This Complete List Of Brinsley Schwarz Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Brinsley Schwarz studio albums. The band was first formed in 1969. The group hailed from the area of England. Dave Edmunds produced the band’s albums. Nick Lowe’s famous song “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,” which was made famous by Elvis Costello, was first recorded and released by Brinsley Schwarz
Brinsley Schwarz
Released April 1970
Brinsley Schwarz, the debut album by the eponymous band, marked the beginning of their journey in the pub rock scene. It was an experimental and eclectic mix of country, rock, and pop, showcasing the band’s versatility. The album, recorded at Olympic Studios in London in late 1969, featured Brinsley Schwarz (lead guitar, vocals), Nick Lowe (bass guitar, vocals), Ian Gomm (guitar, vocals), Bob Andrews (keyboards, vocals), and Billy Rankin (drums). Produced by Dave Robinson, it didn’t achieve significant commercial success but laid the groundwork for the band’s future direction.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hymn to Me” – 4:50
- “Shining Brightly” – 4:02
- “Rock and Roll Women” – 3:18
- “Lady Constant” – 7:00
- “What Do You Suggest?” – 4:47
- “Mayfly” – 4:37
- “Ballad of a Has Been Beauty Queen” – 9:50 – Our favorite song on the album.
Despite It All
Released December 1970
Despite It All showcased a more cohesive and focused sound from Brinsley Schwarz, delving deeper into country and roots-rock influences. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, during the summer of 1970, the album was produced by Dave Edmunds, who helped refine the band’s sound. The record features the same lineup as their debut.
CD Track Listings:
- “Country Girl” – 3:07 – Our favorite song on the album.
- “The Slow One” – 4:14
- “Funk Angel” – 2:50
- “Piece of Home” – 2:42
- “Love Song” – 4:03
- “Starship” – 6:35
- “Ebury Down” – 6:36
- “Old Jarrow” – 5:15
Silver Pistol
Released February 1972
With Silver Pistol, Brinsley Schwarz fully embraced a country-rock sound, creating an album with heartfelt lyrics and harmonious melodies. The album was recorded at Olympic Studios and Rockfield Studios in 1971, and produced by Dave Robinson. The band’s lineup remained consistent, and their growing chemistry was evident.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dry Land” – 2:44
- “Merry Go Round” – 4:06
- “One More Day” – 2:53 – Our favorite song on the album.
- “Nightingale” – 3:04
- “Silver Pistol” – 3:36
- “The Last Time I Was Fooled” – 4:05
- “Unknown Number” – 3:00
- “Range War” – 2:38
- “Egypt” – 4:29
- “Niki Hoeke Speedway” – 2:55
- “Ju Ju Man” – 3:23
- “Rockin’ Chair” – 2:13
This song is so cool. It has a wonderful Grateful Dead vibe to it.
Nervous on the Road
Released September 1972
Nervous on the Road saw Brinsley Schwarz continuing to refine their country-rock style, with a stronger focus on storytelling and character-driven songs. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in early 1972 and produced by Dave Edmunds, the album featured more polished production and tighter musicianship. The band members were now more confident in their roles, and this album is often considered one of their best works, though it still did not achieve significant commercial success.
CD Track Listings:
- “It’s Been So Long” – 2:07
- “Happy Doing What We’re Doing” – 4:40
- “Surrender to the Rhythm” – 3:22
- “Don’t Lose Your Grip on Love” – 4:20
- “Nervous on the Road (But Can’t Stay at Home)” – 4:54
- “Feel a Little Funky” – 5:05
- “I Like It Like That” – 3:06
- “Brand New You, Brand New Me” – 4:36
- “Home in My Hand” – 2:52
- “Why, Why, Why, Why, Why” – 3:40
Please Don’t Ever Change
Released November 1973
Please Don’t Ever Change marked a slight departure from the pure country-rock style of their previous albums, incorporating more pop and rock elements. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in mid-1973 and produced by Dave Edmunds, this album showcased the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Despite its diverse sound, it maintained the quintessential Brinsley Schwarz charm. Like their previous albums, it was well-received critically but did not significantly impact the charts.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hooked on Love” – 2:42
- “Why Do We Hurt the One We Love?” – 3:52 – Our Top pick
- “I Worry (‘Bout You Baby)” – 3:16
- “Don’t Ever Change” – 3:00
- “Home in My Hand” – 2:52
- “Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)” – 4:12
- “I Won’t Make It Without You” – 3:52
- “Down in Mexico” – 3:22
- “Speedoo” – 2:45
- “The Version (Hypocrite)” – 5:10
The New Favourites of… Brinsley Schwarz
Released August 1974
The New Favourites of… Brinsley Schwarz, released in 1974, is often regarded as the pinnacle of the band’s career. It showcased a matured sound that seamlessly blended elements of pop, rock, and country. This album was recorded at Rockfield Studios and Eden Studios in London, during early 1974, and was produced by Dave Edmunds, who had become a key figure in shaping the band’s sound. The lineup, consistent since their debut, displayed a tightness and synergy that only years of playing together could achieve. Notably, this album included the single “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,” written by Nick Lowe, which would later become an enduring hit for Elvis Costello.
CD Track Listings:
- “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” – 3:34 – Our favorite song on the album.
- “Ever Since You’re Gone” – 4:10
- “The Ugly Things” – 2:51
- “I Got the Real Thing” – 3:47
- “The Look That’s in Your Eye Tonight” – 3:55
- “Now’s the Time” – 2:41
- “Small Town, Big City” – 3:54
- “Trying to Live My Life Without You” – 3:19
- “I Like You, I Don’t Love You” – 3:25
- “Down in the Dive” – 3:57
- “(It’s Gonna Be a) Bring Down” – 3:18
- “Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)” – 4:13
Complete List Of Brinsley Schwarz Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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