Sorrows - Cricket Man

NYC power pop pioneers SORROWS have won fresh critical and radio acclaim for the release of their final album PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW, a raucous document of their last, never-before-heard 1981 session. Big Stir Records is proud to bring you one more single from the album and a true, heartfelt tribute to the John Lennon, whose 1980 death was keenly felt at the time and still resonates today. “Cricket Man” sees release March 21 (accompanied by a new Official Music Video) and is up for pre-order/pre-save now.

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW has been widely praised for capturing the raw energy of the original SORROWS lineup -- ARTHUR ALEXANDER (vocals, guitar), JOEY COLA (vocals, guitar), RICKY STREET (vocals, bass) and JETT HARRIS (drums) -- at their fiery, rocking best. The one-night session that yielded its tracks, finally mixed for the first time by Alexander for the new release, presents the band in fighting spirit, wounded but invigorated from having been cut loose by a label who'd sabotaged their second album (a wrong since put right by the recent release of the band's definitive recreation LOVE TOO LATE... the real album). PARTING finds the band at the peak of their powers and brings the frustration of the era, and the rapid changes in the music industry, vividly to life in a way that's just immediate today as it was at the time. But the band's own struggles weren't the only bitter news of the day; there was also the shock of the loss of one of their heroes.

“The song is for John Lennon,” recalls Arthur. “At the time, I was working on a new song, had the first few lines of melody and lyrics. It was probably going to end up one of those about a guy pondering the 'meaning of life', or wallowing in sorrow (no pun intended) after being ditched by his girl. It was just another day, and I had just gotten home from Sorrows’ rehearsal that night when the phone rung and my life changed forever… It was no longer just another day. December 8, 1980.” The loss of Lennon pushed the song that would become “Cricket Man” in a new direction. And while the unbridled energy of Sorrows live in the studio fuels the track as it does all the songs on the album, Arthur's modern mix adds tasteful sonic nods to the Beatles legacy that take the tune over the top.

The SORROWS story may have come to a belated and boisterous end, but “Cricket Man” is just one example of the legacy they have left behind. Arthur Alexander continues to be a force to be reckoned with, now at work on his third solo album following the indie hits steppin' out! and ONE BAR LEFT. Together with the essential SORROWS catalog, finally complete all these years later, they represent a vital body of work awaiting the discovery of power pop fans everywhere... with more to come from its prime mover. Stand by!