Idiot Optimism is the second album of Van Duren, known to all Power Pop fans as companion and friend of power pop legend Big Star. He had a special relationship with Chris Bell, member and main songwriter of the band. This can also be heard on his second album, in which he also plays works by Chris Bell. Van Duren's second album is in large part a homage to Paul McCartney. The album is in my opinion better than its debut, because it have a much more rocky song selection. While there were an above-average number of ballads on his debut album, it is more guitar-oriented and that's good for the album.
It is certainly one of the best albums from the seventies in the pop/power pop genre, and back then there was a lot of competition in this genre. Van Duren is also one of the forgotten musicians of the seventies. Power Pop concerts were very badly attended (except for big names maybe) and the interest in live music in Power Pop came much later. The album was recorded in the period Oct.' 78 to Dec. 79 and was not released due to some problems with the label. The release happened back in 1999 and then in 2003 with this re- release. Van Duren is a true legend and this is a great album. I recommend it to every pop fan.
Frank
