Carly Simon -- ready for the 1980s

1980 saw several changes for Carly Simon: a new record label (Warner Brothers), a new producer (Mike Mainieri), and a new album called 'Come Upstairs' with a very different sound than her previous works. Even the cover featured photos by photographer Mick Rock, who photographed several pop icons including David Bowie and Debbie Harry.

It was with this album that Carly embraced New Wave, which gave her voice and songs even more of a modern edge. "Take Me As I Am," "Stardust," "Them," and the title track are pure early 80s music, addictive and danceable.

"In Pain" is a harrowing epic filled with rage, and no one could but Carly could sing this song in quite way she does. One is reminded of John Lennon's (primal scream) 'Plastic Ono Band' album from ten years before.

"The Desert" and "The Three of us in the Dark," are both haunting and moody, while "Jesse" is pure Top 40 material.

And of course, the standout track is the quiet and poignant "James," which is one of the most beautiful songs she's ever penned. It's a hidden gem, and one that deserves to be included on a retrospective collection.

Highly recommended for Carly Simon fans who might have missed it the first time around.

Come Upstairs

Well when I first played this record I just knew "Take Me As I Am" was going to be a huge hit and of course it never got played. For reasons I don't understand they chose Jesse. I can't give this album 5 stars because even though I liked it there are some definite problems. For one "Them" is really an embarassing track. This continues a trend she began with Boys In the Trees. She makes one extremely strange pick for a tune on each album after.
Boys In the Trees - Da Bat Fly in Me Face

Spy - Memorial Day
Come Upstairs - Them
Spoiled Girl - My New Boyfriend
I like a couple of these tunes but they are like putting a clowns nose on a pretty girl. Its sort of cute but I like her real nose without the rubber ball.
I had all her albums when this was released. I think the album was a ballsy all out effort but this is Carly's first attempt to remake herself into something other than a balladeer. "Take me" is one of her best and In Pain she really lets her voice break. But I can only recommend this album to Carly fans who want to hear her do anything. I am that sort of person but I don't think this album stands the test of time as well as "No Secrets", "Another Passenger" and "Boys '". She does have one of the best voices in the industry, but for what its worth, dance music doesn't fit her like a glove. She spends the next three albums trying on different sounds till she comes back to something not far off from where she started before finding a broad audience again. An interesting diversion for Carly enthusiasts.

Depressing and energetic

"Come Upstairs" reeks of the divorce-induced depression that Carly seemed to experience during and after her split from James Taylor. This is one of my favourites though, in that it's memorable and interesting melodically.
The most memorable song on this album was the Top 20 hit "Jesse", reminiscent of 60's pop/rock. It's sensitive and tailor-made for radio airplay and stands the test of time. Its b-side, "Stardust", seems like a weird commentary on the ups and downs of stardom, the weird key changes seeming to suggest delusion with fame. It's one of my favourites, even though the music borders on arrogant rock. "Come Upstairs", "Them", and "Take Me As I Am" are all fast-paced numbers. The title track suggests a semi-sleazy one night stand, "Them" is a creative, slightly robotic, edgy feminist anthem, and "Take Me As I Am" is a song with an edge but without sounding harsh or mean. "In Pain" screams and whimpers for over 6 minutes and is extremely effective in its lyrical content. It says what many pained people are thinking but without sounding innappropriately poetic or unreal. "The Three Of Us In The Dark", actually more about thinking about someone else while being with a lover than about a threesome, is another dark song with a memorable and pleasing harmony in the chorus. "The Desert" is eerie and humbling lyrically, but with a sort of pretentious melody.
At only 9 songs, this album is a little short in duration, but still works cohesively in the end. However, I would only recommend this for people wanting to get to know Carly Simon beyond her biggest hit songs.