Not to be confused with .38 Special's film soundtrack theme that sports the same redundant title (which is a thoroughly decent mainstream rock tune in its own right, by the way), this 1980 track from seasoned pub rockers Rockpile represents one of the finest moments of early-'80s pop/rock. Of course, this wasn't reflected by the song's performance on the Billboard pop charts, as it failed to crack the Top 40 despite an utterly sublime mixture of guitar riffing, verse melodicism and a life-affirming, deliciously hooky chorus.
Despite the presence in the band of at least two major roots rock singer-songwriters (Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds), "Teacher Teacher" is a borrowed composition. The group's performance and Lowe's lead vocals in particular make the song sound completely organic and Rockpile's own, but in fact Kenny Pickett and Eddie Phillips - former leaders of obscure cult band the Creation - are responsible for the composition. Even so, Rockpile presents the signature recording of a tune more than worthy of classic status. So which "Teacher Teacher" is the best? Let's just say my iPod has room for both.
- Sample or download "Teacher Teacher" here.
- Compare prices on Rockpile CDs here.
- Top 7 Nick Lowe Songs of the '80s
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Columbia/Legacy
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