Infected by Records

Regal Zonophone SLRZ 1024 / 1971 - This is great! A flute and folk guitar together, similar to a well sung Jethro Tull. Don Partridge, the vocalist appears by himself later in his career. includes Brian Cresswell, Malcolm Poole, and Ian Hoyle. Wizz Jones plays acoustic guitar on four songs, and one of the songs is a Gordon Giltrap cover tune. My favorite song is 'transworld blues' on the first three listens, but I'm sure with repeated turns, this one will offer up many layers of beauty. The front cover artwork is an original painting by David Steele and attracted me to this UK prog/psych record immediately.

I picked up my copy from JH for $40 after we discovered it was going over $100 on popsike. The only copies of this that I could find today included a $279 copy on musicstack, and a completed sale on ebay for $85. The cd has never been offered stateside, but you can get a copy for about $20 from Greece or through Midheaven/Revolver on the Hugo Montes label. Apparently, they reissue just about everything if you look hard enough. This is the second record by Accolade, and now I will need to seek out the first eponymous debut.

Overall grade is an A-/about as much as I could hope for in this time period. It's interesting, well crafted, and timeless to me.

Labels: Pop Psych

Ralph:Stiff:Do It Tees 12-10 / 1981 - Four songs here, of terrific synth pop driven by an industrial/disco backbone. Swiss duo Dieter Meier and Boris Blank make up Yello, and this 12" ep has two songs from each of the first two albums. The song 'bostich' is great, the song 'she's got a gun' is a slinky blaxploitation number with a kind of John Carpenter's Halloween spookily drifting along in the background. 'Downtown Samba' moves along with undeniable snappiness, and 'Daily Disco' has a frenetic Oingo Boingo energy to it or a ramped up version of music from the movie 'Escape From New York", which strangely enough is another John Carpenter piece, isn't it? Either way, the bass lines are plump and juicy.

Yello is lumped in with many Kraftwerk copycats, but there is plenty of originality here, enough to delve in and buy at least the first three or four LP's without concern. They shouldn't be that hard to find. This particular twelve inch is about $15 in places like gemm, and Craig Moerer and Solid Viper didn't have it. I would value it at $5 -$8, as it only has four songs and they are all available elsewhere, except 'she's got a gun' which has a different version on the second LP "Claro Que Si".

I always see the 'flag' cd and lp around, with the hit 'Oh Yeah' from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I'll search out the old stuff first and check that out later.

Overall grade is B+/this one has me looking for more to gather and experiment with. You should, too. I was turned on to this one by I.T., and I owe him thanks.

Labels: New Wave Finds

Page 1 (Bell) 2502 / 1970 - A very nice and probably underrated pop psych LP, with pleasing harmonies and songwriting. The instrumentation is like the New Colony Six or the Monkees, as these Brits are somewhere in that late 60's period where they switched from identical costume suits to SF Haight-Ashbury hippie gear. This album has the hit 'hitchin a ride' on side 2, and its only one of two that they recorded, yet the band continues to this day with NONE of the members from this album. It appears that all of the songs are written by outsiders, but its a great pop listen.

I found this one among my stacks as I was re-evaluating my collection last night. There are too many records that I have not heard yet; so many that it's overwhelming all at once to realize. This copy is unpriced, and has some tape wear around the edges. It is available at Craig Moerer's for just $8. I would value it at $5-$15 as well depending on condition. The cover shows the five members of the band on a stone beach at low tide.

Overall grade is B/nice slice from the time, without too much that really stands out or falls flat. I would enjoy every song individually more than all at once. I especially like the songs "man child" and "music music music". This one is a keeper for the stacks, once again.

Labels: Pop Psych

Chainsaw International (Latex 5) / 1985 - A live but well recorded smattering of guitar oriented post punk. The influences are more punk and goth, but this one isn't too bad. The vocals are only o.k. to me, as the guitar work stands out as the better part of the band. I'd like to hear what they sounded like on a studio recording. This one's raw feel does seem like it would be a great live show to see in a smoky bar in Hoboken or Amsterdam whilst downing some warmish beers.

I could only find this LP for sale on gemm, at about $25 for two different copies. There is no listing about them on trouser press, all music guide, or ebay at this time. solid viper and craig moerer were also strike outs on this one.

The cover art is bright and red. It reminds you of a psychobilly record, or something the 13th Floor Elevators might release. The printing looks like a Get Hip Recording as well, and this one is in fact distributed by Red Rhino / The Cartel. I don't really like it all that much, but I wish I could find more information about it.

My copy is unpriced, again from the Brooklyn load. I figure its worth about $10-15. Overall grade is C+/live recordings don't cut it for me, and even though some would find this record engaging and exciting, for me the live bit is a drag on wax.

Labels: Tried It For the Look

MCA 5359 / 1982 - AOR fluff with keyboard flushes and more over the top Journey-esque style. I have nothing positive to say about this one, even though I listened to it all the way through while I balanced my checkbook. It sounded like Europe, too. Yippee. Why do I do this to myself? This is the second wretched Wrabit album that I have subjected myself to in the last sixty days.

My copy is unpriced, but I can tell you it will be ending up in a dollar bin in the not too distant future.

Overall grade D+/there's too much of this crap available, and this will be one less clogging up my racks. I need to filter my obsession for buying records just because they say 1-9-8-1 on the back.

Labels: Mistakes

Dead Pidgeon Records & Tapes NS-002 / 1985 - Melodic AOR Rocker from the mid-eighties that delivers some progressive punch. This one isn't far from Journey, and the voice and guitars remind me of something, way back, just can't remember. Oh yes! Kiss' Paul Stanley, around the time of 'Animalize'. The band is from Balmville, NY. The lead singer is Joe Cutrera, and he still records to this day. Also included are Tom Moore, Anton Buck Buckheit, and Bob Mosher. Doing a search about this band brought up this slice of information:----

Feed The Rhino is a melodic rock band from Hyde Park, New York consisting of Joe Cutrera - Vocals, Arthur Papanastasiou - Guitar, Mark Allardyce - Bass, Joe Kelly - Guitar and Mark Massey - Drums.
Their debut CD, I Like It, is superb slice of classic rock showcasing the awesome vocals, stellar musicianship and first rate songwriting of the band.

Feed The Rhino features ex-Loud And Clear bassist Mark Allardyce and sonically the band has a lot in common with the hughly rated AOR act. Early reactions to the album have been fantastic - "One of the best independent bands to arrive at AOR Underground this year. It kinda reminds me of classic Danger Danger, Bone Machine and Tyketto/Vaughn. With a huge sound, tracks like Breaking Down These Walls, I Like It and Getting It are first rate hard rock songs. With Mark Allardyce from cult rock band Loud SAnd Clear in their ranks, great songs and a superb vocalist in Joe Cutrera, this lot should go far." Rob Evans, Powerplay Magazine.

"Singer Joe Cutrera has a tremendous voice very similar to Steve Perry. The funny thing is that some of the members are from Loud And Clear (another great AOR band with the Perry clone Jess Harnell) and now they have this new band with another good singer in the same vein. Life is strange but oh so nice! I LIKE IT-I LIKE IT-I LIKE IT just like the title...." Melodic.net.
"There are some seriously glorious tracks here especially the huge Journey inspired ballad 'Breaking Down These Walls'. The vocals from frontman Joe Cutrera are smooth and silky right up there with the likes of Steve Perry and Kevin Chalfant of The Storm. 'I Like It' is a little like Lillian Axe and Loud 'N' Clear, 'Getting It' is a fantastic upbeat catchy melodic rocker. It's scary how close Cutrera's voice comes close to Tyketto's Danny Vaughn on this track, pure catchy melodic rock bliss...utterly awesome, the heat is definitely on." AOR Dreamzones

----This isn't exactly my cup of tea, however. My copy has the word TONY'S written across the cover, right above the close-up of the eye. On ebay, this item is going off the board as I write this. It was at $13 with less than 25 minutes left, and $42 with 4 minutes left, and ended there. My copy is from the Brooklyn load. I couldn't find it anywhere else, however, suggesting that this one is fairly rare.

Overall grade is a B-/not bad if you are looking for obscure eighties metal/rock with a rare small label. Dead Pidgeon didn't exactly crank out the hits if you follow me. I would sell this copy. I can find a song to use on here, I'm sure of it.

Labels: Rock Filler

Sutra Records SUS 1009 (Promo) / 1981 - A moderately intersting weather channel listener. Reminiscent of Peter White, Mannheim Steamroller, Acoustic Alchemy. Craig Peyton plays the Electric Vibes and Piano here, very well. The sound is light and frothy, and only barely touches on fusion for a piece from 1981. I wasn't expecting much when I picked this one up, stickered at $3, but I got what I deserved noting the feather haired Mork from Ork look that Peyton sports. This one is O/S at Craig Moerer's, but one seller on ebay had it for B.I.N. $8 (buy-it-now).

Nice jazz piece if you aren't looking for much in the way of a challenging listen, but otherwise, this one is tame and only offers its interest in the world flavor that includes vibes that sound like steel drums, reeds and flutes.

Overall grade is C+/can't really knock it for what it is. Nice graphic cover art, just not that exciting of a listen for me.

Labels: Jazz Light

Rebound Records (Catch) 22 / 1981 - An interesting NYC recording by this new wave band. The keyboards are prominent, in a Sugarloaf kind of way. The lead singer is Barbara Hahn, and her monotone shrill grows on you after a few songs. She reminds me of Patty Smyth doing 'goodbye to you'. The band is from South Plainfield, NJ and includes the brother Matty on keyboards. The songs are pretty pedestrian, but pleasing and catchy all the same. With a better singer, they might have grabbed a video or some airplay. the song 'no choice' is the best cut on the six song LP.

I don't know the price or where I got this one, but probably the Brooklyn load considering the band's origin. My overall grade is B-/not really worth seeking out unless you need to fulfill some obsessive need to have it all from the 80's. It looks like a dollar record. Craig Moerer has it for $10 right now, but ebay was fruitless (once again).

This one is sticking with me until I tape the one good song, and then 'pfffft', off to Neverland.

Labels: 80's Blah

Emi Capitol ST 12157 / 1981 - This is just plain crap. O'Connor was a member of Aerial, a Canadian schwag singer/songwriter outfit that spewed out this solo work after they broke up. The whole thing compares somewhat to a poor man's Rick Springfield or John Waite without the vim, the vigor, or the voice. In fact, I need to get this off the turntable.

My price is unknown, and I'm chucking it into the 'see ya funny man' bin.

Overall grade C-/poor and unoriginal soft rocker from a soft period. If you like Eric Carmen, Survivor, Toto, and the like, go get it, but if not, you can be my friend.

Labels: Mistakes

TWI 220 / 1983 - I was very excited to have this record. I had just been constantly listening to the great record by Tirez Tirez called "Etudes" which features Mikel Rouse. Looking around for anything else by this artist, I searched the internet to be shunned by ebay and other such sites, including Amazon. The stuff isn't easy to find. So, I'm standing in my basement, moving some stuff around, and I uncovered this one by the Mikel Rouse Broken Consort. It was recorded in '83, only a few years after the aforementioned gem. Unfortunately for me, this one didn't work quite the same. The repetitive horns blew over minimal keyboard strokes, but the whole thing lacked originality and spark for me. The cover is sparse and intriguing, the LP was pressed in Belgium. My price was a 99 cent Princeton Record Exchange 'forever' sticker on both the cover and label. The cover sticker ripped my jacket. Those guys at PRE suck with those stickers, if you don't already know.

Even though I am tempted to keep this one for collecting sake, I think i will let it go to someone who enjoys the style of 'broken merry-go-round music'. For me, I'll put the "etudes" record back on, and wonder if any second find ever matches the quality of the first.

Overall grade C/ don't seek it out, its just not a winner.

Labels: Filling In The Collection

Object Music OBJO 13 / 1980 - this is the bomb. Mikel Rouse plays a doppleganger to David Byrne. Maybe its my complete and thorough absence of Talking Heads knowledge, but this is what Talking Heads could have done. The monotonous and minimalistic synth flushes and repetitions are a precursor to newer bands like Pinback or Kings of Convenience (Erlend Oye) but harken to early New Wave, with guts. New York based band, but originally from the midwest. Mikel Rouse is also mentioned in the same breath with Tuxedomoon.

The jacket artwork of Etudes is choice. Three and four leaf clovers appear in close-up on a thick glossy jacket. The band name is a French word meaning 'pull' and pronounced 'teh-ray teh-ray' i suppose. The song "Razorblade" is a synth guided missile and in the wake of John Ruth, David Byrne, Gary Numan and synth bass hooks everywhere, please find this record for yourself.

This one cost me fifteen bucks, but I knew i was getting something of quality before I even got the first listen, which by the way happened to be at the store with JH. I can only find one available copy of Etudes on any site, it is on LP, coming from Germany at 35. It has never been released on cd, but at least you can find most LP's by this band on ebay.

I have given this LP about four listens now. It will be kept near the turntable, I can assure you. My last few posts have been shortened because of the oncoming baseball season. I am busy running around for records on a constant basis as well. The past week has been listens from Curved Air, Frank Turba, and Kraan. The Turba record especially has been played quite a few times, but I have been slacking on the post.

Overall grade for Etudes is A-/loved it. i would chase it down for you. i would chase it down for me.

Labels: New Wave Finds

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".

Labels: Funky 80's

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.

Labels: Filling In The Collection

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.

Labels: Side Projects

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....

Labels: What Was I Thinking?

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.

Labels: Philly Soul

Polydor PD 5026 / 1972 - bluesy rocker with some inklings of Pacific Gas & Electric. Usage of flutes, saxes, kazoos and pianos highlight the album, but don't set this one into collectible territory. This is a five piece outfit headed by Elliott Randall on guitar, and he really lets it rip on 'prediscovery', but other songs get goofy with post psychedelic nonsense and Who theatrics. This is the band that plays music for Jesus Christ Superstar on funky Broadway. Before that, they toured with John Mayall. the band also includes Gary King on bass, Allen Herman of Ten Wheel Drive on drums, Paul Fleisher on sax and flute, and Pot on piano and organ.

don't get me wrong, i'd play this one again, but i don't think i'd remember any of the songs in an hour. my copy is a white label promo and i don't remember its price. i think it was from the Brooklyn load. I see it on gemm for 6-15 in limited quanity and I would sell it for 8- or 10-.

overall grade is a C+/decent category filler, but by no means a must have. next.

Labels: Rock Filler

Columbia c30381 / 1971 - The trouble with a record like this for me is timing. I can tell that the style of this record shows talent on many levels, from songwriting to singing to musicianship, but I just am not into folk right now, or at least I won't give the required effort to find the goodness among the ramshackle folk tunes that fill this LP. As I mentioned in the previous posting about Emigre, Ian Guenther appears on this LP and offers his fiddle expertise. I just don't care for the style enough to play this one again right now, and I don't know if I ever will. I did enjoy the track 'don't let me down', but the rest was a bit too over-the-top psychedelic folk for me.

Cover art shows Fraser in a cowboy hat and silver cuffed collar while deBolt wears a hippie dress, and damn if she doesn't look just like Michelle, or at least her eyes and smile.

My price was 4- a few years ago, and side one has a visible scratch through three songs. I see on ebay that it sells for 25- or so, and solid viper has a set sale at 45- for this one. overall grade for me is C+/not enough to draw me back, at least not now.

Labels: Canadian Hippie Folk

Chrysalis 1228 / 1979 - Led by production team Willi Morrison and Ian Guenther (Three Hats Production/THP Orchestra), this duo makes likable and funky late 70's disco/funk pop. Guenther plays violin and Morrison on guitars. I am enjoying this record as i review it, which is difficult, because the licks keep on coming, and i'm starting to like this more and more, something like how the Chaz Jankel LP's took hold of me.

The cover for this one and only LP by Emigre shows the bald eagle on a greenish money colored background. It sells on various sites for about 6-15 and it could probably be had for 5- or under at a show. I really liked the song 'Poison' on side 1, with its infectious groove and punk-funk flavor, but the violins are what stand out about this band. There are songs stretching into the dub sound like 'spooky reggae', an upbeat disco violin/plinked piano sound on 'rabbit run' and a slower world music influenced number called 'snake dance' which show that the band is using its production clout to find a hit, but the LP is scattered with themes. This is o.k. in my book, but won't make this a classic.

Ian Guenther is currently a violin teacher in Canada. He was with the THP Orchestra, which produced many disco hits for the Butterfly/Chelsea disco label. There is much to search about THPO on the internet, but this lone LP by Emigre is the only attempt at self production. Earlier, Ian Guenther recorded with Fraser & Debolt on their second LP, which i just pulled from my shelves. It is on schedule for its first spin. That was recorded in 1971 and appears to be highly regarded.

This LP is unpriced, but I believe it cost me under 5-, probably a buck or two. overall grade is a B/has an unusual feel for its genre but not astounding nor super memorable, but has enough value to make a slinky funky impression on a mix tape.

Labels: Funk Punk Finds

A&M SP 4607 / 1976 - Bluesy hard rocker features Jimi Jamison on vocals. He is also the singer of Cobra and Survivor after they recorded "eye of the tiger". Every song on both sides is an uptempo straight ahead guitar rocker in the vein of Rainbow, Whitesnake, Bad Company. I hear a bit of Paul Rodgers in the voice as well. The guitars by Buddy Davis are done well, and the synthesized tracks are used tastefully.

The whole feel reminds me of the movie 'Dazed and Confused' and the song by Free on that album. The lyrics are party oriented and hit driven, as were many LP's on A&M from this period. The look of the band is long hair, feathered, open shirts, party time. A few of the songs are covers including "just a little too much" by Johnny Burnette and "99 1/2" by Steve Cropper/Eddie Floyd/Wilson Pickett. Buddy Davis writes a lot of the tunes as well.

I looked this one up to find values, and there are no copies available from Craig Moerer or ebay, now or in the last thirty days. The Jimi Jamison website says the record is rare and goes for 30-50, but my guess would be around 15-25. I don't remember where or for how much I got this one, but probably from the Brooklyn load even though the typical price sticker isn't on the LP anymore.

Overall grade is B-/steady rocker party time driving or drinking music (not at the same time!)/makes me feel eighteen again/not too much to make it play more than a few times however, and not really all that essential.

Labels: Seventies Rockers