Don't Follow Me I'm Lost Too

Patricia Gilbert began her career in San Francisco's burgeoning music scene in the 1970s, dancing on stage with the Tubes in 1976 before becoming part of another local act, Leila and the Snakes. In 1978, she adopted the stage name "Pearl Harbor" and formed Pearl Harbor and the Explosions alongside two of the Snakes. They recorded a well-received, self-titled debut album for WB and toured extensively. When it came time to record a second LP, the band split due to disagreements over musical direction. At the time, Pearl was dating Clash associate and sometime manager Kosmo Vinyl, and the couple relocated to London. Pearl decided she wanted to go in a rockabilly direction for Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too, and Kosmo went about assembling an all-star studio band which included Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, and Mick Jones from the Clash; Wilko Johnson from Dr. Feelgood and Ian Dury & the Blockheads; Nigel Dixon from Whirlwind; Steve New from the Rich Kids; and Steve Goulding from Graham Parker & the Rumour. Produced by Blockheads keyboardist Mickey Gallagher, the LP also featured contributions from pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole, keyboardist Geraint Watkins, and saxophonist Gary Barnacle. The album was released in December 1980. Despite being a crackling blend of rockabilly, country, rock 'n' roll, and Pearl's own unique star quality WB failed to get behind the album. Within the year, she was touring as a special guest with the Clash. She married Simonon and the union lasted for seven years. This new expanded edition of Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too includes six bonus tracks and features new liner notes from Pearl alongside photos and memorabilia from her personal collection. In addition to "Fujiyama Mama," the CD includes Pearl's interpretations of Billy Cox and Cliff Hobbs' "Filipino Baby," Ian Dury's "Rough Kids," and LaVern Baker's "Voodoo Voodoo."