LONDON CALLING

Seemingly fast-forwarded through the 1950's, '60's and '70's, Tom Dowd found himself at the turn of the decade a busy man, but with a changing clientele. The post-disco era's popular new wave and punk scenes didn't consistently offer him the kind of artists and projects he was used to enjoying. Being a husband and recent father Tom continued working hard throughout the decade, responding to calls to 'pull rabbits out of some hats.'

Thus began a string of albums beginning in 1979, continuing throughout the 1980's. These include a Kenny Loggins hit record ('Keep the Fire' with the single 'This Is It'), the first album for Michael Bolotin (a.k.a. Bolton), 'Chicago XIV' for Columbia/Epic, Pablo Cruise and Rita Coolidge for A&M, Taxxi on MCA, Robin Gibb on Polydor, Diana Ross on RCA, Collin James on Virgin, New Model Army on EMI, Eddie Money ('No Control' and 'Where's the Party'), Rod Stewart ('Body Wishes'), Meatloaf ('Midnight At the Lost and Found') and a rather forgetful album with Dexy's Midnight Runners , serving as a reminder that even a legendary producer is not immune to the occasional flop.

The '80''s also saw Tom and Eric Clapton continue their collaboration into a third decade. Tom recorded 'Money and Cigarettes' and then the hugely popular 'August' in 1986 with Phil Collins. This included "It's In the Way That You Use It'' and 'Tearing Us Apart' with Tina Turner. This release served to announce both Eric and Tom still had the magic to make records that could achieve both commercial and critical success on a grand scale.

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