rpk (12/02/82)
Here are some more reviews. As you can see, I like to listen to new
British pop most of the time, so I encourage others to also submit
reviews. I would love to hear about new jazz, r&b, and classical
releases. You see, I don't have all the money or time in the world to
pick up all the interesting music lying around.
American radio is in such bad shape in general, though here in
metropolitan Boston, the scene is more open than most. So, for reviews,
I tend to trust Andy Schwartz and Ken Barnes (writes the ultra-pop
``Stranger in Town'' column) of New York Rocker, Trouser Press, and
Creem, which is still worth reading, an amazing feat considering they
appeal to the ``rock and roll'' crowd as well as more pop/progressive
people. Of course, you still have to listen to the stuff...
ABC: The Lexicon Of Love (Mercury) album
England's newest pop sensations are ABC, and it's not hard to hear why.
The music is shamelessly catchy, lush, danceable, and romantic. Layers of
instruments seem to vie for your attention as Martin Fry, vocalist, sings of
the pain and pleasure of love. The result is a dizzy, if perhaps at times,
overdone, mixture of venerable pop styles (when was the last time YOU heard a
harpsichord break in a song with a beat as funky as the one in ``Tears Are Not
Enough,'' the band's first single ?).
ABC is considered to be part of the ``new pop'' in England. No more
minimalism or distancing; you wear your heart on your sleeve. Although
romanticism and craft in pop music are needed sorely, I doubt that lumping a
few bands together (ABC, Haircut 100, Dollar) for a new movement is
beneficial. Just because punk cleansed the charts in England (well, only sort
of, and in America not at all) does not mean that people will not make the
same mistakes in pop that they did before 1976. Yes, in particular, ABC and
Haircut 100 do make pleasant music, but I really don't see anything incredibly
earth-shattering about it. Pop should flow effortlessly in musical expression;
if you think about it too much, it loses the ``fun'' aspect.
Colin Newman: Not To (4AD) album, British import
One of the most talented and original artists to come out of the New Wave
(oh well, might as well use THAT label) is Mr. Newman, former leader of the
group Wire, now defunct. Although not as spectacularly visible as the old
line of New Wave bands (like the Jam, Pistols, Clash, etc., their
contemporaries), Wire has influenced quite a few bands, who have become major
influences themselves. Enough with drawing relationships ! Suffice to say
that the album, featuring a few ex-Wire people, consists of witty, original
music. It is reminiscent of modern English art-rock, but the lyrics and
sounds (especially the unbalancing effect of certain dissonances discretely
employed) set the music apart from the Cure or New Order.
Peter Gabriel: ``Security'' (Geffen) album
The fourth issue of the Peter Gabriel magazine finds the editor even more
deeply involved in African rhythms. The songs, such as, ``Rhythm Of The
Heat'' and ``Lay Your Hands On Me'' probe into human mind and society.
Although I can appreciate the talent and quality of this album (it IS very
good), it does not grip me as much as the third album, which seemed to flow
from song to song a lot more freely; I suspect this is because Mr. Gabriel is
still trying to integrate the rhythms with his songwriting naturally, instead
of looking at it as an external technique.
Roxy Music: Avalon (EG) album
Brian Ferry has finally settled down for the long haul. Gone are the
strange Eno-induced synth noises, Manzanera's wild guitar swoops, and Mr.
Ferry's jaded outlook. Now, Ferry croons very smoothly, the guitars are
restrained (mostly because another guitarist does most of the stuff now), and
Andy Mackay's reeds color the sound. It's very romantic, mellow, and smooth,
though not mushy.
Interesting things on the radio:
--------------------------------
Phil Collins: ``Can't Hurry Love''
An interesting synthesis: it's got the same tempo and ``top'' (string and
guitar arrangement) as the Supremes' version, but the drums have that very
recognisable Collins sound (they sound BIG). Really catchy -- I don't think
anybody could screw up this classic song.
Vanity Six: ``Nasty Girl''
Very funky stuff from three women acquaintances of Prince, so you can
guess what they like to sing about.
Musical Youth: ``Pass the Dutchy''
Sure, it's another British/Jamaican reggae group -- but the age
range of the members is from 11 to 19 years, with an average age of 15.
The song is catchy, and the dub effects and melody make it easy to
listen to than most of the two-chord trance reggae that is considered
hardcore. Disposable and cute, but not obnoxious.
Robert P. Krajewski
UUCP: ...!genradbo!mitccc!rpk
ARPA: RpK@MClogo (12/10/82)
A request to all record reviewers...
Please list the album titles and groups you are reviewing at the top
of your review.
Thanks,
David