Nick Lowe has done a very rare thing: He has shown the rock and pop world how to make some of the best music of a long career in its twilight. He has shown grace and isn't screwing around with trying to look and write like he's still 32. For me, the 1994 album "Impossible Bird" starts the trend. The Convincer (2001) is probably my favorite of the run, but they are all great albums and really fun to listen to.
"Stoplight Roses" is my favorite tune off the new effort, "The Old Magic". We were arguing with Peter Wolf about this album back stage on Tuesday. He says it sounds kind of "demo-ey", thin and not particularly compelling. That's fair. But the thing is, look what we're comparing it to - other recent Nick Lowe records! Its still a great record, full of great songs. I don't think I can say this as strong as I mean it: Nick Lowe is kicking everyone else in the freakin' ass right now. I'm yawning through piles of middle aged artists clinging to the fitful angst of their youths. Its OK for rockers to grow up. Its cool to put on a suit that fits.