Review Summary: But thanks for your time. And you can thank me for mine. And after It's said, forget it..
The story of Rodriguez is truly a remarkable one. Rodriguez was around a time where Bob Dylan was a highly regarded folk artist. Rodriguez released "Cold Fact" on 1970. It received little to no attention in the US. Why this album was treated indifferently is a mystery. But perhaps what is even more remarkable, is the fact that Rodriguez was building a huge following in South Africa. There, he was idolized even more than Elvis Presley. You literally couldn't go anywhere without finding a copy of "Cold Fact" in somebody's record collection. The people of South Africa knew very little of Rodriguez, and it was widely believed that he had committed suicide during an onstage performance. Rodriguez didn't realize the huge following he gained until many years later.
One of the main things that makes this album a true classic is the topics that it brushes up on. Rodriguez grew up around the rough parts of Detroit. A lot of the struggles he and his peers face are often reflected on this album. But this album also revolves around the topics of love, poverty, break ups, and jealousy. He somehow manages to fit all of these topics into the album without any song feeling misplaced. Cold Fact is basically the life of an average Joe living in 70's Detroit. Take "Establishment Blues" for example. On this song, Rodriguez is stating facts about modern day Detroit that are pretty much sad but true. Well I guess you could call them "Cold Facts".
"Garbage ain't collected, women ain't protected, Politicians using people, the mafia's getting bigger, like pollution in the river."
These facts are nothing mind blowing or revealing. But just the fact that Rodriguez had the gall to discuss them, at a time where it where it was considered controversial to do so, is nothing short of impressive. "Sugar Man" is probably his most famous song. The song is super catchy and has a psychedelic influence in it. Rodriguez's voice makes really makes the song shine, as he sings it with a yearning. Almost like he is searching for something. In this case it could be happiness. Or happiness through drugs.
The buzz guitar effect on "Only Good for Conversation" is truly ahead of It's time. It's the type of thing you'd hear in a modern day Ween song. "Hate Street Dialog" is another strong track. Rodriguez talks about how the inner city gave birth to him. And judging by the lyrics, Rodriguez isn't to happy about that. But it is his home and he has to make due. It has a really nice western feel to it and the song doesn't drag on. It is short like most of the songs on the album. Unlike Bob Dylan who would drag out a song past the 6 minute mark, Rodriguez keeps most of his songs short and sweet. Like in the track "Forget it", which is one of the best tracks on the album. And the reason why is because of how much of an impact it leaves on you in just under two minutes. It is the beautiful break up song. With simple and to the point lyrics.
"Thanks for your time. And you can thank me for mine. And after that's said. Forget it.."
Rodriguez can be very poetic too. As shown in such songs as "Hate Street Dialog". "I wonder" is one of the catchiest songs on the album. It consists of a nice bass line, and straight forward lyrics about Rodriguez's concerns regarding sex, war, etc. "Crucify Your Mind" contains some of Rodriguez's most powerful lyrics. With such phrases like:
"Was it a huntsman or a player, that made you pay the cost. That now assumes relaxed positions, And prostitutes your loss?"
On "Rich Folks Hoax", Rodriguez sings about people preventing the inevitable. He is saying that whether you are rich or poor, it doesn't matter because..
"The sun is shining as It's always done, coffin dust is the fate of everyone"
He's basically saying we will all meet the same fate in the end. It's basically just another cold fact from Rodriguez. The song has a dark mood that resonates through the clingy acoustic guitar strums. There isn't a dull moment nor a bad song on this album. It is a wonderful hidden gem that the USA let slip under their noses. Thank goodness that South Africa appreciated his talent. Otherwise we most likely wouldn't of discovered him ourselves. After 40 plus years the album has aged well, and the topics Rodriguez discusses are still relevant today.
Rodriguez is truly a remarkable folk artist who deserves to be named under the same breath as Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, and other great folk musicians of his time. His story is also a great inspiration for other artist like myself who feel that no one will ever listen to their music. If you are unfamiliar with him and you like such artist like Dylan, definitely check this guy out. I would also strongly recommend watching the documentary "Searching for Sugar Man". An Academy Award winning documentary that discusses Rodriguez's career far more better than I ever could. Rodriguez is a shining example that no matter what, good music will always be discovered. Or just has to be discovered in South Africa..
Recommended Tracks:
Sugar Man
Crucify Your Mind
Hate Street Dialog
Forget It
I Wonder
Rich Folks Hoax
