Van Duren’s sophomore album, finally released as Van intended.
After the release of Are You Serious?, Van Duren immediately returned to the studio—recording 14 tracks (one being a medley of two songs) that rivaled his tremendous debut. But, the album was shelved and didn’t see the light of day for two decades, when inexplicably, it was released in Japan without any input from the artist.
The story is chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Waiting: The Van Duren Story. Now, at long last—Idiot Optimism returns on CD as Van originally intended it to look and sound. Plus, it makes its first-ever appearance on (double) LP and Digital.
With full creative control from Duren, this reissue of Idiot Optimism is packaged with new art, liners from Van outlining the story of the album, and many previously unseen photos. Featuring 14 originals and a cover of Chris Bell’s (Big Star) “Make A Scene,” this new edition is remastered from the original analog tapes. Idiot Optimism has never looked nor sounded better.
Bear With Me All The Way Make A Scene Tennessee, I’m Trying Convincing Convictions That Life In Layers What’s Keeping You? Torn In Half Hand Over Hand Andy, Please Woman Needs Man Needs Woman Mabel (I’m Amazed) Reminds Me Of Me Medley: Love At The Heart Of It / Mad At The Moon
