eli (04/01/83)
Yet another batch of reviews . . .
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Bananarama--Shy Boy (Don't It Make You Feel Good)--London
Fugs--Greatest Hits Vol. 1--PVC
Heaven 17--Heaven 17--Arista/Virgin
The Jam--Beat Surrender--Polygram
Nick Lowe--The Abominable Showman--Columbia
Nile Rodgers--Adventures In The Land Of Good Groove--Mirage
OMD--Dazzle Ships--Epic
The Rockats--Make That Move--RCA
Roxy Music--Musique Roxy--Warner Brothers
Shakin' Stevens--Give Me Your Heart Tonight--Epic
Sparks--Sparks In Outer Space--Atlantic
The Three O'Clock--Baroque Hoedown--Frontier
Pete Townshend--Scoop--Atco
20/20--Sex Trap--Thunderbolt
20/20--20/20--Enigma
(Various Artists)--L.A. Rockabilly--Rhino
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Bananarama--Shy Boy (Don't It Make You Feel Good)--London
This has been released to radio stations as a 12" single, with
two different (lengthed) versions of the same song. Both are
around seven to eight minutes. This single continues in the
fashion of their earlier singles, with a very rhythmic, dance
oriented sound. Something though makes this music much more
listenable for me than most of the other DOR (disco oriented
rock) that has been coming around. Watch out for Bananarama's
LP, which should be in the stores by today.
Fugs--Greatest Hits Vol. 1--PVC
One of the first satirical punk bands. Still fresh after all
these years.
Heaven 17--Heaven 17--Arista/Virgin
Disco trash. Sorry to those who are fans.
The Jam--Beat Surrender--Polygram
This is apparently the very last studio sessions from The Jam.
None of it is nearly as impressive as the previous EP, "The
Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow)." There is a reworking
of "War" as a funk'n'chorus number, that doesn't seem to have
the punch that the "Pill" version had (then again, neither
measure up to the version by DOA). Plus three or four other
new songs, none of which made much of an impression on me.
Nick Lowe--The Abominable Showman--Columbia
Opinion seems to be somewhat split on this. I really don't
think Lowe has done anything to compare with his earlier work
(both with the Brinsley's, and his early solo work, "Jesus of
Cool," and assorted singles), but this is not bad. Lowe seems
to be sort of the Paul McCartney of 'new wave.' He keeps
cranking out very catchy songs, often with some wit to the
lyrics and hook to the melody -- but not truly inspired. A
pleasant enough LP for Lowe fans.
Nile Rodgers--Adventures In The Land Of Good Groove--Mirage
From the leader of Chic comes a funk album that I really like
listening to. Maybe I've just been exposed to more funk lately,
and am developing a taste for it... but when I heard this it
really caught my ear. It's dance music >and< listening music.
Listen for Rachel Sweet on background vocals. (Also prepare
yourself for the new David Bowie LP, produced by Rogers).
OMD--Dazzle Ships--Epic
One of my favorite technopop groups. Luckily they've decided
to keep moving on and experimenting. More than just music, this
album is programming... a mix of music and sound and spoken
word. My favorite track on the disc in a few minutes of tape
loops of various phrases punctuated by the time-lady counting
along. Plenty of catchy techno-tunes as well.
The Rockats--Make That Move--RCA
Don't be fooled by the name or the tattoos on their arms -- this
band is not a rockabilly band. There are two rockabilly influ-
enced numbers on the album, but for the most part the tracks are
just-ok pop. To quote a friend, "This band is The Copycats."
Roxy Music--Musique Roxy--Warner Brothers
Four live tracks show Roxy Music in good form. Long and pretty,
the only thing wrong with this disc is that you have to turn it
over too often!
Shakin' Stevens--Give Me Your Heart Tonight--Epic
Stevens has been carrying the roots-rockabilly banner in England
for a long time now (long before the Stray Cats, et. al.). Remem-
ber 'Let It Rock'? Anyhow, lately he seems to be watering down
his approach with orchestral background -- which really softens
the punch for me. He's got it, but he doesn't use it.
Sparks--Sparks In Outer Space--Atlantic
I've lost count as to how many albums this band has put out...
none have them have brought them much fame in this country (they're
very big in England). Unfortunately this LP doesn't sound like
the one to break them. The single ('Cool Places') done as a
duet with Jane Wielden of the Go-Go's could make some chart
action, but overall the LP suffers from great concepts and lyrics
set to rather uninteresting music and performances. Maybe it's
just subtle and I need to listen to it some more.
The Three O'Clock--Baroque Hoedown--Frontier
Ok, ok, I know I've reviewed this at least twice now, but I'm
>still< listening to this EP, and I want everyone else who might
be susceptible to new-age-psychedelic-pop to seek this record out
and listen to it.
Pete Townshend--Scoop--Atco
From Mr. Townshend's private reserve come the "little demo tapes"
that he made to demonstrate songs to the band, or just for fun.
Four sides of terrific material. The voodoo version of 'Magic
Bus' is great.
20/20--Sex Trap--Thunderbolt
20/20--20/20--Enigma
The second disc listed is a three song EP put out by the band
after the album. It seems they added a keyboard player, and
wanted to remix some of the songs on the album. The EP contains
two remixes (with keyboards added), and one new song, "Jack's Got
A Problem." Last time I was in the record store I noticed that
the LP has been reissued with the two remixes replacing the
original tracks, plus the new track. So confusing. Anyway, a
good pop band, greatly improved by the addition of keyboards.
The LP isn't that strong as a whole, while the three song EP
(which may or may not be commercially available) is outstanding.
(Various Artists)--L.A. Rockabilly--Rhino
A collection of now-date Los Angeles rockabilly bands. Personally
I think the Blasters' albums are better (esp. their live EP), but
for those who need more modern rockabilly, this is a good buy.