VIA PRESS RELEASE | A Memphis pop icon, Van Duren was not only a contemporary of Big Star, but also played with that band’s alumni Chris Bell and Jody Stephens in the Baker Street Regulars, in 1976. As a solo artist he was managed by Andrew Loog Oldham (The Rolling Stones). His 1978 debut album, Are You Serious?, found folks comparing him to artists like Todd Rundgren and Paul McCartney. He recorded a second album that was shelved and, 20 years later, released without his involvement. Thanks to the acclaimed 2018 documentary film Waiting: The Van Duren Story and its soundtrack, many have recently encountered Van Duren for the first time, while those who knew of him discovered what became of him.
Now, finally, Are You Serious?, along with its follow-up, Idiot Optimism, will return to the marketplace remastered from the original analog tapes on CD, double LP, limited-edition colored vinyl and, for the first time, digital. The packages, from Omnivore Recordings, will be released on October 30, 2020. The vinyl editions (while supplies last) will be available exclusively from www.omnivorerecordings.com. All versions are available for pre-order now. With 13 originals written by Duren (with Jody Stephens the only co-writer, on one track), and packaging featuring new liner notes from Van and previously unseen photos, Are You Serious? looks and sounds better than ever, a boon for, well, serious collectors who’ve been looking high and low for this album.
After the release of Are You Serious?, Van Duren immediately returned to the studio, recording 14 tracks (one a medley of two songs) that rivaled his tremendous debut. But the album didn’t see the light of day for two decades, when inexplicably, it was released in Japan without any input from the artist.
With full creative control from Duren, this reissue of Idiot Optimism will be packaged with new art, liners from Van outlining the story of the album, and many previously unseen photos. Featuring his 14 originals and a cover of Bell’s “Make a Scene,” this new edition is remastered from the original analog tapes. Like Are You Serious?, Idiot Optimism has never looked nor sounded better. These are the definitive versions of two lost classics.
Duren explains, “After the unexpected success of my first album, Are You Serious? and the wild tour that followed its release in 1978, the label asked for a second album. I took over the role of producer/ringmaster as we began recording in early autumn ’78. Working now and then over the next 16 months, the album was completed in early 1980, a collection of 15 songs I dubbed Idiot Optimism. The new songs shifted from the solo multi-instrumentalist thing to a more ‘live band’ approach. Progressive pop rock with some R&B edge.
“After a huge dispute with the label, the album was shelved and I walked away. It was finally issued on CD by Japan’s Airmail Recordings in 1999 (although the mastering — from the former label — was not great). Now remastered from the original mixes, the album shines like never before.
Forty years on, I still consider Idiot Optimism to be right at the top of my discography. And through the magical powers of the good folks at Omnivore Recordings, this album and the first, Are You Serious? have not only been restored but improved upon, with top-notch mastering and terrific packages that truly enhance the listening experience. Turn it up!”
Track Listings:
Are You Serious?
1. Chemical Fire
2. This Love Inside
3. Oh Babe
4. Waiting
5. Grow Yourself Up
6. Guaranteed
7. Positive (Wedding Song)
8. New Year’s Eve
9. So Good To Me (For The Time Being)
10. Yellow Light
11. For A While
12. Stupid Enough
13. The Love That I Love
Idiot Optimism
1. Bear With Me All The Way
2. Make A Scene
3. Tennessee, I’m Trying
4. Convincing Convictions
5. That
6. Life In Layers
7. What’s Keeping You?
8. Torn In Half
9. Hand Over Hand
10. Andy, Please
11. Woman Needs Man Needs Woman
12. Mabel (I’m Amazed)
13. Reminds Me Of Me
14. Medley: Love At The Heart Of It / Mad At The Moon
