mem@sii.UUCP (Mark Mallett) (05/10/85)
I recently bought the China Crisis "Working with Fire and Steel" compact
disc. I had never heard of this group until last June, when they opened
at a Simple Minds concert in Boston. (Frankly, I was *much* more impressed
with China Crisis than with Simple Minds, which is why I began collecting
their albums). China Crisis has 2 LPs by this name, subtitled "possible
pop songs volume one" and "possible pop songs volume two". Volume one is
an EP (45 RPM 12" album) containing an extended version of the "working
with fire and steel" song from volume 2 (somehow I get the impression that
they numbered the albums backwards) on one side, and 2 excellent instrumental
songs on the other. I had hoped that the CD version would combine the albums
because these instrumental pieces really appeal to me, which accounts for the
fact that I really did not pay much attention to volume 2 until buying it on CD.
Lo and behold, I find that this album is full of good stuff. Some of the
pieces sound much the same, in that the group seems to have a certain
"sound"- much like many songs by Berlin (for instance) have a common
quality- but this does not make them indistinct. I particularly like
the song "Papua", which as background music sounds very upbeat and happy,
until the lyrics make an impression:
In another time, in another place
Carry the flag, a picture of disgrace
South Pacific soldier; mountain-moving men.
Children turn away just before the blast,
Falling to the floor, praying for the last time.
Time to remember and lay another wreath
Blowing down kisses to my lover dead beneath.
etc
The type of music that they play is roughly "new rock", in the same way
as music by Echo and the Bunnymen, Flock of Seagulls, and the like. I'm
very happy with this disc, and look forward to seeing their other albums
on CD. (Note: this is NOT a digital recording)
Mark Mallett
{decvax|ittvax}!sii!memjeff@dciem.UUCP (Jeff Richardson) (05/13/85)
I think I have some useful comments to add to Mark Mallett's article on
China Crisis, for anyone who may be interested in the group.
My first exposure to China Crisis was in early 1983 when I heard an album
playing in a local record store. I was interested enough to stay in the
store for most of the album, which was "Difficult Shapes And Passive
Rhythms", subtitled "Some People Think It's Fun To Entertain", a British
import released in 1982 with a black cover. It was mostly quiet, mellow,
easy listening stuff, not in the Lionel Richie or Barry Manhole sense but
more like recent Roxy Music, Thomas Dolby's "The Flat Earth", or Dire
Straits' "Love Over Gold", but with more of a "new wave" touch. I also
remembered liking one side (probably side 1) much more than the other.
Anyway, the album was only available as an import for $15,
so I waited to see if it would come out domestically. I was still waiting
in early 1984 when the first Canadian release came out, the EP Mark spoke
of with the extended version of "Working With Fire And Steel" and the two
excellent, very mellow instrumentals. I didn't buy it at the time because
I figured the new album ("Working With Fire And Steel - Possible Pop Songs
Volume 2") might be available soon, since it had apparently been availble
as an import for a few months (though I had never seen it) and was getting
increasing airplay. I was right and a month or two later the album was
released domestically, so I rushed out and bought it. I thought it was a
great album, but it was a little more upbeat and pop sounding than what I
could remember of "Difficult Shapes...", and not quite as good as the best
side of the older import album.
It became increasingly difficult to resist the temptation to buy
their first album, especially since I became familiar with one of the more
upbeat and one of the better songs on the album, "African And White", which
was getting a lot of airplay in the spring and summer. I managed to hold
out until the fall of 1984, when it was finally released domestically.
At first I was disappointed with it. It didn't seem nearly as good as what
I remembered, and I couldn't even figure out which was the side I liked.
But after several plays I can now say that it was even better than I
remebered because now I think both sides are great. I was right about it
being less upbeat and pop sounding than the second album too.
I finally picked up the EP in a cut-out bin in December. Since
then they have released a 12" single called "Black Man Ray", and a new
album (which contains "Black Man Ray") that I saw for the first time on
Saturday. I can't remember what it's called, but it's got a blue cover and
it's produced by Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame. Hopefully my fiancee will
have time to buy it for me today.
--
Jeff Richardson, DCIEM, Toronto (416) 635-2073
{linus,ihnp4,uw-beaver,floyd}!utcsrgv!dciem!jeff
{allegra,ihnp4,linus,decvax}!utzoo!dciem!jeffmarkb@druri.UUCP (BryantME) (05/13/85)
China Crisis has just recently (within the past few weeks) released a new US LP, titled "Flaunt the Imperfection". It is produced by Walter Becker (ex-Steely Dan). This album is very well produced, but I do not find it as diverse as their earlier works. They seem to be moving more towards "mellow pop" with each release. But if you liked "Possible Pop Songs Vol 2" ( especially the more mellow songs like "Wishful Thinking") you'll like this. I do not know if this album is available on CD. Mark Bryant AT&T Information Systems, Denver CO ihnp4!druxq!markb