H to O

I'm glad someone brought up Hall & Oates. There's something that's been bothering me about their music career for quite some time. And no, it's not the "Private Eyes" video. Their 1983 greatest hits album is called "Rock 'n Soul, Part 1." Yet, as of 12 years later there is no part 2. When you name something "part 1," doesn't that naturally assume at least a part 2? They've released a bunch of albums since '83, so it's not like there's no more music. Granted, there haven't been any "hits" in a long time, but they've at least got some song fodder.

I was watching TV on a Delta flight about a year ago and there was a short feature on Hall & Oates playing at some "Jeep Festival." I would have thought more like John Mellancamp or Brooks & Dunn, but Hall & Oates...why not? I know I always have "Rich Girl" blaring when I'm in my Jeep, rolling over boulders in the wilds of Arizona or getting spit out of a volcano in the Mexican rainforest. Then again, I think I probably have heart some H&O blaring from all the ragtop Jeeps criusing around midtown, if you catch my drift. So my point is that their careers aren't exactly in full bloom, and a greatest hits (part deux) would seem like a great idea to generate a little revenue/buzz. But no...there's still just "part 1."

They could have just released a first greatest hits album called "Rock 'n Soul." No one would have scoffed. Then, when the time was right again, they could release "Rock 'N Soul, part 2." That way, if they fizzled after the first one, there'd be no "part 1" dangling out there like your grandpa's nuts when he wears shorts. Did they overestimate their staying power? Was there pressure from the recording company to name it? I want, nay...I NEED answers! In fact, I might just drive right over to casino where they're playing next and ask 'em myself.


Here are two more album covers I found while looking for the first one. No comments, necessary, really.