Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Family - S/T
Paisley Park 25322 / 1985 - A sticky slab of funk basslines over cool mid-eighties electro soul. Produced on Paisley Park by David Z, arranged by Clare Fischer. Lead singer Susannah Melvoin is twin of Wendy & Lisa's better half Wendy Melvoin. Here, the vocals are shared with a male partner. The bass lines are relentless and entertaining. Strong saxophone solos intervene something like a Chaz Jankel album from this period or Prince/The Time. There are shades of "When Doves Cry" in several of the songs. The original version of "nothing comares 2U" is here with a male vocal lead. Prince then gave it over to Sinead O'Connor two years later.
I like this one, gatefold cover wrapped in pure 80's uncollectablity...big coiffed up mall hair and big jackets with many shiny accessories. Something that no one else would ever pick out of a rack. I expected a few funky numbers, and was pleasantly surprised with how strong this one sounds. Nice string arrangements accent the ever-present stomping bass.
This album has moderate value, getting about $5 or less whenever it is sold on-line. I paid 25 cents for it. Overall grade is B/I like it enough to try it again, and snag a song for a funky jam, most likely "Screams of Passion".
I like this one, gatefold cover wrapped in pure 80's uncollectablity...big coiffed up mall hair and big jackets with many shiny accessories. Something that no one else would ever pick out of a rack. I expected a few funky numbers, and was pleasantly surprised with how strong this one sounds. Nice string arrangements accent the ever-present stomping bass.
This album has moderate value, getting about $5 or less whenever it is sold on-line. I paid 25 cents for it. Overall grade is B/I like it enough to try it again, and snag a song for a funky jam, most likely "Screams of Passion".
Labels: Funky 80's
The Photos - There's Always Work 12"
A&M SP 12072 / 1983 - This simple looking twelver is nice enough new wave, if not late and predictable. With a hint of reggae backsplashed, a common and repetitive beat, simplified lyrics, and a modernistic art cover, you have it all without having anything.
Produced by Colin Thurston, this is a DJ copy, as I don't think it was ever released. AMG doesn't recognize the band on its website, but there is a Photos from 1980 on Columbia, unless this is them after they were dropped and switched labels, but my gut says no. I found this single on the net for about $7-$15. I got my copy for $2 at Zerns in Gilbertsville. The record store there is tiny and limited, but the owner was genuinely interested in helping. It is the only piece I bought that day, about two weeks ago. Overall grade C+/common and decent, listenable and forgettable single. Perfect for a comprehensive new wave collector, but not for those looking for the "creamy" stuff only.
Produced by Colin Thurston, this is a DJ copy, as I don't think it was ever released. AMG doesn't recognize the band on its website, but there is a Photos from 1980 on Columbia, unless this is them after they were dropped and switched labels, but my gut says no. I found this single on the net for about $7-$15. I got my copy for $2 at Zerns in Gilbertsville. The record store there is tiny and limited, but the owner was genuinely interested in helping. It is the only piece I bought that day, about two weeks ago. Overall grade C+/common and decent, listenable and forgettable single. Perfect for a comprehensive new wave collector, but not for those looking for the "creamy" stuff only.
Labels: Filling In The Collection
Friday, February 02, 2007
David Byrne - The Catherine Wheel
Sire SBK 3645 / 1981 - A nice slice of David Byrne here. Propulsive and rhythmic, with Brian Eno, Bernie Worrell, and Adrian Belew on this one, how can you go wrong? This is a Broadway production of dance, and the music must've been awesome for it. I wonder if this is on DVD in some alternate universe where things that should be reissued actually are reissued. Byrne uses a toned down approach here, not letting his unusual vocals overwhelm the cool material in the instrumentation. This LP isn't far from Talking Heads fine material, even though its biggest difference is the lack of lyrics on every song.
My copy is priced $4 from the Brooklyn load. I see this one around, it's probably not more than a $5 record in most places these days, and for that price, this is a nice record with much to like in a spooky theatrical way. The song 'Big Blue Plymouth (eyes wide open)' is the closest to Talking Heads vintage material from their middle period and its my stand out track on the LP.
Overall grade B/good stuff, not essential, but if you collect Eno, Byrne, or early 80's new wavers & post punkers, then this fits the bill and deserves a few spins/ I think i might take the Big Blue Plymouth track down on a mix, funny how it sounds later than 1981, something closer to "stop making sense" time.
My copy is priced $4 from the Brooklyn load. I see this one around, it's probably not more than a $5 record in most places these days, and for that price, this is a nice record with much to like in a spooky theatrical way. The song 'Big Blue Plymouth (eyes wide open)' is the closest to Talking Heads vintage material from their middle period and its my stand out track on the LP.
Overall grade B/good stuff, not essential, but if you collect Eno, Byrne, or early 80's new wavers & post punkers, then this fits the bill and deserves a few spins/ I think i might take the Big Blue Plymouth track down on a mix, funny how it sounds later than 1981, something closer to "stop making sense" time.
Labels: Side Projects
Michael Clark - Save the Night
Capitol 11982 / 1979 - The cover and date start the problem. Starry neon mulleted logo of Michael Clark. The back shows thickly mustached and hairy chested Clark and lover in naked embrace. Songs include the words Love, Heart, Night, Fire, Midnight, Breath, and other things that should have told me steer clear. I did not. I will learn, someday.
Avoid this record, even for a buck. If you like schwag, John Parr, Corey Hart, Peter Cetera, and the other sad sacks of this variety, then by all means, contact me and buy my copy. there were a few moments of guitar movement that promised a chance at a song of value, but then it dissipated like vapor as the lyrics overflowed with schmaltz, causing a general sickness.
My copy was picked up somewhere, thoughtlessly, and will be returned to its rightful place in the dollar bins for someone else to pluck it and think 'Hmmm, looks like it might be good'. Overall grade D/just plain lousy, but guitar playing earns him some saving grace. On second thought....
Avoid this record, even for a buck. If you like schwag, John Parr, Corey Hart, Peter Cetera, and the other sad sacks of this variety, then by all means, contact me and buy my copy. there were a few moments of guitar movement that promised a chance at a song of value, but then it dissipated like vapor as the lyrics overflowed with schmaltz, causing a general sickness.
My copy was picked up somewhere, thoughtlessly, and will be returned to its rightful place in the dollar bins for someone else to pluck it and think 'Hmmm, looks like it might be good'. Overall grade D/just plain lousy, but guitar playing earns him some saving grace. On second thought....
Labels: What Was I Thinking?
Sweet Sensation - Sad Sweet Dreamer
Pye Records 12110 / 1974 - Nice Philly Soul eight piece band from the U.K. Discovered by Tony Hatch, this was supposed to be the English version of the Stylistics. I like the falsetto vocals and harmonies, with a flair of early Michael Jackson. The string arrangements are disco styled and pretty, but not always my cup of tea in large doses.
The cover shows a black man in clown makeup. Copies on ebay are non-existent, but Craig Moerer has it for $25. The 45 rpm of the single 'snow fire' are easier to find than the LP. The track is probably the stand out song on the LP, but 'mr. cool' and 'that same old feeling' are also strong tracks. My copy was $2 in Allentown. It was my only purchase today and I can honestly say I am not disappointed, even though this kind of soul isn't my favorite music in the genre.
Overall grade is B-/philly soul enthusiasts need this one/ top notch singing, harmony, songwriting, collectibility/ I don't need to upgrade my scratchy ring worn copy nor seek it out on cd, however. i will probably take 'snow fire' down on a mix tape, its a great song and has a great electric piano intro that leads into a nice soaring guitar, then breaks into funky funky cool dual pianos.
The cover shows a black man in clown makeup. Copies on ebay are non-existent, but Craig Moerer has it for $25. The 45 rpm of the single 'snow fire' are easier to find than the LP. The track is probably the stand out song on the LP, but 'mr. cool' and 'that same old feeling' are also strong tracks. My copy was $2 in Allentown. It was my only purchase today and I can honestly say I am not disappointed, even though this kind of soul isn't my favorite music in the genre.
Overall grade is B-/philly soul enthusiasts need this one/ top notch singing, harmony, songwriting, collectibility/ I don't need to upgrade my scratchy ring worn copy nor seek it out on cd, however. i will probably take 'snow fire' down on a mix tape, its a great song and has a great electric piano intro that leads into a nice soaring guitar, then breaks into funky funky cool dual pianos.
Labels: Philly Soul
