stewart@harpo.UUCP (Stewart W**ner) (02/27/84)
The results of the Village Voice "Pazz and Jop Critics Poll" made me
very happy, and rather more optimistic for music's future. Somebody in
the media knows good music when they hear it!
Basically, if the great unwashed public were to run out and buy every
obscure album and EP on that list, they wouldn't go too far wrong.
They're mostly good, solid music with artistic integrity. And the
tunes are there, too! If only more people could have the chance to
hear these on the radio! (A shameless plug for WPRB follows the
reviews below.)
Will I beat Bob Krajewski, Tim Wicinski, Eli Messinger, and Jeff
Richardson to the net with this set of reviews? Let's see.
DAVID WATTS BAND: "Police Feel So Tall" b/w "Fi Rave" [7", BMCK]. A
single from a Buffalo, NY, group with two equally excellent tunes.
Nothing innovative or avant-garde here; just straightforward,
old-fashioned Who/Clash/Police style pop-rock. (The Kinks influence is
obvious from their name.) Within these self-imposed limitations, this
band succeeds tremendously. Fresh sounding, cleanly mixed youthful
exuberance. Look for it.
ART IN THE DARK [EP, Somethin' Else Records]. The latest Mitch Easter
(of Let's Active, R.E.M.) production; yet another really nice
guitar-based Athens band. Not quite R.E.M. clones, this group has a
sound of their own... a bit. The only standout on this 4-song EP is
"Calling Anyone", and it's worth paying attention to.
THE THE: "Soul Mining" [LP, Epic]. The "Uncertain Smile" EP was
quirky and excellent, and I was surprised by its success in the dance
clubs. This LP includes "Uncertain Smile," and showcases Matt Johnson's
capacity for grandeur in a minimalist package.
CYCLONES: "Out in the Cold" [EP, Plexus]. Donna Esposito's breathy vocals
make this stand out from the R.E.M./Bongos soundalikes cropping up
lately. I really like her a lot. [If she's on the net, now she
knows! :-)] "Catch-22" and "Too Young To Know" are very good, bouncy
tunes.
THE SMITHS: "This Charming Man" [12", Rough Trade]. Big, big hit in
Britain. Cute. Pleasant. Very cute. Very pleasant. Does America
need it? Seriously, I enjoyed this the first time I heard it, and the
appeal hasn't worn off after repeated exposure.
FAD GADGET: "Collapsing New People" [7", Mute]. He/it/they are back
with a much better single than the last one. This is a neat clangy
anthem, with a waltz on the B-side. I'm looking forward to the album.
Features the German band Einstuerzende Neubauten on the B-side.
THE SMITHEREENS: "Beauty and Sadness" [EP, Little Ricky]. Sort of a
Blasters or Stray Cats influence here. Nice hooks. Unremarkable 60's
pop derived sounds; unremarkable except the title cut. Very very
reminiscent of "Tomorrow Never Knows." It's great anyway... or maybe
that is the reason it's great.
THE RATS: "In a Desperate Red" [LP, Whizeagle]. The third album from
this Portland, OR, band, with a new and better drummer. Unmellowed punks
with a female lead. Earlier albums were stronger, but this has some fine
moments, such as the opening song "Broken Wire Telephone." On clear red
vinyl, if you care.
"Gee whiz," you exclaim, "where can I hear all this neat stuff?" Well,
if you're anywhere between Philly and North Jersey, settle down by your
stereo between noon and midnight, Monday through Saturday; point your
antenna towards Princeton; tune in to 103.3 FM; and cross your fingers.
If you're close enough to their 17,000 watts of stereo power, you'll be
listening to WPRB, the only station for progressive music in this area.
(In other time slots, they have classical, jazz, and rock specialty
programs of equally superb quality. I'll mail a short program guide
on request.)
Comments? I'd like to read them. My home-grown Adventure shell (inspired
by net.jokes) keeps reporting "A hollow voice says 'You have no mail.'"
--
Stewart Wiener :-) "Read and weep as did
****** :-) Alexander when he beheld
{allegra,decvax}!harpo!stewart :-) the glories of Egypt."