Legend, Mickey Jupp - Promo

Promo

Mickey Jupp – Legend

Artist: Mickey Jupp

Title: Legend

Album Type: Third Solo Studio Album

Original Release Date: 1978

Label: Stiff Records / Chrysalis

Genre: Pub Rock / Rock & Roll / Rhythm & Blues

Background & Production Released in the same year as his eponymous compilation, Legend is often considered the "purest" distillation of Mickey Jupp’s talent. The title is a clever double-entendre, referring both to Jupp’s status as a cult hero of the Southend music scene and to his influential 1960s band, Legend. Produced by Tony Visconti (famed for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex), the album was recorded at Good Earth Studios. Visconti stripped away the slicker production of the era to focus on Jupp’s sharp songwriting and his roots in 1950s rock-and-roll, creating a record that felt both timeless and perfectly aligned with the burgeoning "New Wave" energy of the late 70s.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a lean, witty collection of songs that bridge the gap between Chuck Berry-style boogie and the literate pop of the Stiff Records era.

• The Songwriter’s Songwriter: Jupp’s lyrics are famously droll and observant. Tracks like "Old Rock 'n' Roller" and "If Only Mother" showcase his ability to write about the music industry and domestic life with a self-deprecating, dry British wit.

• Pub Rock Roots: Songs like "Short List" (later famously covered by Dr. Feelgood) and "The Men in the Smoking Jackets" are masterclasses in R&B-infused rock, featuring Jupp’s soulful, unpretentious vocals and driving piano work.

• Visconti’s Touch: While Visconti is known for "glam" and art-rock, here he provides a clean, punchy sound that emphasizes the space between the instruments, allowing Jupp’s storytelling to take center stage.

Legacy & Collector Notes While Mickey Jupp never achieved the superstardom of his contemporaries like Elvis Costello or Nick Lowe, this album is a "holy grail" for fans of the UK Pub Rock scene. It is often cited as the definitive Jupp studio experience. For vinyl collectors, the Stiff Records or Chrysalis pressings are highly sought after, particularly those featuring the iconic "Beano-esque" comic-style cover art. It is an essential inventory item for any store specializing in British cult legends, the Stiff Records discography, or the roots of the UK New Wave.

• Keywords: Mickey Jupp, Legend, Stiff Records, Tony Visconti, Pub Rock, 1978 Vinyl, British Rock and Roll, Short List, Dr. Feelgood, Southend Scene.

• Collection Ideas: Cult Classics of the 70s, The Stiff Records Collection, Pub Rock Pioneers, Songwriter’s Songwriters.

• Related Artists: Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Graham Parker, Dr. Feelgood, Brinsley Schwarz.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve