarette establishment.  Check out his website.  He wrote a book (or pamphlet perhaps) on it.
Pretty good version.

there is a woman who sings this song, but i can't remember which artist - her version is far more inspiring and beautiful... this version shocks my system.



mi piace, proprio mi piace.... i like it, i really like it....

Likin' the Hammond


This song doesn't do anything for me.  The chorus actually gets on my nerves.  {#No}
Joe Jackson ... a pretty eclectic artist ... I'm digging this one ... {#Sunny}
Maybe, Graham - no, you ARE the best!
 kaybee wrote:
Wow, can't believe the low rating for this, perhaps my favourite Joe Jackson piece.  The bass and the raw emotion in his voice nail it for me.
 
Yeah, I'm a bit puzzled by the low ratings, too.
Can't agree.  I think the man has a superb voice.

onomasticator wrote:
He has genius for arrangements and writing, which he should have stuck to IMHO.  His voice was passable on I'm the Man, but he just couldn't sustain that act.
 


I really like Joe Jackson, but this wears me out
This whole Saturday playlist has me wondering if I should come back to RP later, and that is a rarity 
He has genius for arrangements and writing, which he should have stuck to IMHO.  His voice was passable on I'm the Man, but he just couldn't sustain that act.
Joe always keeps amazing me the way he re-arranges his (old) songs in a way that they sound new and fresh again. He truly is a great artist!
 kaybee wrote:
Wow, can't believe the low rating for this, perhaps my favourite Joe Jackson piece.  The bass and the raw emotion in his voice nail it for me.
 
Yep, impressive on many levels.  He remakes his own work of art.  Another example of RP's ability to capture my attention :)

Wow, can't believe the low rating for this, perhaps my favourite Joe Jackson piece.  The bass and the raw emotion in his voice nail it for me.

He's too off tone for my liking, live concerts can be grating. 5


HazzeSwede wrote:
There's a hammond ,,nuff for me to give it a 6 first time around.
But there should be a law against {#Whistle} when attending a live concert recording !


The whistling's my favorite bit....they should have a name check on the sleeve notes,.

There's a hammond ,,nuff for me to give it a 6 first time around.
But there should be a law against {#Whistle} when attending a live concert recording !

 teapot wrote:
Speaking of cover songs...Inara George does one of this song, and it's excellent. Check iTunes.
 
That one is fantastic!
This one? I can't stomach. At. All.


This is one of my favorite JJ songs. Great lyrics. It took me a while to get used to this arrangement, but I still love it.

Speaking of cover songs...Inara George does one of this song, and it's excellent. Check iTunes.
i never cared for much for Joe Jackson...until i hooked up with this girl who had this album and then she pretty much dumped me.

Like this song, still.


 h9xh9xh9x wrote:
Yes. Almost as bad as anything from the church of Bob.
 
Are you referring to the Church of the Subgenius?



Nine. Some of you guys must never have been on the losing side of an unrequited relationship.

And yeah..I prefer this version to the studio one.
ouch ... listening to this is painful ! .... kinda' like shooting yourself in the foot with a nail gun... only the nail gun pain doesn't drone on for 6 minutes....
This is a great live album across the board.  Is this really the only track from it that RP plays?  The search history indicates so.

 DrCyKosis wrote:
Anybody remember Gallagher's joke from the 80s that Joe Jackson shouldn't do his own videos?
 
No, but the funniest joe jackson related quote...

He released "Big World," which is a double CD with just three sides of music (recorded live in front of an audience who was told to be silent).  

One review said something like "side 4..." (which was the blank side) "...was his most introspective work ever."  

I like Joe Jackson, but that was funny...