Private Lightning - s/t

Name: Private Lightning
Album: s/t
Year: 1980
Style: New Wave Power Pop, Arena Rock
Similar Bands: Airwaves, Journey, Europe, Cars
"One-Word" Review: Underdog Arena Rock
Based Out Of: Boston, MA
Label: A&M Records

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

Private Lightning (1980)

1. Physical Speed 4:42
2. Song of the Kite 5:00
3. Thriller 3:45
4. Cultists of True Fun 3:38 /
5. Heartbeat 3:33
6. Bright City 3:57
7. Side of the Angels 4:56
8. When You're Laughing 4:14

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Paul Van Ness - Writer, Guitar
• Robin Geoffrey Cable - Producer & Engineer
• Steve Keith - Bass
• Patty Van Ness - Violin
• Adam Sherman - Vox, Logo Lettering
• Eric Kaufman - Keys
• Scott Woodman - Drums
• Jon Walls - Second Engineer
• Fred Heller - Mgmt
• Barbara Spiegel - Director
• Chuck Beeson - Art Direction & Design
• Jim McCrary - Cover Photo
• Chris Callis - Group Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Private Lightning, but it looks like a million other power pop new wave bands. The heartbeat looking line across the front and back of the album, the black band uniform and dated haircuts all seem to note that they are a tight power pop band taking advantage of New Wave's push. 

Album Review: As theorized, they sound like every other harmonized power pop band from the 80's. There are bits of uniqueness, like when the violin spotlights the backing melody on Bright City, and the some lyrics are quite poetic. It seems they had a very positive appreciation around the Boston area, as many of the things written about them are nostalgic, and report of their live show being much  better than the record. Furthermore, there is evidence that their record was toned down compared to their rough cut, which was closer to their true nature.

Stand Out Track: Bright City

Links:
Renaissance Records
Discogs
Allmusic
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Robots for Ronnie
Sued51 - Fans History of 80s Boston Bands
Revmem's blog
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