Vanwarmer, Randy - Beat Of Love

Name: Randy Vanwarmer
Album: Beat of Love
Year: 1981
Style: New Wave, Island, Light Rock
Similar Bands: The Cars, Grandaddy, Generationals, Marshall Crenshaw, Cecilio & Kapono, Eric Carmen, Howard Jones, Billy Squier
"One-Word" Review: Wispy Contemplative Pop
Based Out Of: New York

Label: Bearsville, Warner, Warner Communications

Cover, Record

Back/Lyrics, Record

Beat of Love (1981)

1. Suzi Found a Weapon 3:08 (single #55)
2. Always Right 3:56
3. Babel / Don't Hide 3:07/4:08
4. Amen 1:48 
5. I Guess it Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes 3:54 /
6. Frightened By the Light of Day 3:26
7. Hanging On To Heaven 3:18
8. The Beat of Love 4:33
9. When I'm Dead & Gone 3:27 (McGuinness Flint cover)
10. Don't Wake Me Up 2:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Randy Vanwarmer - Vox (Brian Briggs, Michael Franks, Svenne & Lotta, Barbara Mandrell, Ottar "Big Hand" Johansen, Tony Wilson, Pat Terry)
• John Holbrook / Brian Briggs - Producer, Engineer, Guitar, Synth, Vox (TCTC, Freida Parton, Utopia, Josh Joplin Group, Claude Dubois, Paul Butterfield, Bernie Cash, Isley Bros, Terence Boylan, Roger Powell, Ian Hunter, Nicole Wills, Tony Wilson, natalie Merchant, Joy Askew, Katell Leineg, Madder Rose, David Mead, Jim Weider, Honky Tonk Gurus, Brian Vander Ark, Five Day Rain, Upchuck, Verve Pipe)
• Ian Kimmet - Producer, Vox (Jook, The Band, Trevor White)
• Del Newman - String Arrangement & Conducting (Cat Stevens, Ten Years After, Peter Frampton, Donovan, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Kiki Dee Band, Neil Sedaka, Rod Srtewart, Charles Aznavour, Art Garfunkel, George Harrison, Squeeze, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, more)
• Jeff Golub - Guitar (Avenue Blue, Rod Stewart, Billy Squier, Sharz, Patris, Bill Evans, Peter Wolf, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Palace, David Broza, Paul Shaffer, Tina Turner, Grayson Hugh, Bryan Adams, Rick Braun, Cheryl Wheeler, Dar Williams, Gato Barbieri, Kazee, Shawn Mullins, Philippe Saisse, Marcia Hines, Joe Lynn Turner, Miu Sakamoto, Everette Harp, Marc Antoine, Dulcie Taylor, Richard Elliot, VIP Club, Marek Niedzeiecki, Krysten Berg, Jimmy Norman, Steve Cole, Steve Ferrone, Yves Carini, Sax Pack, Harlem Parlour Music Club, Bernie Williams, Kirk Whalum. Euge Groove, David Benoit, Michael Lington, Nils, Bob James
• Leigh Foxx - Bass (Blondie, Brian Briggs, Benny Mardones, Paley Bros, Frankie & Knockouts, Nicole Willis, Iggy Pop, Henry Lee Summer, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, DJ David Knapp, Clayton Bruce Ost, Holly & the Italians, Sonny Kenn Band, Karen Lawrence & the Pinz)
• Mike Braun - Drums, Percussion (Graham Parker & the Shot, Brian Briggs, Elliott Murphy, King of Hearts, Arlen Roth, Eddie Schwartz, Tycoon, Rick Wakeman, Leon Redbone, Peter Criss, Nicole Wills, Michael Bolton, Ellen Shipley, Stevie, Dian Tell, Rick Springfield, Peter Allen, Jennifer Rush, Elm St Group, John Waite, Hall & Oates, Diane Tell, Eileen Ivers, Madgesdiq, Mackintosh Braun, Kenny Rogers)
• Murray Weinstock - Keys, Horn Arrangement (Fifth Ave Band, Mark Moogy Klingman, Jon Paris Band, Bread & Butter, Manhattan Transfer, John Sebastian, Tom Pacheco, Woodstyock Mts Revue, Artie Traum, Pat Alger, Sic Fucks, Nicole Wills, Motherhead Bug, Richie Havens)
• Kevin Jones - Congas (Sunrize, Winard Harper, Charles McPherson, Archie Shepp, Isley Bros, Michael Gregory, Clyde Criner, Sweet Obsession, Larry Price, Blaze, Nick Rolfe, Norman Simmons, Babatunde Lea, Winvent Ector, Jihad Muhammad, Organissimo, 
• Cyndi Cashdollar - Dobro, Vox (Asleep at the Wheel, Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, Dave Alvin, Guilty Women, Geoff Muldaur, Tx Sheiks, Woodstock Mt revue, Happy Traum Band, John Herald, Ryan Adams & Cardinals, Cathy Winter, Karen Beth, Jean Redpath, Christopher Shaw, Graham Parker, Peter Rowan, Hans Theessink, Don Walser, Steve Hames, Peter Stone Brown, Manhattan Transfer, Omar & the Howlers, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Red Dirt Rangers, Kris Kehr, Rod Moag, Leroi Bros., Rex Foster, Gina Lee, Dwight Yoakam, Susanna Van Tassel, Roger Wallace, Ted Roddy, Lucky Tomblin Band, Joe McDermott, Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet, Cooder Graw, The Gimbles, Eric Hanke, Van Morrison, Bill Kirchen, The Twang, Heybale, Burrito Delux, Matthew Ballard, Fingerpistol, Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, James Hand, Leo Rondeau, JaLaLa, David Newbould, Houston Marchman, Bordertown Bootleggers, Esteban, Manodlin Bros, Booka & Flaming Geckos, Pinetop Perkins, Carla Olson, Arlen Roth, Okee Dokee Bros, Amy Laber, Happy Traum, Elly Wininger, Rosie Flores, Mamadou Kelly, Leif Vollebekk, Shelley King)
• Mark McKenna - Engineer, Vox (Johnny Average Band)
• Ray Neznik - Asst Engineer
• RJ Raymon - Asst Engineer
• Shep Siegel - Asst Engineer
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Philip Balou - Backing Vox (Revelation, Utopia, Genral Johnson, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Steve Goodman, Joe Thomas, Major Harris, Asleep at the Wheel, Jebadiah, John Hall, Ramona Brooks, Bette Midler, Charles Earland, Lou Rawls, Luther Vandross, Hi-Gloss, Pleasure, Change, High Fashion, Aretha, Michael Franks, Irene Cara, Melba Moore, Howard Johnson, Cheryl Lynn, Fonzi Thorton, Bernard Edwards, Michael Wycoff, Lillo Thomas, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Kashif, Nile Rodgers, Carl Anderson, EPM, Teddy Pendergrass, Damaris, Merc & Monk, Village People, Ralph macDonald, Jeff Tyzik, Nona Hendryx, Tramaine, Air Supply, Peter Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Glenn Jones, The System, Gavin Christopher, Bernard Lavilliers, George Benson, Stage Dolls, Billy Ocean, Darryl Tookes, Carol Davi$, Dance With A Stranger, Laurie Anderson, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Simon Tittley, Arnold McCuller, David Lasley, Carly Simon, Harvey Miller, Michael Wycoff, Power Station, Boys Choir of Harlem, Tom Jones)
• Benny Diggs - Backing Vox (Revelation, Douglas Sisters, Melba Moore, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Asleep at the Wheel, Lou Rawls, Ramsey Lewis, Hi-Gloss, Sylvester, Nona Hendryx, Robert Palmer, Doc Powell, Joe Cocker, Diana Ross, Dance With a Stranger, Al Green, Braxtons, Laurie Anderson, Carly Simon, George Benson, Westlife more)
• Morris Gray - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ramsey Lewis, Cheri, Peter Gordon, Golden Gospel Singers)
• Kevin Owens - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ray Goodman & Brown, Luther Vandross, Jaheim, Caress, Festival, Masquerade, Lou Rawls, Cheri, Ramsey Lewis, Pleasure, Nona Hendryx, Curtis Hairston, Doc Powell, Gavin Christopher, Kirk Whalum, Gregory Hines, Philip Michael Thomas, Millie Scott, Freddie Jackson, Darryl Tookes, Dance With a Stranger, Edelweiss, Marc Nelson, Lisa Fischer, Noel Pointer, Ava Cherry, Smappies, Byron Stingily, USA-European Connection, Boris Midney, Black Russian, Kathy Troccoli, Anastacia, Norman Connors)
• Dick Katz - String Performance (New World Philharmonic, Benny Carter, Buck Clayton, Gene Quill, Jimmy Knepper, Joe newman, Larry Sonn, Lee Konitz, Loren Schoenberg, Manny Albam, Oscar Pettiford, Osie Johnson, Paul Horn, Stan Getz, American Jass Orch, Jay and Kai, Mat Matthers, Tony Scott more )
• George James - Trumpet (Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong, Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson, Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, Sarah Vaughn, Jabbo Smith, Clyde EB Bernhardt, Fats Waller, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Punch Miller, Albert Wynn, Sine, Alex Hill, Hoagy Carmichael, Junie C. Cobb, :Kid Punch" Miller)
• Josh Shneider - Alto Sax (Irene Cara, Eric Von Schmidt & the Cruel Family, Artie Traum, Steve Forbert, Late Nite Music Band, Tom Rush, Force MDs, Joy Askew)
• Ralph Carney - Tenor Sax (Tom Waits, Tin Huey, B-52's, Marc Ribot, Jim White, Jonathan Richman, Waitresses, Clarinet Thing, Caucho, Labatomy, Swollen Monkeys, Pluto, Preacher Boy, Melon, Bill Laswell, Victoria Williams, Jad Fair, Allen Ginsberg, Galaxie 500, Loved Ones, Elvis Costello, Grant Lee Buffalo, Pere Ubu, Custard, Chuck Prophet, Jack Kerouac, Black Francis, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Stephen King-John Mellencamp-T Bone Burnett,St. Vincent, Drive By Truckers, Legendary Shack Shakers, more)
• Tim Ritchie - Art Direction, Design
• Broun - Photos
• RonVanwarmer - (WDST)
• Helen Kimmet - Haircuts

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this singer / band. From the cover photo and the band photo on the back, I imagine this will be nasally, anxious, neurotic, jittery, catchy-as-hell power pop. I'll actually be slightly upset if it is not...perhaps i'm setting too high a bar, surly to lead to disappointment.

Album Review:  From the first track, Vanwarmers voice is delicate and warm, a little like Ric Ocasek  but an octave higher. The opening two tracks mixes power chords with jangleypop melodies and throws in some keys and synth to keep up with appearances in the 80's. Much of the rest are lighter ballads, that harken back to simple oldies and classic country, and a couple would fit right in to today's breezy island pop sound, even if it is not all synthesized.

Vanwarmer was a friendly, well liked musician who passed away too early at 48 years old from leukemia, a year after diagnosis. He had a short, bright career in pop, with the #1 single "Just When I Needed You the Most," a song that his wife sued Warner/Chappell for copyright ownership. Soon after his first 3 records, he transitioned to writing Country songs when "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes" which already sounds like a country ballad, was covered by the Oak Ridge Boys. Other musicians Charley Pride, Michael Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Alabama (and many more) converted his songs to hits. Upon his death a portion of his ashes were sent into space.

Stand Out Track: Suzi Found a Weapon

Links:
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Discogs

Allmusic
Celestis Memorial Spaceflight
Billboard Obit
Country Daily
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IMDB
Wife's Lawsuit
Offical Charts
Second Hand Songs

20/20 - Lookout!

Name: 20/20
Album: Look Out!
Year: 1981
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Records, Pezband, Strokes, The Tubes, The Knack
"One-Word" Review: power-less powerpop
Based Out Of: Tulsa, Oklahoma / Los Angeles, CA
Label: Portrait, CBS

Cover, Record

Back, Record

(1981)

1. Nuclear Boy 3:20 (single)
2. Out of My Head 3:49
3. Strange Side of Love 3:37 (single)
4. Alien 3:39
5. A Girl Like you 2:29 /
6. Life in the USA 2:37
7. The Night I Heard a Scream 3:14
8. Beat City 3:02
9. Mobile Unit 245 4:10
10. American Dream 4:50

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Richard Podolor - Producer
• Christopher Silagyi - Guitar, Synth, Piano, Vox (Ex Teens)
• Steve Allen - Lead Guitar, Keys, Vox (Long Players Band)
• Joel Turrisi - Drums
• Ron Flynt - Bass, Keys, Vox
• Tony Lane - Art Direction
• Nobru Tarui - Design
• Tim Guyer - Design
• Bill Cooper - Engineer
• Pat Foley - Engineer
• Shelly Heber - Mgmt
• Johnnie Randels - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of 20/20. Not a fan of the font or overall color scheme of the album art, but they do look like a bunch of power pop rockers from the cover photo. The back darkly lit alley photo gives them a grittier, pub band feel, so I'm, not sure if it will be more in line with bands like Journey and Foreigner than Big Star or the Flaming Groovies.

Album Review: The album is pretty straightforward clean cut power pop, not much darkness or mysterious elements to their music, if any. I feel like the album is inspired by Star Wars with some of their lyrics on "Alien" and "Mobile Unit 245," or perhaps the pride (actually, sarcastic critique) in the US with "Nuclear Boy," "Life in the USA," and "American Dream". Either way, the album seems to capture the time in which it was recorded. "Out of My Head" feels a little Strokes-y (or the Strokes feel like this). And there is a slight tinge of psychedelia on "A Girl Like You." John Mellencamp's ROCK in the USA sounds a little like their "Life in the USA."

The nucleus of the band formed in Tulsa Oklahoma back in grade school. Inspired or challenged by cross town success of the Dwight Twilley band in LA, Allen and Flynt moved where they eventually came together with a fully formed idea of 20/20 by Mike Gallo, who departed before this record. Their first album was considered a power pop masterpiece, and this one a somewhat disappointing follow up. Like most bands, the writing was on the wall, and a third, final album followed as sales/promotion/ waned and frustration increased. Flynt & Allen regrouped in the 90's following album reissues and ended up putting a new pair of albums out in 95,98. Coincidentally, all members of 20/20 own or work in different recording studios.

Stand Out Track: Alien

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Best Classic bands Top 10 power pop songs
Fredpopdom
Power Pop HOF
Pop Matters

Thrills - First Thrills

Name: Thrills
Album: First Thrills
Year: 1981
Style: Power Pop, Pub Rock
Similar Bands: Shoes, Hawks, Flyer, Producers, The Who, Styx, REO Speedwagon
"One-Word" Review: Smooth Harmonized AOR Hook Rock
Based Out Of: Long Island, Pittsburgh (Penn Hills)
Label: G&P (Good Product & Great People) Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

First Thrills (1981)

1. Breaking My Heart 3:13 (single)
2. Changing My Ways 3:04
3. Blinded By Love 3:33
4. Good Friends 3:32
5. Won't Be a Fool 3:15 /
6. Lie For Your Love 3:42
7. Dream Away 3:28 (single b-side)
8. Not Gonna Run 3:00 (single)
9. Carrie 3:10
10. Going Out 3:49

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Tony Monaco - Keys, Synth, Vox (Stormfront, Turnstiles, Menagerie, Bad Company (not the famous one), The Treez)
• Dave Fullerton - Guitar Vox (Turnstiles, Menagerie, Bad Company (not the famous one))
• Rob Owens - Drums, Vox (Bad Company (not the famous one))
• Bill Gilbert - Bass, Vox (Stonehenge)
• Mike Frenchik - Producer, Mixing, Mgmt
• Tom Ingegno - Producer, Mixing, Mgmt
• Don Casale - Mixing, Engineer, Recording
• Doug Parry - Engineer
• Tom Coyne - Mastering
• Nicholas Cosmas - Art Direction
• George Hornfeck - Art Direction
• Marianne M Sachs - Cover Illustration

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. The cover makes a case for youthful, raw instinct and discovery, tied to that "thrill" of seeing something you're not supposed to see as a child. Draw your own conclusions, but there is a nod toward sexual discovery. So what's behind the fence in the drawing? Probably a mediocre band playing some mix of powerpop or pub rock. Odd thing is that the cover says 1980, but the record is dated 1981.

Album Review: The album is full of harmonies, keys and swinging synth for some straightforward power pop. The lyrics are also typically focused on love and women, particularly Carrie, which takes the number off the wall, and extrapolates what it would be like to be with a girl met from a bathroom wall call. It is full of catchy feel good hooks and bouncy upbeat melodies. A solid album of the genre.

originally from the Pittsburgh area, they relocated to Long Island in 1977, and became one of the top bar/party bands of the area, recording songs over the next couple years, compiled on this their first record. Like so many bands of the era, their second album was not as hot as the first and by the time they recorded a 3rd record, the label was gone, and so was their career...until 2000, when the band reformed and released Thrills 3, 17 years after recording. Frontman Monaco also currently (2020) leads a Billy Joel cover act called Turnstiles based in Florida. Bassist Gilbert passed away in 2004.

Stand Out Track: Carrie

Links:
Spotify Full Album
Discogs
Allmusic
Interview
Facebook
Official Page
Rate Your Music
Tribune Democrat
Billboard 7/4/81
Turnstiles - Monaco's Billy Joel Cover Band
Heavy Harmonies
Old Mon Music

Third World - Rock the World

Name: Third World
Album: Rock the World
Year: 1981
Style: R&B, Soul, Reggae
Similar Bands: Stylistics, Inner Circle, Wailers
"One-Word" Review: Free Love Soul Disco
Based Out Of: Jamaica
Label: Columbia

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Rock the World (1981)

1. Rock the World 3:46
2. Spiritual Revolution 5:11
3. Who Gave You (Jah Rastafari)  4:26
4. Dubb Music 3:37
5. Shine Like a Blazing Fire 3:47 /
6. Dancing on the Floor (Hooked On Love) 5:32(single)
7. There's No Need to Question Why 3:48
8. Peace and Love 4:14
9. Standing In The Rain 3:10 (single)
10. Hug It Up 4:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Cooper - Recording & Mixing
• Bruce Hensal - Recording & Mixing
• Patrice Carroll - Asst Engineer
• Robert Stweart - Asst Engineer
• Vishwaka Wadinambiaratchi - Asst. Engineer
• Bobby Bootheel - Album Art Concept
• Mark Diamond - Photos
• Mark Paternostro - Cover Art
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction
• Michael "Ibo" Cooper - Clavinet, Keys, Prophet 5, Vox, Funde Drum (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle, more)
• Stephen "Cat" Coore - Bass, Vox, Harmonica, Guitar, Synth, Tubular Bells (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle more )
• Richie Daley - Guitar, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Bass (Tomorrow's Children, Blaze, Derrick Harriott, Ras Eliebank, Black Market Rhythm Band, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Foundation, Earth Messengers, Bob Marley & Wailers, Candy McKenzi)
• Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett - Golbell, Conga, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Akete drum, Bell Chimes, Tambarine, Quaker Drum, Open End Spanners, Bongas, Bell of Three, Wood Claps (Inner Circle, The Wailers Band, NDTC Singers, Bob Andy, I Kong, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Judy Mowatt, Joe Higgs, Peter Broggs, Jampara, National Dance Theater Co of Jamica, Toots & the Maytals, Candy McKenzie, Bunny Rugs)
• Willie Stewart - Drums, Wood-ago-go-bell, Roaring Thunder, Tympani, Traps, Funde Drum, Timbales, Bottle of Green, Wood Claps, (Inner Circle, Blaze, Barry Biggs, T. Brothers, Pablo Moses, Jimmy Tucker, Cynthia Schloss, Gregory Isaacs, Lloyd Parks, Man of Nobility Ensemble, Marcia Griffiths, Earth Messengers, Ras Elibank, Karen Smith, Dawn Penn, Wailing Souls, Natalia Beylis, Paula Clarke, Delroy Wilson, The Jamaicans)
• William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke - Vox, Guitar, Cabassa (Inner Circle, Bunny & Ricky, Bush Weed & Corn Trash, Hugh Hendricks & the Buccaneers, Candy McKenzie)
• Valerie Von Pechy - Whitcup-Harp (Rosewater Blue, Billion Dollar Band, Peter Brown, KC & the Sunshine Band, Passion, Michael Blate, Raul Di Blasio)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like it will be straight up Reggae made to heal the world. Like the matching white outfits.

Album Review: While the album does have many reggae vibes, much of the production, sound and vocal performances are more in line with straight up smooth R&B, and dip a toe into disco on some of the tracks (Dancing on the Floor). "Who Gave You" sounds a little like Elvis Costello's "Ship Building" or "Almost Blue."
With  over 47 years (1973 formation) and 9 Grammy nominations, Third World is one of the longest lasting reggae bands of all time, often blending/fusing reggae with R&B, Funk, Pop and Rap, giving them cross-genre appreciation. Their biggest success was in '78 with their cover of the O'Jays "Now That We Found Love," which was the basis for the Heavy D's 1991 cover. This album was their first with Columbia after leaving Island records. Both Rugs & Carrot have passed away in 2014 & 2018 respectively, but the band still records and performs.

Stand Out Track: Rock the World

Links:

Youtube full album

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Wiki

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Allmusic

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Jamaicans.com

Caribbean National Weekly
William Clarke Obit
S. FL Caribbean News
Third World Sound Cloud

Tenpole Tudor - Let the Four Winds Blow

Name: Tenpole Tudor
Album: Let the Four Winds Blow
Year: 1981
Style: Rockabilly, Punk
Similar Bands: XTC, Clash, Mink Deville, Dead Milkmen, Sugarplastic
"One-Word" Review: Jokey Theatrical Punk
Based Out Of: London England 
Label: Stiff

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Let the Four Winds Blow (1981)

1. Let the Four Winds Blow 3:24 (single)
2. Throwing My Baby Out With the Bathwater 3:28 (single)
3. Trumpeters 4:10
4. It's Easy to See 3:48
5. What You Doing in Bombay 4:03 /
6. Local Animal 4:04
7. Her Fruit is Forbidden 2:58
8. Tonight is the Night 3:45
9. The Unpaid Debt 3:19
10. The King of Siam 3:58

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Eddie Tudorpole - Vox, Sax, Guitar, Piano (Sex Pistols, Visitors, Cage Against the Machine, Richard O'Brien, Petter Baarli, Die Toten Hosen)
• Gary Long - Vox, Drums, Percussion (Tudors, The Commercials, Pearl Harbour, The Deadbeats)
• Bob Kingston - Vox, Guitar, Piano (Tudors, Pearl Harbour)
• Dick Crippen - Vox, Bass (Tudors, The Weird Things, King Kurt, Ministry of Ska, Pearl Harbour)
• Munch Universe - Vox, Guitar, Percussion
• Jos Holloway - Indispensable Man
• Alan Winstanley - Producer, Finger Cymbals
• Dave Allen - Machinery Operator
• Kim Aldis - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Their name, album art and album name create a concept album of medieval reenactments. They look like a group ready to embark on an album of Baroque / Prog meanderings.

Album Review: Their style and chosen identity is not represented at all musically. They are a mix of punk ala The Clash and rockabilly like Stray Cats, with some complex arrangements of mid-period XTC sprinkled in. 
Their big break was when singer Tudor-Pole starred in the Sex Pistol's 1980 film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, and instead of replacing Johnny Rotten, Vicious died & the Sex Pistols folded, and he was able to pick up with the group he organized a few years earlier. While they only lasted a few years, and put out two albums and a slew of singles, Tudor-Pole has reformed the grouped often over the years, and has a bit of a style-rollercoaster of a career, playing in Cajun, jazz and swing acts and focused on acting for a time, which included hosting a UK gameshow The Crystal Maze in the late 90's. They were apparently goofy odd-balls with a wacky live show, adopting the chain mail and knights armor on stage stemming from Tudor-Pole's claim to descend from Henry VIII's lineage. 

Stand Out Track: The King of Siam, Let the Four Winds Blow

Links:
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Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Trouser Press
Punky Gibbon
Nostalgia Central

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

States - Picture Me With You

Name: States
Album: Picture Me With You
Year: 1981
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Hawks, Loverboy, Pezband, Records, Shoes, Sparks
"One-Word" Review: Pure Harmonic Powerpop
Based Out Of: Norfolk / Hampton Roads,VA
Label: Boardwalk Records/Entertainment Co.

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Picture Me With You (1981)

1. Picture Me With You (single) 3:00
2. Angel of the Morning 4:39
3. Saturday Night (single) 2:50
4. Love on the Line 4:27
5. Tell Me It's Love 3:27 /
6. Love You Girl (single) 3:11
7. Let's Roll 3:42
8. Jenny 3:00
9. Just A Dream 2:30
10. Get It 4:28

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Dominic "Butch" Germano - Bass 
• Morgan Hampton - Vox, Drums, Percussion (Mason, Vandy)
• Barry Scott - Vox, Guitar (The Barrys)
• Jimmy McDonnell - Vox (Zooch)
• Robert Schindler - Keys (Zooch)
• Steve Chandler - Guitars, Backing Vox 
• John Ryan - Producer
• Bill Drescher - Recording & Mixing
• Tori Swenson - Asst. Engineer
• Nicky Hopkins - Grand Piano (Zooch, Cliff Bennett, Rebel Rousers, Climax Blues Band, Cyril Davies, Jeff Beck Group, Lord Sutch & Heavy Friends, Neil Christian & Crusaders, Night Quicksilver Messenger Service, Screaming Lord Sutch & Savages, Soul Survival, Sweet Thursday, Terry & the Pirates, Immediate All-Stars, Jerry Garcia Band, Sessions, NH Caravan, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Easybeats, Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver, The Who, John Lennon, Jerry Williams, Nilsson, John & Yoko, Carly Simon, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Cheece & Chong, Donovan, Andy Williams, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Strawbs, Mark Almond, Martha Reeves, Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton, David Soul, Art Garfunkel, Rod Stewart, Bay City Rollers, Eddie Money, Badfinger, Pointer Sisters, Graham Parker, Meat Loaf, Marc Bolan, Nils Lofgren, Pure Prarie League more)
• Jerry Jurmonville - Sax (Delaney&Bonnie&Friends, Les Getrex & Creole Cooking, Dr. John, Ry Cooder, Duane Allman, Doobie Brothers, Maria Muldaur, Mike Bloomfield, Dave Mason, Bonnie Raitt, Iron Butterfly, Rod Stewart, Gap Band, Van Morrison, Johnny Rivers, Dusty Springfield, David Soul, Little Feat, Leo Sayer, Brooklyn Dreams, Albert Lee, Bette Midler, Harry Nilsson, Doobie Brothers, Ringo Starr, Jules and the Polar Bears, Eikichi Yazawa, Tommy Tutone, Michael Bolton, Smokey Robinson, Captain Beefheart,   some more)
• Doug Thaler - Mgmt, Direction
• Mickey Watts - Crew
• Eddie Zapata - Crew
• David Harwood - Crew
• Tommy Steele - Design
• Jeff Fey - Design
• Phil Fewsmith - Photos
• Ron Larson - Hand Coloring
• Mike Donaldson - Hand Coloring

Unknown-ness: Never heard of States. I get a sense of easy listening yacht rock from the coloring choices, mixed with 70's power pop, based on their ages, hair and style

Album Review: It is definitely pure powerpop. They take turns with lead vocals, and it looks like there are a bunch of covers, as many of the songs have writing credits that are not the members. At least im familiar with "Angel of the Morning." And "Get It" has a harmony similar to Difford/Tilbrook of Squeeze. "Jenny" feels like it belongs somewhere Meatloaf's Rocky Horror Picture Show songs and Buddy Holly, with an 80's power pop update in production.

They were a locally popular band in the Virginia Beach nightclub scene in the late 70's early 80's, with their biggest moment coming as an opener for Hall & Oates (aside from their first album being on a major label: Chrysalis). Only recorded this and a previous self titled album in their 7 year career 77-84.

Stand Out Track: Jenny

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic
Rate Your Music
Spirit of Metal
Butch Memorial
Forgotton 80's Podcast
F-Measure

Scars - Author! Author! E.P.

Name: Scars
Album: Author! Author
Year: 1981
Style: Post Punk, New Wave
Similar Bands: Gang of Four, The Jam, Haircut 100
"One-Word" Review: Soundscape inspired Post Punk
Based Out Of: Edinburgh, Scotland
Label: Stiff Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Author! Author! E.P. (1981)

1. All About You 3:59
2. Leave Me in the Autumn 2:48 /
3. Author! Author! 2:52
4. She's Alive 2:57 

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Robert Blamire - Producer (Penetration)
• Steve McLaughlin - Drums (Cubs, Jimmy Cliff, Badly Drawn Boy, Ilan Eshkeri)
• John Mackie - Bass (Bitter Moon)
• Paul Research (Mackie) - Lead Guitar (Heavy Drapes, VoiceX)
• Robert King - Vox (Opium Kitchen, Groucho Handjob, Lip Machine)
• Laurence Diana - Engineer
• Pete Anderson - Photo
• Rocking Russian - Cover Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. The cover artwork makes me think of a punk version of Los Lobos. It also kinda reminds me of the artwork of the Hoodoo Gurus, so maybe it will be more conceptual rock than angsty punk. Either way, Stiff Records bodes well for the sound.

Album Review: This EP is an extension of their only album by the same name, Author! Author!. They were part of the literary art-punk scene in Edinburgh. They did a reunion show in 2010, and have a 2015 documentary called Big Gold Dream about them. The style of the single, "All About You," which was written in the studio to be a single, is soundscape, new romantic post punk. "Leave Me in Autumn" is like a combo of Duran Duran and Gang of Four. "She's Alive" is driving, bouncy, Clash like post punk.

Stand Out Track:She's Alive

Links:

Full Album Youtube
Wiki

rock fandom

Discogs

Allmusic

Edinburgh News 2017

Louder than War 2010 reunion

Guardian

Essentially Pop 2019 VoiceX

facebook

Pet Clams (the) - s/t

Name: Pet Clams
Album: Pet Clams
Year: 1981
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Kurt Vile, Tom Robinson Band, A's, Laughing Dogs, Daddy Licks, Cars
"One-Word" Review: Americana Pub Rock
Based Out Of: Asbury Park, NJ
Label: Handshake Records and Tapes

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Pet Clams (1981)

1. Riding in My Car 3:09 (single)
2. Revisions of Johanna 3:36
3. Don't Get So Upset 3:03 (single)
4. Something Happened Late Last Night 2:58
5. Jerusalem 3:58
6. Suicide Note 3:28 /
7. Count your Saturday Nights 3:40
8. Things Keep on Changing 4:12
9. Ain't No Worryin 5:16
10. Generations 4:50
11. Gonna get Fooled Again 3:42 (single b-side)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Hilly Kristal - Producer, Direction, Personal Mgmt
• Glenn Kolotikin - Producer, Engineer
• Scott Powers - Asst. Engineer
• Rich Gelbstien - Writer, Vox, Keys (The Deacons, The Pets)
• Garry Applegate - Writer, Bass (Notorious Grit Bros., Alright Brothers Band, Sons of Alexander, Wildfire, Rockaday Johnny and the Blue Suede Shows, Magpie, The Pets)
• Dave Anderson - Writer, Guitar (Alright Brothers Band, Sons of Alexander, Blues Arc, Crabtree, Magpie, The Pets)
• Al Spero - Drums (Alright Brothers Band, The Pets)
• Peter Corriston - Art Direction & Design
• Hubert Kretzchmar - Illustration

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Pet Clams, but i bet it's gonna be wacky, juvenile humor intensive. The sexual innuendo and metaphor presented by their name and imagery is heavy handed, and they double down by censoring the lady licking a clam on the back cover with a black box..whether they were forced to do that or emphasized the nature of her action by choice is another matter completely. 

Album Review: So although the cover says THE Pet Clams, and the record just as them listed as Pet Clams, it turns out their full name is "The Big Fat Pet Clams From Outer Space." Still a wacky name, even if the sexual nature is not as apparent. But the music is not obviously wacky or juvenile. It is basic pub rock in a genuine and straightforward style. "Gonna Get Fooled Again" has a catchy hook with a little Cars vibe. "Suicide Note" has an Elvis Costello "Radio Radio" or "No Action" feel. "Don't Get So Upset" & "Jerusalem" have a reggae / twin tone style putting them between the Police and Specials.Their clunky website tells the story of the Clams in true light, and they follow in the tragic steps of A&R men, wrong place at the wrong time, record label unkept promises, internal turmoil leading to stardom fame collapse. They did have some popularity in NYC's CBGBs, more than their home town club Stone Pony. Variations of the band have been kicking around for years since this album's release (up to 2017), and their website has scattered unreleased demos and live takes all over the site. 

Stand Out Track: Suicide Note

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic

website

rate your music

facebook

radio indy

Orion - Fresh

Name: Orion
Album: Fresh
Year: 1981
Style: Country, Oldies, Honky Tonk
Similar Bands: Elvis Presley
"One-Word" Review: Honk-Tonk Elvis Impersonator
Based Out Of: Alabama
Label: Sun International, Shelby Singleton Corp

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Fresh (1981)

1. There's No Easy Way 3:07
2. Baby Please Say Yes 2:16
3. Born 3:04 (single)
4. If I Can't Have You 2:37
5. Ain't No Good 3:10 /
6. Some You Win, Some You Lose 3:05 (single)
7. Look Me Up (and Lay It On Me) 2:15
8. Old Mexico 2:55
9. Rainbow Maker 2:28
10. Anybody Out There 2:37

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mac Weiman - Guidance
• Shelby Singleton - Presenter
• David Roys - Engineer
• Dennis Carney - Photos
• Betty M. Cherry - Cover Art

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Orion, or Fresh, or Fresh Orion, or Orion Fresh, but it is very very obvious this will be basically an Elvis impersonator. The big selling point for me to get this was after i saw the beautiful see-through golden record. Like the classic label namesake, the record was like the sun.

Album Review: His name is indeed Orion by stage, James Hughes Bell by social security card. Most of the songs were written by Buddy Harris, the tempos range like a rollercoaster from slow and loungy to upbeat, energetic pub honky tonk. The vocals absolutely sound like Elvis. So much so, that many folks thought Elvis hadn't died in 1977 after hearing Orion/Ellis- a rumor he & Sun Records' Shelby Singleton were not eager to dismiss. In fact, the name Orion was his applied stage name after a book by Gail Brewer-Giorgio was published in 1978 also called Orion, who's protagonist was an Elvis-like pop star who faked his death. Despite the campy and sit-com like mystique, he has performed with many country greats like Lorletta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Tammy Wynette. He also has many fan websites devoted to his career. In 83, he denounced the theatrical name of Orion, tearing off his mask mid-performance, only to don it again in 87 when sales did not grow under his real name. Ellis was murdered in his pawn shop along with his ex wife in 1998 at 53. There is even a 2015 documentary about his life titled Orion: The Man Who Would Be King. The song on here, "Some You Win, Some You Lose," has a general melody and structure to Chuck Berry's "Never Can Tell." 

Stand Out Track: Some You Win, Some You Loose

Links:

Spotify Full Album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

orion jimmy ellis

Orion Movie: Man who would be king

orion discs

Jimmy Ellis Orion STC

elvis fandom

atlas obscura

neat o rama

elvis info net

Midnight Flyer - Rock 'N' Roll Party

Name: Midnight Flyer
Album: Rock 'N' Roll Party
Year: 1981
Style: Hard Rock, Classic Rock
Similar Bands: Sheer Mag, Cold Blood, 10 Wheel Drive, Janis Joplin, ZZ Top, Foghat
"One-Word" Review: If TX Discovered Metal
Based Out Of: UK
Label: Swan Song ATCO, Atlantic

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Label

Rock 'N' Roll Party (1981)

1. Rock 'N' Roll Party 3:50
2. Waiting For You 3:13 / (single)
3. French Kisses 3:59
4. Sweet Loving Woman 3:27
5. Rough Trade 4:01 (Single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Mick Ralphs - Producer (Bad Company, Mott the Hoople)
• Maggie Bell - Vox (Stone the Crows, Kinning Park Ramblers, Locarno, Palais Band, Power, BA Robertson, British Blues Quintet, Chris Farlowe, Manfreds, Hamburg Blues Band, Frankie & Johnny, Jon Lord Blues Project, John Baldry, Deavid Allen, Rod Stewart, Ellis, London Symph Orch, Eric Burdon, Raven Ohtani, Rick Wakeman, Tony Coe, Eddie Hardin, Ronnie Wood, Pete Brown, Dave Kelly, Clem Clempson, Michael Kamen, Eddie Hardin)
• Dave Dowle - Drums (Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, Runner, Streetwalkers, Whitesnake, Francis Monkman, Kevin Lamb, David Coverdale, Adrian Snell, Renaissance, Steve Hyams, Moody Marsden, Annie Haslam, Canterbury Glass, Bernardo Lanzetti)
• Antony Glynne - Guitars (Razar, Roger Chapman, Rick Wakeman, The Divorce, Mike Oldfield, The Fabulos Singlettes, Asia, Soft Cotton County)
• Tony Stevens - Bass (Foghat, Nobody's Business, Savoy Brown, Shortlist, Joe Jammer, Roger Chapman, Julio Finn Blues Band, Jimmy Dawkins, Kazimierz Lux, Tommy soundtrack, Rock Follies, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Julie Covington, Andy Mackay, Billy Nicholls, Dana Gillespie)
• Chris Parren - Keys (Forever Amber, High Society, Hudson-Ford, JJ Jackson's Dilemma, Locust, Rocky Horror Band, Strawbs, Brother Jack McDuff, Albert Hammond, Ray Russell, Wilding / Bonus, Ian Gomm, Jim Capaldi, Andy Mackay, Julie Tzuke, John Mizarolli, Great Dames of RnR, Dave Davies, Zen Attack, George Michael, Jim Diamond, Trevor Walters, Jack-E McAuley, The Monks, Cliff Bennett)
• John Cook - Keys (Kestrel, Mungo jerry, Octopus, Slack Alice, Stars, The Mixed Bag, The Joseph Consortium, Kirby, Stretch, Danny Kirwan, Noel Janus, Kit Hain, Ozzy Ozbourne, Graham Bonnet, Cozy Powell, John Parr, Jackie Lynton, Bernie Marsden, Fay Hallam)
• Peter Grant - Exec Producer (Led Zeppelin Mgr)
• Niall Connoly - Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. Their name is a quite generic pub rock style name, and their look spans the gamut of hippie, 70's AOR rock, 80's metal facade, and two air plane pilots...maybe the flyer part of their name? This is an EP, with only 5 songs, but i'm going to guess its just female fronted pub rock.

Album Review: The singer has some range to her voice, and on the opening track, it reminds me a lot of Sheer Mag (and it is an obvious borrowed lyrics and melody from ZZ Top's "Tush"). The album blends honky tonk pub with power guitars and a rangefully powerful & slightly raspy vocal. The members in the band were a supergroup of sorts, with members of Whitesnake, Foghat, and Bell at the helm. Both Bell and Stevens were also part of various early Tommy recorded performances.

Stand Out Track: Rock 'N' Roll Party

Links:
Wiki - Maggie Bell

Discogs

Allmusic

classicrock history

hunter-mott

Method Actors - Dancing Underneath

Name: Method Actors
Album: Dancing Underneath
Year: 1981
Style: No Wave New Wave
Similar Bands: Pixies, Talking Heads, Lou Reed / Velvet Underground, Violent Femmes, Adam Ant, Half Japanese, Devo, Television
"One-Word" Review: Playfully Funky Minimal New Wave
Based Out Of: Athens Georgia
Label: DB Recs

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Dancing Underneath (1981)

1. Dancing Underneath 4:45
2. Privilege 2:00
3. No Condition 4:00 /
4. E-Y-E 5:40
5. My Time 1:45

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Vic Varney - Guitar, Vox (Tone Tones, Go Van Go)
• David Gamble - Drums, Vox (Tone Tones, Boat Of, Beauty Contest, Jack Heard, Peach of Immortality)

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. By the look of the artwork and font, it looks very low budget. Perhaps the abstract art will lead to jazzy tunes. Or perhaps it's experimental. But it looks very independent, and not much info on the band itself anywhere on the packaging.

Album Review: So the songs have a very Talking Heads / Pixies / Lou Reed quality to them, with Violent Femmes instrumentation. The lead track in particular is odd in the fact that it sounds like a Gang of Four song played by a jangley band like REM. The urgency is there, but the playfulness in the vocals, similar to Adam Ant at times, makes it very non threatening, and still quite good. This collection of 5 tracks can all be found on 2010's full length compilation titled This Is Still It. The band is comprised of just the two, but later after Gamble left, the remainder filled out the line up with sax and full time guitar as they were winding down as a band. Vic Varney also managed fellow Athens alums Pylon, and you can hear similarities in what they were both up to. 

Stand Out Track: Dancing Underneath, My Time

Links:

Spotify full album

Live download + info

Wiki

popmatters

all music

bandcamp

trouserpress

badcatrecords

vic varney website

exclaim.co

discogs

Fingerprintz - ~Distinguishing Marks *Beat Noir

Name: Fingerprintz
Album: ~Distinguishing Marks *Beat Noir
Year: ~1980, *1981
Style: Punk, Powerpop
Similar Bands: Cheap Trick, Clash, Gang of Four, Buzzcocks, Game Theory, Sex Execs, Blue Chips, Sparks, Talking Heads, Thomas Dolby, Lou Reed, Devo, Duran Duran, Gordon Gano
"One-Word" Review: ~Pure Power-Pop Punk, *Disco-Jazz Post-Punk
Based Out Of: Scotland, UK
Label: ~Virgin, Atlantic, Warner *Stiff, Virgin

 Cover, Credits, Record

 Back, Lyrics, Record

 Cover, Record

Back, Record

~Distinguishing Marks (1980)

1. Yes Eyes 3:02
2. Houdini Love 3:09 (Single)
3. Criminal Mind 4:08
4. Bullet Proof Heart 4:49 (Single)
5. Remorse Code 3:34 /
6. Amnesia 2:44
7. Ringtone 2:40
8. Radiation 4:50
9. Jabs 3:23
10. Hide And Seek 4:50 (b-side single)

~Beat Noir (1981)

1. The Beat Escape 5:52 (single)
2. Shadowed 3:07 (single)
3. Changing 3:46
4. Get Civilised 4:35 /
5. Catwalk 4:08
6. The Chase 5:15
7. Touch Sense 4:22
8. Going Going Gone 3:52

Album Rating (1-10): ~ 9.5
*7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• *~Jimme O'Neill - Guitar, Lead Vox, Writer, *Producer, Trashicaster Chops, Chimes (Jacqui Brookes, Silencers, Honkytonk Hicks, Celtic Social Club, Intro, Lene Lovich, Scottish World Cup Squad, Alan Simon, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Anthony More)
• *~Cha Burnz - Lead Guitar, Vox, Writer, *Underworld Vox, Whirlybird Guitars (Silencers, Adam Ant)
• *~Kenny Alton - Bass, Vox (Dick Envy, Vermilion)
• *~Bogdan Wiczling - Drums, Percussion (Jacqui Brookes, Adam Ant, Bill Wyman, Lene Lovich, Bill Nelson)
• ~Bernie Clarke - Keys (Ten Years Later, Alamo Leal, Alvin Lee, Sapho, Bram Tchaikovsky, Vampire Bats From Lewisham, Phillip Rambow, Aztec Camera, Bill Hurley, Johnny Guitar, Big Heat, David Knopfler, Lizzy Mercier, Edwyn Collins, OST, Go Betweens, Alabama 3)
• ~Nick Garvey - Producer
• ~Trevor Hallesy - Engineer
• ~Terry Medhurst - Engineer
• ~Nigel Barker - Asst. Engineer
• ~David Kemp - Asst. Engineer
• ~John Stalin - Illustrations
• ~Peter Saville - Sleeve Design
• *Chris Kimsey - Producer
• *Chris Porter - Producer 
• *Steve King - Shadowy Keys (The Colonel, Maddy Prior, Leon Rosselson, Helen Shapiro, Home Service, Linda Thompson)
• *Sadie the Cat - Cat Vox, Do-be-Doos
• *Don Snow - Keys Blanc (Squeeze, Anti-Heroin Project, The Catch, The Sinceros, Lee Kosmin, Wendy & the Rocketts, Judie, Tzuke, Nik Kershaw, Chris Eaton, Shelia Walsh, Tina Turner, Holly Johnston, Jimmy Somerville, Heartland, Thomas Anders, Markus Gardeweg, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewie, Nino Buonocore, Tracey Ullman, ABC, Stephen Duffy, Roger Daltrey, Dusty Springfield)
• *Ron Francois - Bass Noir (Strutters, Lene Lovich, Teardrop Explodes, James Reyne, Wendy Matthews, Sinceros, Absent Friends, Kaylan, Ganggajand, Eurogliders, Nick Plytas, Valerie Lagrange, Julian Cope, Cabo Frio, Aleesha Rome)
• *Krystof Kafka - Accordion
• *John Irish Earle - Sax (Gnidrolog, Kilburn & the Highroads, Nine Days' Wonder, The Dance Band, Rumor Brass, Philip Chevron, Ruthless Blues, Graham Parker, Jona Lewie, Rachel Sweet, Johnny Thunders, Thin Lizzy, Wreckless Eric, Carlene Carter, Roy Sundholm, Sandy McLelland, Johnny G, Inmates, Desmond Dekker, Supercharge, Sean Tyla, Joan Jett, Lili Drop, Live Wire, dB's Kirsty MacColl, Dave Edmunds, Shakin' Stevens, Sky High, Mike + Mechanics, Katrina and the Waves, Big Heat, gadgets, Krypton, Dogs, Les Cactus, Fafafa, Paul Carrack, Gary Glitter, Privates)
• *Dick English Hanson - Trumpet (Ossie Laine, Dance Band, Greatest Show On Earth, Rumor Brass, Taggett, Supercharge, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Jona Lewiw. Rachel Sweet, Wreckless Eric, Inmates, dB's, Dave Edmunds, Sky High, Shakin' Stevens, The Strand, Julien Clerc, Helen Shapiro, katrina & the Waves, Big Heat, Zoom, Dogs, Fixx, Fafafa, Rory Gallagher, Desmond Dekker, Privates, John Gotting, Suzi Quatro, Richie Milton )
• *Spike Edney - Trombone (Gosport Horns, Queen, SAS Band, Brian May Band, The Cross, Happy Clubsters, The Cross, Roger Chapman, Roger Taylor, Edwin Starr, Linx, Private Lives, Boomtown Rats, Dexys Midnight Runners, Bucks Fizz, Elaine Paige, Haircut 100, Virginia Wolf, Ann Lewis, Duran Duran, Manic Street Preachers, Rhinomen, Les Wampas, Joe Cocker)
• *Andy Hamilton - Sax (Gosport Horns, George Michael, Duran Duran, David Bowie, Elton John, Radihead, Pet Shop Boys, Albania, Dexys Midnight Runners, Hook Horns, Sandy McLelland & the Backline, Edwin Starr, Linx, Private Lives, Boomtown Rats, Corey Hart, Altered Images, Farmers Boys, Judie Tzuke, Thomas Leer, Wham, Jon Astley, Virginia Wolf, David Knopfler, gary Moore, Tina Turner, Nine Below Zero, Right Said Fred, Marc Almond, Interpreterts, Rhythm Kings, Brian May, Stereophonics)
• *Dave Phee - Sellotape & Masterplans
• *Niall Doull-Connolly - Cover Photo
• *Mike Laye - Back Photo
• *Kip Krones - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but i saw these two albums side by side in the same discount bin, and from their name, Bryan Ferry-like cover (*sure, Ferry's more familiar "Bete Noir" was 6 years later) and punch out postcard artwork on the 'Marks' it really seems like they have a retro spy/PI theme going, along with the band name. So I imagine dark, back alley crime themes, along with power pop/punk styles (based on the labels).

Album Review: These two albums are very different in composition. Where 'Marks is straight up New Wave power pop-punk, akin to Cheap Trick with a little Game Theory-like vocals + slight variants song to song, Beat Noir is, for the majority, a dancey, Thomas Dolby/Sparks-like Disco New Wave band. That said, (and i love Sparks), there is not really a bad song on 'Marks (Bullet Proof Heart is the closest to a miss), however, I am having hard time picking out a good, stand out song on 'Noir. Singer O'Neill was not their original singer, and early on was writing songs for other big acts like Lene Lovich, Paul Young, Rachel Sweet & Manfred Mann. His wife Sadie sings on 'Noir.

Stand Out Track: ~Yes Eyes
*Going Going Gone

Links:
Spotify
Discogs
rate your music
post-punk monk
Trouser Press
Jimmie Wiki

Spizzles (the) - Spikey Dream Flowers

Name: The Spizzles
Album: Spikey Dream Flowers
Year: 1981
Style: New Wave, Post Punk
Similar Bands: XTC, Gang Of Four, Dead Milkmen, Martha & the Muffins, Futureheads
"One-Word" Review: Angular Jaunty Transitional Punk
Based Out Of: London UK
Label: A&M

 Cover, Record

Back, Record

Spikey Dream Flowers (1981)

1. Brainwashing Time 4:37
2. Five Year Mission (featuring 'The Return of Spock') 2:17
3. Dangers of Living 3:32
4. Robot Holiday 2:27
5. Soldier, Soldier (featuring theme from 'Spikey Dream Flowers') 3:47 /
6. Downtown 3:00
7. Risk 3:34
8. Central Park 4:22
9. Melancholy 2:40
10. Scared 4:00

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Dave Woods - Producer
• Spizz (Kenneth Spiers) - Vox (Spizz 77, Spizzoil, Spizzenergi, Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzenergi 2, SpizzOrwell, Spizzsexual, Spizzvision, Spizzmas, Spizz and the Astronauties, Heaven 17, Wild Mutation)
• Jim Solar (James Little) - Bass, Synth (Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzenergi, Panorama, London Cowboys, Pink Industry, Repetition, 
• C.P. Snare (Clive Parker) - Drums (Big Country, Members, Athletico Spizz 80, Marshall Star, Scary Thieves, John Moore & the Expressway)
• Lu (Robert David Edmons)- Guitar, Piano (Damned, Edge/Belvederes, Shriekback, 3 Mustaphas 3, Kirsty MacColl, Mekons, Public Image, billy Bragg, Tuvan throat singers Yat-Kha, Laurie Anderson, Waterboys, Athletico Spizz 80, Jane Aire, Les Triaboliques, Paz3, Crash Baptists, Unlaunched Orch. Jon Langford, Blabbermouth, Carl Marsh, Howard Werth)
• Wally Brill - Engineer
• Ken - Asst Engineer
• Tim - Asst Engineer
• Corinne - Asst Engineer
• Simon - Asst Engineer
• Frank De luna - Mastering
• Marv Bornstein - Mastering
• Jos - Driving & Equiptment
• Michael Ross - Art Direction
• Simon & Barbara - Design
• Paul Cox - Photography
• Ginge - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. But the cover looks looming, dark, and artsy, so i'm guessing this is going to be some damaged art pop. Back photo looks like typical new wavers like Duran Duran or OMD

Album Review: The band used to have an itinerary where they'd change names every year, the Spizzles being their fourth incarnation out of five years. Their second name, Spizzenergi produced the most popular song of their existence, "Where's Captain Kirk" in 1979, which helped them become the first band to top the newly formed UK Indie chart in 1980. "Five Year Mission" on this album works as the third in a trilogy ("Spock's Missing" was in 1980). The song Soldier Soldier was rerecorded (and smoothed over) as it was initially released as a Spizzenergi track in '79. The songs are all really great examples of post-punk, with melodic vocals, bouncy bass with angular tempo changes and hooks.

Stand Out Track: Five Year Mission, Robot Holiday

Links:
Wiki
Discography
Rate Your Music
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Spaces - s/t

Name: Spaces
Album: s/t
Year: 1981
Style: Jazz
Similar Bands: Group 87, Grover Washington Jr, Brand X
"One-Word" Review: TV Theme Jazz
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Artista

 Cover, Record

Record, back

Spaces (1981)

1. Song For Jeremy 5:45
2. Try Some Of This 5:00
3. Eddie and Carol 5:02
4. The Clam 4:00 /
5. Shadow Street 6:55
6. Life Line 5:34
7. Chemical Man 5:20 

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Scott Clancy - Guitars, Vox (Billy Glenn)
• Steve Dublin - Drums (Billy Glenn, Chico DeBarge, Bebe & Cece Winans, Princess, Judy Mowatt, Elisa Fiorillo, Nick Kamen, Parthenon Huxley, The Way Moves, Robbie Nevil, Darlene Love, F Machine, Cerrone, Bert Robinson, Alisha, Dee Harvey, The Fixx, Go West)
• Marc Goodman - Pianos, Synth, Clavinet (Battle of Mice, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Illminea, 2 Foot Yard, A Storm of Light, Book of Knots, Care Bears on Fire, Jolie Holland)
• Don Eaton - Tenor, Alto, Soprano Sax (Billy Glenn)
• Michael Schlesinger - Bass, Vox (Billy Glenn)
• Ralph MacDonald - Percussion, Production (Antisia Music, Coral Reef Band, Rainbow, The Writers, many, many more...)
• Bill Eaton - Backing Vox (Idris Muhammad, Gary Buck)
• Frank Floyd - Backing Vox (Consumer Rapport, The Writers, The Wiz, Rachel Faro, Hank Crawford, Bob James, Frankie Valli, Freddie Hubbard, Robin Kenyatta, Idris Muhammad, Cy Coleman, Patti Austin, Blood Sweat & Tears, Yusef Lateef, Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, Nils Lofgren, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones)
• Zak Sanders - Backing Vox (Bob James, Esther Phillips, Robin Kenyatta, Patti Austin, Hank Crawford, Freddie Hubbard, Blood Sweat & Tears, Burt Bacharach, Nils Lofgren, Roberta Flack, Idris Muhammad, Billy Joel, Mongo Santamaria, Quincy Jones)
• Eliot Scheiner - Engineer, Mixing
• Jerry Williamson - Engineer
• Bruce Weeden - Engineer
• Garth Persichetti - Production Assistant
• John Senior - Production Assistant
• Lloyd Zane Remick - Mgmt
• John Ford - Photo
• Sonia Santos - Hair/Makeup
• Hui Wang - Stylist
• Howard Fritzon - Design
• Donn Davenport - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks quite promising. Like the action in the font, and the capture of the rainbow light burst through the pane of glass also possesses a lot of energy. The photo on the back looks like a bunch of confident beardy dudes who might produce some good, fun music.

Album Review: Boy was I wrong, this album is not really my thing, so it's hard to write a short, straight critique when the bar was set high...and for a different "sport" (genre) altogether. Not much info on them, thanks to a hard-to-track SEO name. But the songs feel like either 80's tv show themes or mid-tempo video game scores (thinking Sonic in the Chaos Emerald Bonus stage). Track 2 has vocals, and it is slightly funky, maybe even a little Talking Heads-ish, if they had made music for a furniture outlet.

Stand Out Track: Try Some of This

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Ralph MacDonald soulwalking

Raybeats - Roping Wild Bears

Name: Raybeats
Album: Roping Wild Bears
Year: 1981
Style: Instrumental Surf
Similar Bands:Man or Astroman?, Ventures, B-52s, Los Straitjackets
"One-Word" Review: Space Surfing Spy Soundtrack
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Don't Fall Off the Mountain

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Roping Wild Bears (1981)

1. Searching 3:34
2. Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt 2:54  (Shadows cover)/ 
3. Tight Turn 4:00
4. Tone Zone 3:37

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Pat Irwin - Sax, Acetone, Guitar (8-Eyed Spy, Command V, B-52s, Foolish Virgins, PI Power Trio, Love Tractor, Lydia Lunch, The dB's, Rage to Live, Lucky Pierre )
• Jody Harris - Guitar (James Chance & the Contortions, Loose Screws, Band of George, The Golden Palominos, Syd Straw, Matthew Sweet, ImpLOG, James White & The Blacks, Lester Bangs, Colin Bryce, John Zorn, Victoria Williams, Richard Hell, Freedy Johnston)
• Danny Amis - Bass, Guitar (Los Straitjackets, Overtones, Thee Phantom 5ive)
• Don Christensen - Drums (James Chance & the Contortions, Philip Glass, Cadillacs, New Action Army, Loose Screws, Band of George, impLOG, James White & the Blacks, Angel Dean & the Zephyrs, Change of Heart, Waitresses, Bush Tetras, Laurie Spiegel)
• Dan Dryden - Engineer
• Trace Rosel - Cover Credit
• Lisa Rosel - Cover Credit
• Joe Stevens - Back Cover Photo
• Bob Singerman - Mgmt
• Ruth Polsky - Special Thanks

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But based on the album name and cover art, I get the impression that they are wacky, perhaps embarrassingly so. So I imagine this will be some sort of silly nerdy new wave band, like Pet Clams or the Rave Ups.

Album Review: This is an ep of 4 instrumental tracks, that feature elements of blues and soul, surf, and spy themes. Allmusic is quoted as calling them "the soundtrack for a James Bond movie directed by David Lynch" and that is spot on. Pat Irwin went on to scoring TV and Film, including his big break with the quality work he did on cartoon Rocko's Modern life.

Stand Out Track: Tone Zone

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