Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band - Eugene

Name: Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
Album: Eugene
Year: 1981
Style: Humor, Disco, Novelty
Similar Bands: Ween (in a bad way), Was (Not Was), MECO, Ray Stevens, Rick Dees
"One-Word" Review: problematic novelty island disco rock
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Polygram, Casablanca Records & Filmworks

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Eugene (1981)

1. Eugene 4:11 (single)
2. Buzz Me 2:47
3. Gay Ranchero 4:10
4. You 3:23
5. Ugga Ugga Boo 4:25/
6. Little Puffies 4:21
7. Ice Cream 2:58 (single)
8. Stranded in the Jungle 3:26
9. Madam Palm 3:11
10. Blow Up 1:40

Album Rating (1-10): 4.0

Members & Other Bands:

• "Crazy Joe" Renda - Vox, Keys, Producer (Country Cousins, Sherwoods, Alex Parche, Chip Taylor, Stoney Edwards, Bum Bar Bastards)
• Kat McCord - Vox (Fabulour Rhinestones, David Sanborn Band, Guy & Pipp Gillette)
• John Regan - Bass, Musical Arrangement (Frehly's Comet, Ace Frehly, Peter Frampton, Chip Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Lisa bade, Diane Richards, Bowie & Jagger, Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, John Waite, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Monroe, Robin Trower, David Lee Roth, Brad Absher, John Phillips, Rob Arthur, Four by Fate, High Priest, Henning Hallqvist)
• Ed Monteleone - Guitars, Musical Arrangement (Peter Frampton)
• Claude Lehenaff - Drums, Percussion (Frankie & The Knockouts)
• Rob Sabino - Organ, Piano, Synth (Frehly's Comet, Joined Forces, Simms Bros Band, Nile Rodgers, Ace Frehly, Robert Cotter, Ashford & Simpson, Chic, Norma Jean, Sister Sledge, Peter Frampton, Debbie Harry, Odyssey, Blotto, Fonzi Thornton, Michael Gregory, Bernard Edwards, Paul Simon, Bowie, Diane Richards, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Richie Scarlet, Cartoons, Rosanne Cash, Power Station, EG Daily, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Rodney Crowell, Matthew Sweet, Laurie Anderson, Michael Monroe, Terri Gonzalez, Larry Neil, Art Garfunkel, Mick Jones, Todd Rundgren, Carly Simon, Johnny Mathis)
• Diane Scanlon - Backing Vox (Univ of Bridgeport Jazz Rock Ensemble, Felix Cavaliere, Guy & Pipp Gillette, Siji)
• Ace Frehley - Syndrum, Co-Producer (Frehly's Comet, Kiss, For Love Not Lisa, Gene Simmons, Wendy O Williams, Criss, ESP, Still Wicked, Richie Scarlet, Kathy Valentine, Jam Pain Society, Ken Sharp)
• John Platania - Guitar Effects (Prof. Louie & the Crowmatrix, Caledonia Soul Orch, Giants, Chip Taylor, John Prine, Van Morrison, Gary Kuper, Don Cooper, Genya Ravan, Sam Leopold, Randy Newman, Stony Edwards, Gary Windo, Martha Velez, Dean Batstone, Gathering Field, Children of Earth, Greg Kroll, Guy Davis, MJ Nelson, Kendel Carson, Billy Vera, Evie Sands)
• Chris Cassone - Backing Vox, Talk Box, Engineer 
• Mike Hunt - Sax (Billy Blacktooth)
• Gary Axelbank - Radio Announcer
• Dennis Kaplan - Mgmt
• John Nagy - Mixing
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Richard Wexler - Photo
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Looks like a basic power pop or pub rock band who likes to have a good time (see: guy tugging pizza out of a dog's mouth with his mouth)

Album Review: This entire album is absolutely horrible. Musically, it is OK, mostly leans toward disco,  and when the female vocals are isolated, it can be enjoyable. But each song employs comical vocals or effects, some of which are not very PC sounding, and most of the time, not very musical...take the immigrant, for whom, English is not his first language on "Eugene," or the alien rock band obsessed with underaged girls on "Little Puffies," or the homosexual vocal inflection in "Gay Ranchero." Even on the best track "Ice Cream," which starts out like a nice female r&b pop number with some fun synth energy. It is hampered by the sedated, monotone male speaking voice placed jarringly over some verse and backing the lead chorus. This vocal is the main vocal across the whole record, most of the time seeming more like a failed sketch comedy skit than a musical endeavor. 

The only pop appeal is that Ace Frehley had a hand in this band & it's "popularity." This is his first official work non related to Kiss. He co-produced and is featured on the single "Eugene." Other than that, Joe Renda made a name for himself as a producer more than a performer.

Stand Out Track: Ice Cream

Links:
Youtube full album
Discogs
Allmusic
Kissmonster
101.5 WPDH
The Stranger
Rate your Music
105.7 The Hawk

Couchois - Nasty Hardware

Name: Couchois
Album: Nasty Hardware
Year: 1980
Style: Powerpop, AOR
Similar Bands: Journey, Allman Brothers, J. Geils Band, ELO, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Orleans, Steve Miller Band
"One-Word" Review: average white band
Based Out Of: Huntsville AL
Label: Warner Brothers, Inmusic Productions

Cover, Record, Catalogue

Back, Record

Nasty Hardware (1980)

1. Trudy, You're A Bad Girl 4:13
2. How Can I Lose 3:35
3. Pretty Young Girls 3:29
4. Anywhere You Are 3:58
5. Innocence 3:22 /
6. Roll the Dice 4:23
7. Call it a Day 3:55
8. Do You Really Believe it? 4:00
9. Visibility Zero 4:58

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Steve Barri - Producer
• Eddie Lambert - Producer
• Chas Carlson - Keys Backing Vox
• Howard Messer - Bass, Backing Vox (Ratchell, Eric Burdon)
• Pat Couchois - Guitar, Backing Vox (Ratchell, T.I.M.E.)
• Michael Couchois Drums, BackingVox 
• Chris Couchois - Vox, Percussion (Ratchell, Eric Burdon)
• Phil Kaye - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• Roger Nichols - Recording Engineer
• Gary Goodman - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• John Banuelos - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Karen White - Production Coordinator
• Martyn Smoith - Mgmt & Direction
• Ed Tickner - Mgmt & Direction
• Fred Valentine - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But they look like fun; with lots of energy, waving emergency silver blankets about, proudly drunk and showing their varied excitements. Definitly going to be powerpop, but at what level? Light, Pub, New Wave, Arena?

Album Review: Turns out this is light, southern-bluesy power pop for the most part. The name comes from three brothers, making up more than half the band, so it make sense to use their last name. This is their second album of two, and i think I've seen their first one out and about: the cougar logo looks familiar. The album verges on rocking once or twice...the bass and synth in the closing track is a little dark, but the song is funky enough to stay above water. There are some nice smooth harmonies, and a little country rock infused, but overall, just another AOR album to add to the pile. Roll the Dice was covered by both Charlie (reviewed recently)and German metal band Rage

Stand Out Track: Roll the Dice

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
allmusic
Robots for Ronnie (prev album review)
rate your music
Musicbrainz
Easy Reader News live review/listing2012

CoConuts - s/t

Name: CoConuts
Album: s/t
Year: 2010
Style: Noise, Experimental, Psych, Noise
Similar Bands: Liars, Belly
"One-Word" Review: Dark, Echoing Drone + Grating Noise
Based Out Of: Brooklyn NY
Label: No Quarter

 Cover, Record, Download, Liner Notes

Back, Record, Insert Back

CoConuts (2010)

1. Intro 0:57
2. Silver Lights 6:34
3. Lost Bitches 9:33
4. Dark World 6:49
5. When She Smiles 2:51
6. Dean's Blues 6:53

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Jordan Redaelli - Bass (Bird Blobs, White Hills)
• Tim Evans - Guitar (Bird Blobs, DeGreaser, Flying Phallas, La Scrimmioa, Modra, Mouth, Sea Scouts, Super Glue, NinetyNine, Chris Smith, White Hills)
• Daniel Mitha - Drums (Ones, One/Hands, YKEO, Matt Pond PA, Crank Sturgeon/Paisano)
• Mike Fellow - Recording Mixing
• Paul Gold - Mastering
• Throne Boogie - Images
• Popular Noise - Typeset

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the band. Not much to go on with the cover, name, and lack of year/song titles on the back. So i'm guessing it's something minimal, no wave perhaps?

Album Review: At first listen, the album is all feedback noise and sludgy bass...it took me a couple listens to recall that there were vocals. But with more listens (perhaps just a closer listen), reveals some beauty to the chaos. Labeled as Psych music, most of the reviews label the record as driving, drudging, sludgey, heavy. All agreed. The two friends from Australia and NYC drummer only put out this one record. Part of the Lost Bitches song reminds me of Belly's mystical nightscape songs. Otherwise, I don't have much knowledge of other bands to relate here.

Stand Out Track: Lost Bitches

Links:
Bandcamp
Discogs
when she smiles Pitchfork review
myspace
Impose Mag
forced exposure
rate your music

Classics IV - Traces

Name: Classics IV
Album: Traces
Year: 1969
Style: Folk, Light Pop, Easy Listening
Similar Bands: Bachelors, We Five, Roy Orbison, Association
"One-Word" Review: Loungey pop vocals
Based Out Of: Jacksonville, FL
Label: Imperial, Liberty

 cover, record

record, back

Traces (1969)

1. Everyday With You Girl  2:34 (single)
2. Mr. Blue 2:31
3. Sunny 2:40
4. Free 2:27
5. Traces 2:45 (single) /
6. Something I'll Remember 2:30
7. Our Day Will Come 2:12
8. Rainy Day 2:37
9. Traffic Jam 2:18
10. Sentimental Lady 2:24
11. Nobody Loves You But Me 3:11

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Dennis Yost - Vox (Echoes, Leroy and the Moments)
• Emory Gordy - Arrangement, Composer (Here Today, Kommotions, St John & the Cardinals, Hot Bandm, TCB Band)
• Bill Lowery - Producer
• Buddy Buie - Producer
• Lew Bradley - Engineer
• Woody Woodward - Art Direction
• Gabor Halmos - Design
• Howard Risk - Photographer
• J.R. Cobb - guitar (Atlanta Rhythm Section)
• DeWayne Blackwell - Composer
• Mac Davis - Composer (Zots)
• Mort Garson - Composer
• Bobby Hebb - Composer
• Bob Hillard - Composer
• Tommy Roe - Composer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Traces. Hoping they sound like some fun oldies pop like Herman's Herrmits, Monkees or Box Tops. But I never heard of them, so, probably not.

Album Review: I had the band mislabeled as Traces, but their name is actually Classics IV. It changed from Classics, as there was another band with that name from Brooklyn, and they experienced early set backs because the Four Seasons felt their music sounded too close to their style and had the song Pollyanna's NY airplay cut back. They still tour & play out, with a back up vocalist for Yost, (hand picked after he went through throat surgery and passed away in Dec'08). "Traffic Jam" sounds like a Colin Moulding song, and some of the tracks have a mid-period Elvis Costello (Mighty Like A Rose) sound. But most of the songs are easy listening light, with some smooth jazz sax solos and basic pop melodies.

Stand Out Track: Traffic Jam

Links:
Wiki
Website
Discogs
Dennis Yost Obit
Allmusic
Flower Power Cruise
Best Classic Bands

Charlie - s/t

Name: Charlie
Album: s/t
Year: 1983
Style: Powerpop, Arena Rock
Similar Bands: Journey, Foreigner, Bad Company, Styx
"One-Word" Review: That's Journey, Right? RIGHT?
Based Out Of: London, UK
Label: Mirage, Atco, Atlantic, Warner

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

Charlie (1983)

1. It's Inevitable  3:52 (single)
2. Tempted 3:57
3. Spend My Life With you 4:14
4. Never Too Late 4:31
5. Playing To Win 4:06 /
6. The Heartaches Begin  4:09
7. You're Everything I Need 7:02
8. This Time 4:19
9. Can't Wait 'Til Tomorrow 4:00

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Terry Thomas - Writer, Guitar, Backing Vox, Producer, Mixing (Magic Mixture, Axe, Bad Company, Foreigner, Tommy Shaw, Fastway, Giant, Richard Marx, Doctor Rockit, Biran Howe,  Sons of God Quartet, Janus Stark, Flash Terry, Anja Garbarek, White Trash)
• Terry Slesser - Lead Vox (Back Street Crawler, Beckett, Crawler)
• John Anderson - Bass, Backing Vox (Axe, Black Cat Bones, Shaun Guerin)
• Robert Henrit - Drums, Percussion (Argent, John Verity Band, Phoenix, Barnet Dogs, Kinks, Roulettes, Unit Four plus Two, Ziggy Byfield and the Blackheart Band, Colin Blunstone, Roger Daltrey, Leo Sayer, Duncan Browne, Michael Fennelly, Adam Faith, Limey, Russ Ballard, Dave Davies, Ian Matthews, Mike Berry, Kazuo Takeda, Francie Conway, Zombies)
• Steve Gadd - Drums
• Kevin Beamish - Producer, Engineer
• Bruce Barris - Asst. Engineer
• David Thoener - Mixing Engineer
• John Davenport - Asst. Engineer
• George Marino - Mastering
• Jay Anning - Art Direction
• Pete Turner - Cover Photo
• Felix Krish - Bassic Info
• Andy Clark - Digital Dexterity
• Richard Cottle - Digital Dexterity, Sax (Abbacadabra, Glamorama, Manic MC's, Obsession, Respect, Royal T, SFX, Shaft)
• Adrian Lee - Digital Dexterity
• Chris Parren - Digital Dexterity
• Nick Payne - Sax (Bill Wyman's Rhyth, Kings, Bootleg Kings, Moon, Q-Tips, Paul Young, John Slaughter Blues Band, Lonnie Donegan, Mick Abrahams, Culture Club, Anthony More)
• Bud Prager - Mgmt
• Dave Thomas - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Charlie. Pretty tough name to search for, but I like the dark desert highway energy on the cover + font...like a shady version of the show Night Rider. I'd love if this goes in a dark, synth-wave direction verging on disco, alas, no synth on the back cover credits.

Album Review: The band has gone through 9 different line ups since starting in 1970 with six albums preceding this one, and they are still active through 2015. Based on the vocals and production, I would have never guessed they were from London, but this was mainly a Terry Thomas outfit, but for this album, under US label requirements, they needed to find a new singer, and Slesser was auditioned in, sounding just like Steve Perry. They blame their lack of UK success on the rise of punk, and found fairer lands here in the US, with four minor hits. There is a lot of hair energy in this album, lots of power chords and high kicks in tight leather pants. Save the monster power ballad "Spend My Life With You." "Never Too Late" has a little bit of Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" in it.

Stand Out Track: Never Too Late

Links:
Terry Thomas Wiki
Charlie Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
History
Terry Thomas Interview
Bad Cat Records
Steve Hoffman Music Forum

Champaign - Modern Heart

Name: Champaign
Album: Modern Heart
Year: 1983
Style: Light Rock, R&B
Similar Bands: Eric Carmen, Prince, Bobby McFerrin, Atlantic Starr, SOS Band, Luther Vandross
"One-Word" Review: Overproduced Jazzy Adult Contemporary Prince
Based Out Of: Champaign IL
Label: CBS Columbia

Cover, Record, Lyrics

Back, Record, Lyrics

Modern Heart (1983)

1. Let Your Body Rock 4:18
2. Try Again 3:46 (single)
3. Party Line 3:51
4. Cool Running 3:16
5. Walkin' 2:07 /
6. Keep It Up 3:58
7. Love Games 4:39
8. Get It Again 3:38
9. International Feel 4:32

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Day - Keys, Guitar (Water Bros, MODA, Freddie Jackson, Don Thompson, Coalkitchen, Luther Ingram, Freeze Etch)
• Paulie Carman - Vox (Water Bros, Coalkitchen, Thom Bishop)
• Rena Jones - Vox (Water Bros)
• Leon Reeder - Guitar (Thom Bishop)
• Rocky Maffit - Drums (MODA, Race, Mosaic, Luther Ingram, Freddie Jackson, Milo, Rhythmic Union, Rocking Clones)
• Dana Walden - Keys (Water Bros, Coalkitchen, Kristin Lems, Combo Audio, Erin Isaac, Sergio Buss, Arnold McCuller, Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, Christian Mayhem )
• James Gadson
• Melvin Webb - Drums
• John Robinson
• Paul Richmond
• Abraham Laboriel
• Neil Stubenhaus
• Dean Parks
• John Kellogg
• Jimi Randolph
• Bill Payne
• Neal Robinson
• Ian Wallace
• Ron Dewar
• James Mack
• Jerry Hey
• George Massenburgh - Production, Sound
• Richard Denhart - Asst. Engineer
• Bill Youdelman - Remote Recording Equipment
• Doug Sax - Mastering
• Beverly Parker - Photography
• Nancy Donald - Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but the cover art is exactly what many of today's island synth pop artists are going for. But for 1983, this is going to be some synthetic yacht rock

Album Review: Somewhere between and on a different plane than Lionel Ritchie's All Night Long and Bobby McFerrin's Don't Worry Be Happy sits this slick, over produced set of adult contemporary sexy-mood setting tracks. None of it is really that good to want to put on to enjoy. It fails in the mass studio synthesization of music down to the bone, where nothing organic or raw can live. There may be talent in this group, but the glossy sheen on the one dimensional sound loses interest quite fast. Their first album, one before this one, contained the song they were most famous for, and never reached that peak again...Pauli Carman keeps the band going with s revolving cast and is still active (2020)

Stand Out Track: Keep It Up

Links:
wiki
soultracks
discogs
smooth radio
website
Champaign News Gazette
Soul Walking
Allmusic

Catholic Girls - s/t

Name: Catholic Girls
Album: s/t
Year: 1982
Style: Hard Rock, Powerpop
Similar Bands: Sleater-Kinney, Go-Go's, Girl School, Bangels
"One-Word" Review: catchy ground-breakingly tame pop
Based Out Of: New Jersey
Label: MCA

 Cover, Record, Liner Notes

Back, Record, Lyrics

Catholic Girls (1982)

1. Someone New 3:13 (single)
2. C'est Impossible 3:07
3. A Boy For Me 4:13
4. Where Did I go Wrong 2:35
5. Park Theater 2:49
6. You Let Me Down 3:02 /
7. Private School 2:54 (single)
8. Boys Can Cry 2:47 (single)
9. I Called You Up 3:27
10. God Made You For Me 8:57

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Gail Petersen - Writer, Lead Vox, Guitar, Synth (Double Cross)
• Evan Pace - Producer, Mixing
• Leon Tsilis - Exec. Producer, Mixing
• Kathe Schreyer - Art Direction, Cover Concept, Design
• George Osaki - Art Direction
• Aaron Rapoport - Photography
• Joanne Holland - Bass (Double Cross)
• Roxy Andersen - Backing Vox, Lead Guitar (Double Cross)
• Doreen Holmes - Drums (Double Cross, NJ Percussion Ensemble)
• Gary Skardina - Recording Engineer
• John Kovarek - Additional Synth Over Dubbing Engineer
• Robert Feist - Asst Engineer
• Jeff Silver - Asst Engineer
• Paul Jarvis - Asst Engineer
• Doug Sax - Mastering
• Mary Kay Stolz - Uniform Design
• Francine Moore - Stylist
• Connie Clark - Hair
• Natasha Ciura - Makeup
• Stewart Turner - Representation
• Steve Mitchell - Programming

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but saw it at a record flea market, and figured the content had to be good or at least interesting...80's bad girl vibe, but in a fashionable way, so assuming they will sound like a band Ex hex is trying to replicate.

Album Review: So they don't sound as heavy as I thought they would, kind of like a slightly heavier, rock version of the Go-Gos. The vocals have a fluttering like them, and like Corin Tucker (Sleater- Kinney). They were pioneers, even though that was not their intent, wearing catholic outfits and memorablia along side their genuine, non-offensive music. The original band only lasted a few years (broke up in 85) and had this one album, but they got to tour with legendary bands (Petty, Kinks, Ramones, Clash) and play legendary places. Although they were the first NJ all-girl band to get signed to a major label, they never connected or were promoted efficiently because it seemed the corporate rulers could not accept their "voice" before they ever heard it. SNL cancelled them based on potential backlash, and they were banned from Rhode Island based on one misinterpreted lyric in "God Made You For Me" that the church felt was calling god a woman. A new line up got back together in 2002 and have recorded a couple albums since.

Stand Out Track: You Let Me Down, C'est Impossible

Links:
Gail's Website
website
Spotify full album + bonus
Discogs
Allmusic
Gail's FB
Shutter 16
Rate Your Music
Aquarian
Punk Globe

Capital City Rockets - s/t

Name: Capital City Rockets
Album: s/t
Year: 1973
Style: Honky-Tonk, Pub Rock, Southern-Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, Bay City Rollers, J. Geils Band, Black Crows, Mooney Suzuki
"One-Word" Review: run-of-the-mill-honky-tonk-blues
Based Out Of: Columbus OH
Label: Elektra, Warner

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Capital City Rockets (1973)

1. Ten Hole Dollars 3:24
2. Grab Your Honey 3:01 (single b-side)
3. Little Bit O'Fun 2:59 (cover)
4. Come Back Baby 2:41
5. People Are Losing 4:53 / 
6. Breakfast in Bed 3:13 (single)
7. Newcomer Blues 2:53
8. My Orange Tie 3:18
9. Searchlight 3:31
10. Still Kicking 3:49

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Jamie Lyons - Lead Vox (the Music Explosion, the Burners, Hard Sauce, Kasenetz-Katz)
• Robert Hill - Guitar, Vox (Godz, Sky King, Debonairs, Bishops, Four Winds, Goldfinger, Strongbow, Climax)
• Michael (Bopper) Warner -  Guitar, Vox (Hard Sauce, Four O'Clock Balloon)
• Eric Moore - Bass (Godz, Sky King, Tree, American Dog)
• Jerry Hertig - Drums (Hard Sauce, Adrian Belew)
• Bobbye Hall - Congas (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bill Withers, Butterfield Blues Band, Janis Joplin, Mamas and Papas many more)
• Gregory Prestopino - Piano (Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Puff Daddy, Aaron Neville, Bette Midler, Livingston Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Maria Muldaur, Bonnie Raitt. Ry Cooder, John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III, Juice Newton, Gary Wright, Dan Bern, Arlo Guthrie, Kate & AnnaMcGarrigle)
• Fritz Richmond - Engineer, Remix
• Ed Caraeff - Photography
• Robert L. Heimall - Art Direction & Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of these guys, but the logo looks right out of a late-90's emo punk band, and the back cover looks like they could be a 70's punk band in rollerderby outfits. I'm excited to hear what these guys make...it will probably just be some basic powerpop/rock, seeing as it's 1973.

Album Review: This was a one and done album from this band, who had roots in the Columbus OH scene for years before and after in other small bands. They are indeed a pub rock band with a bit of southern blues, a bit of revitalized oldies rock n roll, and smatterings of power pop. All of their songs are energetic, but nothing really stands out as the clear single or hook.

Stand Out Track: My Orange Tie

Links:
youtube full album
discogs
Something Else
facebook
allmusic
buckeye beat
rate your music
steve hoffman forum
Robert christgau

Cryin' Out Loud - Live It Up

Name: Cryin' Out Loud
Album: Live It Up
Year: 1985
Style: Reggae influenced New Wave
Similar Bands: Police, English Beat, Specials
"One-Word" Review: Brassless Powerpop Ska
Based Out Of: Hoboken, NJ
Label: Golda Bowlfish Records

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Live it Up (1985)

1. The Distance 2:53
2. Live It Up 4:20 /
3. Fire 4:30
4. Pounding Heart 4:26

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Don Brody - Guitar, Vox, Words & Music (Screaming Urge, the Marys, Connie Sharar)
• Todd Novak - Lead Guitar
• Christopher Johns - Drums, Backing Vox
• Dan Acker - Bass, Backing Vox (the Dragsters)
• Glenn M. Taylor - Engineering, Producer
• Charles Evelyn - Album Design
• Jeffrey Kane - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but they also (like the Philisteens) look like a typical new Wave Band, however, there is a chance that they could be more jangley college pop, since it is a 1985 record, and markered over as a radio station's copy.

Album Review: They are a very Police inspired reggae-new Wave band. All of their songs have the repetitive & rhythmically strummed chords/ They do not have quite the energy of ska, and there is no brass. But they are considered to be part of the NYC Ska contingent, with their own variation on the genre. Singer Don Brody was a survivor of polio in his youth, and learned to play guitar while bedridden. He passed away at 44 in his sleep in Dec'97.

Stand Out Track: The Distance

Links:
Discogs
Tribute
Marco on the Bass
Tone & Wave
PSU article from '86
Don Brody rememberance 

Joe "King" Carrasco & the Crowns - s/t

Name: Joe "King" Carrasco & the Crowns
Album: s/t
Year:1980
Style: Tex-Mex, New Wave, Oldies
Similar Bands: Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Werner Thomas, Buddy Holly, Fabulous Fondas, ? & the Mysterians, El Vez
"One-Word" Review: Chicken Dance New Wave
Based Out Of: Dumas/Austin TX
Label: Hannibal Records, Antilles Communications, Island Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Joe "King" Carrasco & the Crowns (1980)

1. Houston el Mover 2:00
2. One More Time 2:19
3. Caca de Vaca 2:45
4. Let's Get Pretty 3:03
5. Bad Bad Girls 2:13
6. Don't Bug Me Baby 3:12
7. Federales 2:43 /
8. Buena 3:12
9. Nervoused Out 2:36
10. Betty's World 3:20
11. I Get My Kicks on You 3:29
12. Party Doll 2:30
13. Gimme Sody, Judy 3:25

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:
Brad Kizer - Bass
Mike Navarro - Drums (Dino Lee, Hand of Glory)
Kris Cummings - Keys (Johnny Reno & Sax Maniacs, LeRoi Bros)
Joe 'King' Carrasco - Guitar, Vox (BP Fallon, Texas Tornados)
Eddie Solan - Engineer
John Wood - Engineer & Producer
Joe Nick Patoski - Executive Producer
Worthless Willy - Talent Co-Coordinator
Gretchen Barber - Talent Co-Coordinator
Huey P. Meaux - Talent Co-Coordinator
Karel Steiner - Cover Photo
Waring Abbot - Back Photos
John Morthland - Liner Notes
M&Co. NY - Design

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. But between all the collaged advertisement artwork, i imagine this to be some wacky country-ish music.

Album Review: Although the "file under" note at the top right corner states Nuevo Wavo & Instrumental: Farfisa, the result is like a snotty Tex-Mex new wave playing their songs through a chicken dance effects pedal. There is the Farfisa organ, so there is a little Elvis Costello feel to some of the songs, but it is very light, and lacks any kind of punch most new wave acts possess. Labeled as new Wave Pop mixed with Latin Rhythms, the songs translate much better live with dance focused emphasis than on a record. They were one of the first american bands to be signed to the Stiff Records and guested on SNL on 1/24/81

Stand Out Track: Houston el Mover

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Austin Chronicle
CD Baby
IMDB
Robert Christgau
website
Recovery Recordings

Allan Clarke - I've Got Time

Name: Allan Clarke
Album: I've Got Time
Year:1976
Style: Singer / Songwriter Covers, Easy Listening
Similar Bands: 70's version of the Hitmaker Cover bar bands
"One-Word" Review: Wispy-Soft-Musak-Familiars
Based Out Of: Salford, Lancashire, England
Label: Asylum Records, Elektra, Nonesuch, Pasha Music Org

 Cover, Record

Back, Record

I've Got Time (1976)

1. Blinded By the Light 4:37
2. Light A Light 4:16
3. We've got Time 3:53
4. Stand By Me 3:26
5. The Long Way 4:20 / 
6. Hallelujah Freedom 3:40
7. If Your Think You Know How to Love Me 4:11
8. If You Walked Away 4:18
9. Sunrise 4:18
10. Living In Love 3:30
11. Finale 4:05

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Allan Clarke- Vox (Hollies, Clarke-Hicks-Nash, Fourtones, Deltas)
• Spencer Proffer - Producer, Arrangement
• Jimmie Haskell - Arrangement: Strings, Horns, Finale, Conductor
• Ron Malo - Engineering & Sound
• David Apps- Management Direction
• Glen Christensen - Art Direction
• John Van Hammersveld - Design
• Norman Seeff - Photography

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this singer/songwriter, but he looks weathered, and confident, so my guess is the tracks will be thoughtful countrified (cowboy hat) versions of hit songs.

Album Review: I did not know he was the famous hall of fame lead singer of the Hollies and childhood friend/bandmate with Graham Nash. The songs are light, almost like a band that would play for a 40th wedding anniversary or retirement party. But Clarke is still recording, despite taking time off from medical problems with his vocal chords, but he released a new album in 2019.

Stand Out Track: Blinded By The Light

Links:
Wiki
Allmusic
Discogs
facebook
telegraph - hollies
best classic bands
Noise 11
website

Citizen - Sex & Society

Name: Citizen
Album: Sex & Society
Year: 1980
Style: New Wave, Power Pop, Glam
Similar Bands: Split Enz, Mental As Anything, A's
"One-Word" Review: Theatrical Power Wave
Based Out Of: Illinois
Label: Ovation

 Cover, Lyrics, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Sex & Society (1980)

1. You're So Cool 3:25
2. I Like You 3:32
3. Secret Rock N' Roller 3:44
4. Thought I Was Tough 3:45
5. Feel So Good 3:26 /
6. I'm A Citizen 4:10
7. Advertising (Rock! Rock!) 5:44
8. Sex & Society 5:07
9. Nuclear Love 4:01

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Marier- Composer, Vox, Guitar, Photography
• Ken Marier - Composer, Creative Mgmt, Album Cover Concept
• Tom Pabich - Tails Out Productions
• David Webb - Tails Out Production, Photography
• Ernst Wiatrowski - Keys, Vox, Photography
• Craig Gillispe - Bass, Vox, Photography
• Robert Horn - Drums, Vox, Desigh, Artwork, Art Direction, Photography
• Dominic Busemi - Guitar, Vox, Photography (Inside Out)
• Cary Baker - Press Relations
• Frank Giuliano - National Promotions
• Lauren Kornman - National Promotions
• Susan Gayford - Costuming, Photography
• Mary Holmes - Hair Design
• Alex Bachnick - Photography
• Jane Senastian - Photography
• Rose Haave - Photography
• Darlene Murphy - Photography
• Tom Pabich - Photography
• Trisha Smythe - Photography
• Richard Fairbanks - Live Sound
• Tom Labus - Live Sound
• Javier Cruz - Synthesizist (Skafish)
• Dick Schoy - Cymbals
• George "Yanos" Danos - Dentist
• Mark Hayes - Muscle
• Bob Gasper - Favors
• Jim Scheffler - Education
• Jim Dolan - Production Assisted, Engineered, Mixed
• Ron Gresham - Asst Engineer/Mixer

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. From the cover costuming, the band comes off as a uniformed futuristic/alien prog band delivering a concept album. I imagine the songs about space, other planets, and militarization, as a metaphor for our society.

Album Review: They were apparently trying to take advantage of MTV as it was lifting off, as I've read that their video ran on the early days (although not in the first 24 hrs). They  have a very bouncy, jovial approach to power pop and new wave, with a lot of style adjustments coming off as theatrical. It is a fun album, lots of harmonies, but does not have a star quality. I do really like the jittery, twittery keyboard in "I Like You," which really drives home the New Wave sound.

Stand Out Track: I Like You

Links:
Discogs
Rate your Music
MTV video on early days

CAB 20 - Dirty Smiles

Artist: Cab 20

Album: Dirty Smiles

Year: 2010

Style: Bluesy Rock, Garage, Classic Rock

Similar Bands: Queens of the Stone Age, Black Keys, Soul Asylum, MC5, Black Crows, Lenny Kravitz

One Word Review: Sweaty-Shouty-Guitar Jams.

Based Out Of: El Segundo, CA

Label: Slaughtered Lamb Productions

Dirty Smiles Cover & Record

Dirty Smiles - Back, Record

Dirty Smiles (2010)

1. Don't Leave Your Love 2:17
2. Infection 2:56
3. Stones & Bones  4:47
4. Aquavit 3:19
5. Oh Darling 4:00
6. Slow Song 3:07 /
7. Keep on Talking 3:50
8. Substance Abuse 4:20
9. Living Things 3:46
10. Gravedigger 3:59
11. Boots 3:28
12. Blood on my Hands 2:37

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

Eric Conteras - Drums
Bert Hoover - Guitar, Vox, Album Artwork

Chris Khalife - Bass, Keys Vox

Ivan Konstantinovic - Additional Vox

Gil Serrano - Banjo, Additional Vox

Jonny Lai - Electric Guitar, Additional Vox

Noah Yoseloff - Additional Vocals

Robert Hoover - Co-Produced, Engineered, Mastering
Joo-Joo Ashworth - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But from the color scheme from the grey and brown trains, it feels like it will be a slice of Americana rock. I imagine meandering, and tedious at times, perhaps some grungy guitar solos. 

Album Review:

So this is the very first band to ever appear on Shark Tanl (2012) in order to gain investor backing as a band. They didn't agree to a deal, and were not funded. Popularity from the show neve helped them out, as they are not really together making new music today.

“Don't Leave Your Love” starts with a drum beat, and an urgent, rattling guitar playing MC5 style garage rock. The vocals are also urgent, and emotional, verging on shouting. Very fast, and classic rock in style.
“Infection” has a bit more country twang in the guitar, but it is still rushed and anxiously played…the bouncing keys buried in the background also emphasize the pace. The appeal for alcohol fueled, bluesy guitar solos is apparent for the song is jumpstarted by the guitar.
“Stones & Bones” has a slower jazzy drum beat to begin. It is well accompanied by a funky bass line, and thick steamrolling guitars. The passionate vocals sound as if they are standing far away from the mic, in order to capture the natural vocals which don’t care how naturally loud they are. The song slows down in the minimal instrumental section, only to pick up for one last emotional verse.
“Aquavit” combined punk chords and the bluesy, slightly free-form shouty vocals well. The chord progression sounds very familiar. There are a couple distinct driving sections, which give a platform for the shouting vocals.
“Oh Darling” Starts with some space-guitar twittlings, and then proceeds as a minimal open room drum and bass section. The vocals are growly-shouting against a juxtaposing backdrop of slower music. The guitars kick in and with some feed back and other classic rock elements, push the song along faster. The song slows down to a crawling tambourine rest, then quietly surges with chugging guitars back to the full volume and driving force of the initial verse.
“Slow Song” is true to its name, and an acoustic guitar plays a balladeering bar stool jam. It is a little stumbly, but kicks in with a drum beat only to make the slow jam louder. The volume and intensity rises and falls, but it keeps a moderate tempo the whole time.

“Keep on Talking” begins with a small bass hook and cowbell. Then Cake-like guitar is added, and the song gets going with a sweaty guitar atmosphere. There are group shouting vocals over key lyrical phrases, but the funky bass line keeps the song in order. The song builds and gets a little progressive, with looping guitar licks, which cycle back to the initial set up.
“Substance Abuse” chugs along with grimey, sludgy guitar, and a spattering of drums below. The guitar leads the kick in, and shouting vocals pull the singer away from the mic to not overpower or distort things more than desired. The instrumental takes a while to grow back into the musical verse for one last run through before the song ends.
“Living Things” Starts with Pounding guitar and cowbell, with a flat sounding drum. The vocals are a little more controlled and coherent at first. It’s like a faster Kick Out the Jams. The song takes a bit of a break to focus on the vocals and simple rhythm chords. But it does manage to kick back in, and oscillate between sections balancing the slow & quiet with the fast paced urgency
“Gravedigger” is a swampy stomp jam with catchy group choruses and shouty sections mixed with stoner classic rock lines.
“Boots” is a bit slinkier, but is at heart a pub rocking band full of feedback and swagger. It plays out like a Lenny Kravitz instrumental jam
“Blood on My Hands” is a swampy porch, banjo picking, jug band southern sing along. The whole band sings in echoing natural harmony for the chorus. It feels more of a demo. At 1:50, the tambourine kicks the song into a quickened pace for a short bit before the song winds down, runs out of alcohol. 

Stand Out Track: Don't Leave Your Love

Links:
Discogs
allmusic
amazon
Gazette Review - Shark Tank
Sonic bids
website

Cherry People - s/t

Artist: Cherry People

Album: s/t

Year: 1968

Style: Psychedelic Pop

Similar Bands: Byrds, Hullaballoo, Turtles, Archies, Association, Cowsills, Bee Gees, Monkees

One Word Review: Harmonized Style Array

Based Out Of: Washington, DC

Labels: MGM, Heritage

 

 Cherry People - Cover & Back, Record

 Cherry People - Center Fold-out, Record

Cherry People - Info

Cherry People (1968)

1. And Suddenly 2:06
2. Girl on the Subway 2:52
3. On To Something New 2:22
4. Imagination 1:54
5. My Hyde 2:39 /
6. Do Something to Me 2:13
7. Ask the Children 2:08
8. I'm the one Who Loves You 2:06
9. Don't Hang Me Up Girl 2:53
10. Light of Love 2:40

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:
Punky Meadows - Guitar (Bux, Angel, The English Settlers)
Chris Grimes - Guitars Vox (The English Settlers, Jimi Hendrix)
Rocky Isaac - Drums (Fallen Angels, Bux, Jimi Hendrix)
Dougy Grimes - Vox (The English Settlers)
Jan Zukowski - Bass (Nobody's Children, Nighthawks, Fabulous Hubcaps)
Ron Haffkine - Producer
Barry Oslander - Producer
Jerry Ross Productions
Jimmy Wisner - Arrangement
Joe Renzetti - Arrangement
Val Valentin - Director of Engineering
Neil Ceppos - Engineer
Bob Golden - Cover Photo
Stephan Paley - Liner and Inside Photo
Dick Smith - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but I like the weight, coloring, and psychedelic look of this boy band. Short songs, most likely bouncy, upbeat and catchy seem to be what they're going for, I'm guessing. No year on it, but I assume it is somewhere in the late 60's. Excited to see what this sounds like.

Album Review: The biggest thing that any of Cherry People did was be part of the backing band with Jimi Hendrix when he recorded five songs. This was the result of trying to get a meeting with Jerry Ross to be released from their contract in NYC after a west coast tour, and ending up blowing off steam at an open mic/jam night where Hendrix also showed up.

“And Suddenly” was their one and only hit single, which reached #44. It begins with a little Bee Gee’s sense, and perhaps a little R&B. Then after the family harmonies, it finds its groove with a light sing-song, cheerful melody. It feels a little Monkee’s-ish, too.

“Girl on the Subway” is instantly psychedelic pop. It is very thematic, with a complicated barrage of harmonized parts and layers. It is happy and polite and very non-threatening. The trumpet takes center stage when the song reaches the instrumental break.As the song winds down, the trumpet takes over, and steals all the attention, in a somewhat jarring way.

“On To Something New” was the b-side to “Light of Love.” It harkens back to a male vocal group of the 50’s or early 60’s, with swirling harps and strings and a lofty soaring harmony. This song was made to appeal to the parents of the teens they were trying to sell the record to.

“Imagination” was the B-Side to “And Suddenly.” It too is a quiet, delicate vocal band throwback to a style that was nearly extinct. It is still theatric with flutes and sound stage flourishes and swirls.

“Mr. Hyde” was the b-side to a single. It is a more updated sound for the era, a slightly psych harmony, with a very Cowsills collaboration as the chorus kicks in. It has a bit of a marching pace, spurred on by the drumbeat.

“Do Something to Me” starts off side two with an upbeat, dancey song. It has a little bluesy vocal style, with a simple clap-along-tempo. It feels a little like a Belle & Sebastian song, with a different vocal style. There is an urgency and hunger to the vocals that feels like real emotion. This is the real star on this album, and sounds like a completely different singer/band.

“Ask the Children” is a bouncy, fun child’s-dream-like song. Lots of bubble gum pop harmonies, and it builds well into the chorus, which is just a psychedelic-vocal breakdown, not really delivering on the build.

“I'm the one Who Loves You” was a single. It has a smooth sexy glide, a little bond-theme-like. The backing vocals actually sound a little disco, well before disco was a thing.

“Don't Hang Me Up Girl” starts out seeming like a light, older style, but the pace picks up a snappy little groove, and hangs on some call and response harmonies. The song has its feet planted in the two different styles, and does a pretty good job of making it work.

“Light of Love” was a single, tapping into organ psychedelica of the time. The song is a pretty basic example of pop at the time that Herman’s Hermits or ? and the Mysterians (and the like) were making.

"Stand-Out" Track: Do Something To Me

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Guardian- strange albums on spotify
FB
Allmusic
Rateyour music
badcat records

(the) Continentals - Fizz! Pop!

Artist: The Continentals

Album: Fizz! Pop!

Year: 1979

Style: Garage, New Wave, Power Pop

Similar Bands: Cars, A's Tommy Tutone, Raspberries, Knack, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, 

One Word Review: Nasally Anxious Pop

Based Out Of: London, UK

Label: CBS, Epic, Nu Disk

 Fizz! Pop! - Cover & Record

Fizz! Pop! - Back, Record

Fizz! Pop! (1979)

1. Fizz Pop (Modern Rock) 3:05
2. Walking Tall 2:45 /
3. Housewives Delight 4:05
4. Two Lips from Amsterdam 3:24

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:
Tommy "Ramone" Erdelyi - Producer (Ramones)
Thomas Doherty (Whirlwind)
William John Holliday (Whirlwind)
Allan Harris
Doug Smith - Manager (Motorhead)
Paula Scher - Design

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but from the energy, picture, and names on the EP cover, I had to get it, even if it was a little more than what I typically try to pay for TSM records. Looks like it will be fun, neurotic/urgent/jittery new wave/pop. And the year fits, too.

Album Review:             There is really not too much out there about these three guys from the US…living in the UK, I believe, if the sources I’ve seen are accurate. Aside from being one of the few bands that were given the push on the short lived Nu Disk 10” records, their biggest claim to fame is two of the three went on to write for the British rockabilly band Whirlwind.


“Fizz Pop (Modern Rock)” pops right off with a fun, jittery power pop hook. The vocals are nasally as expected, and recall an anxious Elvis Costello. The recipe is a simple oldies-rock verse chorus template, but sped up and electrified. The variations of the chorus keep it interesting, and last for a good portion of the second half of the song, proving they are a more dynamic band than just straightforward, easy power pop.

“Walking Tall” also has a sense of driving urgency, and the nasally vocals recall Costello again, with a little darker tone with the bass line. The exaggerated, sharp syllables define the popular neurotic nature of the music/sound at that time.

“Housewives Delight” charges right at the get go, but then lightens up with a little Americana mixed in with power pop new wave, with a hint of darkness. The chorus is a little light, as the title is sung. The tone of the song is anti-radio, as a spoken section toward the middle of the song explains. The song is a little long for its own good. It tries to push some variants of their chorus, but it is not a very strong hook to try and repeat as they do here.

“Two Lips from Amsterdam” feels a little like a song from Grease or American Graffiti at the beginning, with a high school girl & guy romance seeming to be at the center. The vocals still offer their nasally, updated delivery, but the song structure is a definite call back to songs like “Under the Boardwalk,” but sounding like Richard Bush and the A's.

Stand Out Track: Fizz Pop (Modern Rock)

Links:
Discogs
Allmusic
Wilfully Obscure
My Life's A Jigsaw
Last FM

Cock Robin - s/t

Name: Cock Robin

Album: s/t

Year: 1985

Style: Jangle Pop, New Wave, Arena Rock

Similar Bands: Big Country, Bryan Adams, Rick Astley, Bongos, Bram Tchaikovsky, Pat Benatar

One Word Review: Overproduced, Pastel Pegged Jeans Rock.

Based Out Of: San Francisco, CA

Label: Columbia, CBS Inc

 Cock Robin - Cover & Lyrics

 Cock Robin - Back, Record, Liner Notes

 Cock Robin - Headshot, Label Promotion

Cock Robin - Label Promotion

Cock Robin (1985)

1. Thought You Were On My Side 4:17
2. When Your Heart is Weak 4:39
3. Just When You're Having Fun 3:42
4. The Promise You Made 3:54
5. Because It Keeps On Working 4:40 /
6. Born With Teeth 4:13
7. Once We Might Have Known 5:10
8. More Than Willing 4:29
9. A Little Innocence 5:37

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

Peter Kingsbury - Vox, Keys, Bass, Synth Programming (Brenda Lee, Smokey Robinson, Stephanie Mills, Tuner, 

Anna Lacazio - Vox, Keys, Cover (Corey Hart, Purple Mountain Matinee, Ra Sol, Harold Budd)

Louis Molino III - Drums, Percussion, Vox (Trevor Rabin, Yoso, Julian Lennon, Kenny Loggins, Kim Mitchell)

Clive Wright - Guitars, Keys (Harold Budd, Kim Carnes, Human Drama, Skull Valley, Spiral Ascension)

Palinho da Costa - Percussion (Baby'O, The Bridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Fuse One, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '77)

Pat Mastalato - Percussion (BPM&M, Crimson Projekct, King Crimson, Ktu, Mastica, Mr. Mister, Naked Truth, Projekct Fout, Projekct Three, Projekct X, Stick Men, Tuner)

Arno Lucas - Percussion (Crackin', Steve Goodman, Rhythm Heritage, Ricky Lee Jones, Lauren Wood, Chris Montan, Robby Dupree, Leslee Smith, Randy Newman, LA Carnival)

Steve Hillage - Rhythm Guitar, Producer, Mixing, Recording (Uriel, Gong, Khan, System 7, The Orb, Clearlight)

Donald Lane - Art Direction

Kelly Ray - Cover

Dan Marnien - Engineer Assistant to mixing

Chris Desmond - Assistant Engineer recording

Jeff DeMorris - Assistant Engineer recording

Paul Wertheimer - Assistant Engineer recording

Jay Landers - Management

Doug Sax - Masteing

Ron Lewter- Mastering Asst

Val Garay - Mixing, Supervisor

John Aruba Arias - Additional Mixing

Richard Bosworth - Mixing Asst.

Gwen It's Sagona Rain - Clothes

Wendy Osmondson - Makeup

Dennis Keeley - Photography

Miquette Giraudy - Production Asst

Paul Fox - Programming Synth

Gabe Veltri - Recording

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of Cock Robin, but I picked this up for purely juvenile reasoning. It looks like a horrific, bland album that will blend new age music with jangely roots rock. And the year does not hold any hope for me, as '85 is a pretty smooth, overproduced era.

Album Review: Although they are from San Fran, they never reach critical acclaim here as they did across Europe. This, their first of a 6 album career (so far) has seen ups and downs, disbanding and reforming, with the now-standard reformation later in the career to trot out the successful stuff in reissuing and revisiting. The album was a sign for the times-production wise in 1985, and has not aged well at all.

“Thought You Were On My Side” was a huge single in Belgium, reaching #4. It begins with a twinkling synth, and a bass-guitar power combo, creating a roots arena rock sound. The female vocals begin with equal power. They share the stage in turn with male vocals, and they create a light rock feel. It has all the production of Billy Ocean and Rick Astley, with a “Living On A Prayer” chugging guitar mixed well down in the background.

“When Your Heart is Weak” was a single, and the only ne released in the US, reaching #35.It creeks up with a rising organ, and the sterile new wave melody begins. The male vocals waver and seem frail. The sound places them right at home in late 80’s overproduced rock. The vocals at times are like a less trembley Chris Isaak.

“Just When You're Having Fun” begins with tinny drums and a playful synth hook. The electric sound and personality-removed production give it an adult island-themed cruise feel, where the fun is forced and piped in through the vents. It sounds a little like later-period English Beat, but in a bad way. I can see the Hawaiian print baggy, shoulder padded dress, and pastel dress shirts with khakis cut right above the ankle for the guys. The song sounds like it should be a lot more fun than it is.

“The Promise You Made” was a huge single in Belgium, reaching #1. It has a gentle, driving bass line, and chugging guitar with jangley guitars ringing out over top. The male vocals begin above a mumbling whisper, and they grow as the song wakes up. The chorus combines the male and female vocals. After one run through the song picks up the tempo, and offers a second rendition of the melody with a more energetic beat.

“Because It Keeps On Working” enters with a bold organ and choir chant. That is quickly abandoned for a rushed synth hook, and a driving melody, which is almost fun. The fluttering male vocals take their turn amongst another strong male voice and the female vocals. Overall, the best comparison would be to Bram Tchaikovsky.

“Born With Teeth” keeps up the pace of the last song, with a rollicking fun synth melody. The female vocals have a Pat Benatar life force. The sprawling chorus fails to live up to the catchiness in the instrumental hook or the delivery that the verse builds up. But otherwise, it is a pretty passionate song, which makes up for the downfalls.

“Once We Might Have Known” starts out with a woman crooning that almost sounds like a harmonica. The music begins with a windswept feel. The chorus builds with a cast of multiple vocals, but the song drives to nowhere over its time. The breakdown matches up nervous vocals with too-smooth synth effects and other flourishes that don’t add to the bottom line of the song. The guitar solos sound pretty boring, especially, I imagine, live.

“More Than Willing” has a short show-tuney intro, and once the song begins, it is driven by a synth bass line. The song has a little R&B element to it, but the song is slow and calculated on the whole: very forgettable.

“A Little Innocence” features a muted bass line to introduce itself. Crashing synth  notes accent the non-existent melody. The male vocals are back to the wavering croon, and they are soon joined by the female lead, matching the shy energy. The song wanders on and on, employing gusty top-of-the mountain guitar solos, and an echoing open-air drum sound. 

Stand Out Track: Born With Teeth

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Website

Last FM

Allmusic

Clocks - s/t

Band: Clocks

Album: s/t

Year: 1982

Style: New Wave, Power Pop, AOR Rock

Similar Bands: A's, Cheap Trick, Rick Springfield, Knack, Romantics, Cars, J Geils Band

"One-Word" Review: Solid-Power-Rock

Based Out Of: Wichita, Kansas

Label: Boulevard Records, CBS Records

 Clocks - Cover, Lyrics, Record

Clocks - Back, Lyrics, Record

Clocks (1982)

1. She Looks A Lot Like You 2:35
2. Here They Come 3:34
3. Nineteen 3:44
4. Without You 3:56
5. Nobody's Fool 4:38 /
6. When She Puts you Down 4:22
7. Someone (Not Me) 4:39
8. When Will I See You Again 2:46
9. Summer 2:59
10. Feeling This Way 2:56

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands: 

Mike Flicker - Producer, Engineer, Mixing (Heart)

Jerry Sumner - Vox, Bass, guitar
Lance Threet - Guitar
Gerald Graves - Keys

Steve Swaim - Drums, Harmony Vox
John Lykes - Illustration
Randee St. Nicholas - Photography
Rolf Henneman - Engineer, Mixing, Production Assistant
Gregory Fulginiti - Mastering
Mike McRoberts - Prophet 5 Programming
Stan Plesser - Managment
Paul Peterson - Managment

Unknown-ness: I've not heard of this band before, and I really don’t know what to expect. It has a real 80’s deco look to it, yet it reminds me of the John Entwistle album cover. I feel like it is going to be an interesting power pop or new wave album just from the crisp lines on the front art work and the band photo on the back. The tar/oil ooze under the door also offers little unveiling of what it in store, except to expect the unexpected. I do like that the band simply put their name all lit up, where a lit up clock might be in the hotel room scenario.

Album Review: “She Looks A Lot Like You” was apparently their big song, even airing often on MTV, and written by the drummer while on tour in Canada about some girl who looked like an Ex of his. It begins with a heavy and powerful guitar chords, and is amplified by some zoomy keyboard effects. The song is sung in a bold and confident way, like the A’s second album. It is perfectly constructed radio friendly pop song, clocking in at the perfect single length. The sentiment is similar to the J Geils Band’s Centerfold

“Here They Come” starts off chugging along at a steady, shuffling uphill pace until it unleashes the building energy in the downhill chorus. The synth twinkling underneath is probably added because that’s what all the kids were doing at that time, but it really works. The instrumental offers a solid guitar solo before returning to the verse melody. The end features a nice reprise of the title’s melody.

“Nineteen” is a jittery nervous, and deeper sounding song. It makes the singer sound a little sleazy, but the song drives nicely, employs standard 80’s synth in the instrumental section, and always comes back to the dark, driving anxious melody and fast bouncy bass. There is frustration in the singer’s layered vocal performance, and the final section changes up the melody as an alarm-ish repetitive two note low to high accent on the syllables of Nine-Teen: just the perfect way to end it, like Elvis Costello’s “Accidents Will Happen” darker and in reverse melody.

“Without You” starts out seeming like it might be the album’s ballad, but by the time it hits the lengthy bridge/chorus, it is all power pop with guitars and a sturdy drum beat. The breakdown after two repetitions is uncharacteristically to the song, bouncy and piano-poppy. But it fits in as a variation of the melody. The music breaks down for the last minute and transforms into something spacey and futuristic, similar to Thomas Dolby or Gary Numan.

“Nobody's Fool” feels like a Bryan Adams song at first. Then it transforms to an exact copy of The A’s. It employs my favorite writing technique: building up to an expected delivery/or release of emotion, but it holds off for the real delivery after the second repetition. The song is very familiar with the hook it has created, and the second half of the song is all repetition of this killer melody, which breaks down into a guitar solo to end the track. It is up there with the most definitive of power-pop songs

“When She Puts you Down” has a very “Best Friend’s Girl” vibe to it. At any moment, they are going to say “Here she comes again.” The song employs a Van Halen “Jump” synth sound in the background. The harmonies of the chorus hammer the power pop genre home. It is just well done, formulaic, catchy song writing. They waste not one second, coming out of the guitar led instrumental into the catchiest part of the song, the bridge, ending in a reprise of the song title, looped and echoed with “It’s Gonna Hurt.”

“Someone (Not Me)” has wailing, sorrow full electric guitars at the intro, and a cool and collected vocal sings to the listener, and he is supported by a well-harmonized backing effort. Again this feels like another A’s song. Even as their ballad, this song still has a lot of punch and energy to it. The song changes gear about halfway through and switching the up front, vocal melody, to a more desperate and focused approach, and repeats it for the rest of the song, allowing the guitars and instruments replace the vocals.
“When Will I See You Again” sounds like it might be a cover of a doo-wop song, like something the Supremes might sing, with its starting bass notes, and drum kick rhythmic tempo. It maintains the general girl-group doo-wop formula, but it uses guitars, a bouncy piano section and power pop elements updating the sound.

“Summer” has a pub-rock feel to it as it begins, it is simpler, greasier and gritter thanks to the three note guitar melody and the simple kick drum rhythm. The voice has a slightly Foreigner, wavering sound to it. Compared to the rest of the album, this is probably the simplest song. But it is still well done, and ends with a “to be continued” feeling note, like summer’s not really over.

“Feeling This Way” has a galloping drum and guitar beat driving the song. The instrumental has a very loud synth keyboard that sounds more royal than spacey, but it still is trying to enter them into the new wave genre; such a fine line between power pop and new wave.

Stand Out Track: Nineteen

Links:

Willfully Obscure
What Frank is Listening To

Cool Album of the Day
80's Rare Videos

Glory Daze Music
Allmusic
Music Madness

Discogs