Nick Lowe “Labour of Lust” released this date, June 9th, 1979. This LP is the US release, with the excellent and relentlessly poppy “American Squirm” included which replaced the weepy, haunting, country-infused “Endless Grey Ribbon” on the UK version. Dave Edmunds and Rockpile back Lowe on this classic power popping new wave record; in fact Labour of Lust was recorded simultaneously with Edmunds’ Repeat When Necessary.

“Cruel To Be Kind” appears on Labour of Lust, Lowe’s only US hit. The single made it to #12 in the US and the UK. Its video was among the first to be aired on MTV and includes footage from Lowe’s actual wedding to Carlene Carter.