Tymes (the) - Tymes Up

Name: The Tymes
Album: Tymes Up
Year: 1976
Style: Soul, Gospel, Funk
Similar Bands: Stylistics, TSOP, Philly Cream, Tavaras, Spinners, Delfonics, Chi-Lites, Five Stairsteps
"One-Word" Review: pimped out gospel soul
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: RCA, Victor

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Tymes Up (1976)

1. Only Your Love 5:01
2. It's Cool 3:38 (single)
3. If I Can't Make You Smile 3:54
4. God's Gonna Punish You 4:44/
5. Hypnotized 3:48
6. Goin' Through the Motions 3:40
7. To the Max 4:49
8. Good Morning Dear Lord 5:54

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Billy Jackson - Producer, Director, Percussion, Backing Vox/Rap (The Citizens' Band, Daddy Kae Trio, Soiree, The Re-Vels, Lifestyle, Beverley Craven)
• Richie Rome - Arrangements, Keys (African Suite, Patti LaBelle, Terry Knight, Cheltenham Orch, Carol Stivers, Jimmy Ruffin, Dianne Steinberg, Persuaders, Horseshoe, Willis Jackson, Archie Bell & Drells, Chi-Lites, Ritchie Family, many)
• George Williams - Lead Vox, Backing Vox/Rap 
• Albert Berry Tenor 1st, 2nd (Latineers)
• Norman Burnett - Tenor, Baritone (Latineers)
• Wade Davis - Baritone (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Jerry Ferguson - Tenor (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Donald Banks - Bass (Latineers)
• Bernard Purdie - The Sounds of NY Band Leader, Drums (Harlem River Drive, Hummingbirg, New Pulse Jazz Band, Pretty Purdie & Playboys, Profile, Rhythmstick, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Godfathers of Groove, Leon Thomas Blues Band, Mac Chrupcala Trio, Liv Warfield, Bruce Arnold, Nina Simone, Jimmy Smith, Phil Upchurch, Charlie Byrd more)
• Karl Chambers - Drums (MFSB, Ronald & Karl, The Producers, The Romeos, Toomorrow, Yellow Sunshine, Barbara Mason, Don Covay, Teddy Pendergrass, Intruders, The Three Degrees, O'Jays, Orlons)
• George Devins - Percussion, Vibes (Dizzy Gillespie, Harris-Leigh +3, Lew Davis, Ninapinta & his Bongos & Congas, Brassmates, Brothers, Jerry Ross, Don Costa, Irving Joseph, Don Arnone, Al Caiola more)
• Ray Barretto - Congas, Timbales (Art Farmer, Artists United Against Apartheid, Cannonball Adderley, Fania All Stara, Lou Donaldson, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, New World Spirit, Charanga Band, Charanga Moderna, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Blackout Allstars, Herbie Mann, Ray Bryant, Tito Puente, Wild Bill Moore, Woody Herman, Thundering Herd, more)
• Paul Griffith - Keys (Aretha Franklin, Tim Carroll) 
• Larry Bongo Washington - Percussion, Congas (Anglo Saxon Brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & BBS unlimited, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Laura Nyro, Good God, Harold Melvin, more)
• Carl Lynch - Guitar (Dayton Selby Sound, Brownie McGhee, Cootie Williams, Will Holt, Preston McKinnon, Casey Anderson, Rose Murphy, The Orioles, Joan Toliver, Curtis Amy, Les McCann, Johnny Hodges, Jerome Richardson, Hank Crawford, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Circle of Music, Melvin Van Peebles, King Curtis, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Fugs, Peter Allen, Sharon Ridley, Charles McPherson, Carol Hall, Percy Mayfield, Van McCoy, Gerri Granger, Teresa Brewer, Marlena Shaw. Joneses, Bo Diddley, Webster Lewis, Jimmy Owens, Bunky Green, James Moody, Coasters, Herman Chittison, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Nina Simone, Clyde McPhatter, Rita Pavone, Bobby Byrd, JJ Johnson, Carla Thomas, Johnny Hodges, LaVern Baker, Diane Destry, Lee Castle, Sam Taylor, Leo Stephenson)
• Cornell Dupree - Guitar (Harlem River Drive, King Curtis & the Kingpins, Rainbow, Snooky Young, Stuff, Gadd Gang, The RH Factor, Donny Hathaway, Lulu, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Freddie King, Herbie Mann, Jerry Williams, more)
• Wilbur Bascombe - Bass (New Pulse Jazz Band, Players Assoc. The Zodiac, Willie Collins, Marion Williams, Buddy Terry, Lightnin' Rod, Billy Butler, Bo Diddley, Martin Mull, Roy Ayers, Michael Bolotin, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Frankie Valli, Grace Jones more)
• Don Renaldo - The Sound of Philadelphia Band Leader (Horns & Strings, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Delfonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Grady Tate, Billy Paul, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Major Harris, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin, Archie Bell, Grace Jones, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gaz, Metropolis, Ellen McIlwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, The Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, Michael Pedicin Jr, Chuck brown, McFadden & Whitehead, Philly Cream, Fania All Stars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & Royal Company, Kat Mandu, Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Spinners, Flower, The Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, Exodus)
• Richie Genovese - Bass Trombone (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, William Bolcom, Arnold Weinstein, Lulu Santos, Nuyorican Soul, Exodus)
• Roger DeLillo - Trombone, Euphonium (Dan McMillion, Jazz in the Classroom, Salsoul Orch, Woody Herman, Herman & Puemte, Carol Williams, Arthur Prysock, Loleatta Holloway, Paul Williams, First Choice, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Michael Pedicin Jr, Bonnie Boyer, Mizz)
• Rocco Bene - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Charo, Kool & the Gang,  Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, FLB, Mizz, Abstract Truth, Nuyorican Soul, Joe Sgro, Exodus)
• Bob Hartzell - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, University City, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Cindy & Roy, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, Karen Young, Mizz, Moana, Exodus)
• Christine P Reeves - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Frist Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Carol Williams, Double Exposure, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Was (Not Was), Jean Carne, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Incognito, Braxtons, Lulu Santos, O'Jays, Nuyorican Soul, Phyllis Hyman, Men of Vizion, Delfonics, Fantastic Plastic Machine)
• Charles A Apollonia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Davis A Barnett - Strings (Philly Sound Orch, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Bonnie Boyer, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Nuyorican Soul O'Jays, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Price, Nicole Ray, Jermaine Duprie, Men of Vizion, Jazzyfatnastees. Eric Benet, Will Smith, Martha Clancy, Jill Scott, Will Downing, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Jaguar Wright, Vivian Green, Glenn Lewis, Darious Rucker, Floetry, Kindered The Family Soul, Curse, Javier, Ruben Studdard, Funk Bros, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie McKee, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Vivian, Anthony Hamilton, Margarets, Joy Denalane, Sleepy Brown, Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ron Hall & Muthafunkaz, Carol Riddick, Macy Gray, John Legend, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, NERD, Alexandra Burke, Paul Van Dyk, Rihanna, Esmee Denters, Black Eyed Peas, Fun, Daughtry, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Troye Sivan, Kelly Clarkson, 
• Vincent Pignotti - Strings (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch)
• Anthony Singagoga - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Rudolph Malizia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Mizz)
• Albert Barone - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice)
• J Chudnow - Strings
• Larry Gold - Strings (Good News, NFSB, Salsoul Orch, Woody's Truck Stop, Emile Haynie, Michael Bacon, Carol Williams, First Choice, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Mark Child & Cottage St Gang, Mizz, Montana, Lorenzo Smith, Bruce Saunders, Good 2 Go, Brue Cohen, John Rose, Rodney Mannsfield, Men At Large, Whitehead Bros, Gerald Levert, 2 Aces & a Jack, Gustav Mahler, Uri Caine, Nicole Renee, Nicole Ray, Kelly Price, Jermaine Dupri, Jazzyfatnastees, Roots, Shaboom, Will Smith, Eric Benet, Will Downing, Common, Jill Scott, Changing Faces, Dice Raw, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Bubba Sparxxx, Bebel Giberto, Jay-Z, Philadelphia Experiment, Jaguar, Wright, Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Lewis, Darius Rucker, Floetry, Ms Jade, Erro, Brandy, Christina Aguilera, Donell Jones, Ms Jade, Justin Timberlake, Kindered the Family Soul, King Britt, Bacon Brothers, Ruben Studdard, LSG, Murphy lee, Joe, Jeff Bradshaw, Zap Mama, Osunlade, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson, Amos Lee, V, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, Thomas Dutronc, Low Cut Connie, Grace Carter, Michael Jackson, Troye Sivan, Fleeting Ends, Paloma Faith, Kelly Clarkson, Lana Del Ray, Ne-Yo, Caine, Joy Denalane, Natalie, Carol Riddick, Ween, Macy Gray, Al gerween, TI, LL Cool J, John Hill, Kid Cudi, Pleasure P, Bedouin Soundclash)
• Jack Faith - Flute, Strings (Stylistics, Swamp Dogg, Delfonics, Moonglows, Spinners, Salsoul Orch, Blue Magic, Carol Williams, Willis Jackson, LTG Exchange, Charo, Johny Mathis, Montana, First Choice, Asha, Gloria Gaynor, Mizz, Leon Huff, Futures, MFSB, Rose Royce, O'Jays, Patti LaBelle more)
• Romeo DiStephans - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Charo, Montana)
• J D'Onofrio - Strings
• Isabel Coles - Backing Vox (Kleer, Joey Negro)
• Edna Holt - Backing Vox (Holt '45, Starluv, Ritchie Family, Mongo Santamaria, Michael Boothman, harold Ousley, Fatback Band, Black Renaissance, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Angela Bofill, OC Smith, Keith Silverfish Ferguson, Fonzi Thornton, Talking Heads, Chickenshack, Kim Ryder, James Freud, Bryan Ferry, Rocking Chairs, David J)
• Barbara Ingram - Backing Vox (School for Arts Singers, Ingram, John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Slick, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Stylistics, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Major Harris, Bunny Sigler, more)
• Deborah Stockton - Backing Vox (Force of Nature, MFSB)
• Evette L. Benton - Backing Vox (John Davis & the Monster Orch, MFSB, New York City, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties,  Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Carla L Benson - Backing Vox & Special Vox Effect (John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Michael Pedicin Jr, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Luz Rivera - Backing Vox Rap (Miguel de Leon)
• Joe Tarsia - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Jay Marks - Recording Engineer
• Kenny Present - Recording Engineer
• Don Murray - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Carl Parulo - Recording Engineer
• Vivian Abbott  - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Harry Chipetz - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Dick Baxter - RCA Recording Engineer
• Tom Brown - RCA Recording Engineer Assistant
• Shelly Yakus - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Jay Messina - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Tom Moulton - Mixing
• Nick Sangiamo - Photos
• Design - JJ Stelmach

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but my mind automatically goes toward associating it with Morris Day And the Time. With the silly misspelled name and the play on words with Tymes Up parking meter photo in the graveyard, i get a sense that they think of themselves as a fun band. But looking at the immense list of musicians who went into the production of this record, i wonder if it will be more choir-like or operatic...especially with two tracks referencing god. I'm going to suggest that this will be soulful R&B, perhaps with a foot in disco, just due to the instruments listed and the year.

Album Review: This is a collection of soulful R&B with some fear of god gospel. Lots of smooth sexy sections coupled with the upbeat soul and cheery gods gonna punish you if you break my heart and sermon filled good morning dear lord. "It's Cool" is a fun, empowering story song where a woman gets hit on at a restaurant and has to cool down her jealous man. The strings do swirl around, hinting at disco on occasion, but it is much firmer placed in the vocal soul group category.

This album comes 20 years into their career (16 as The Tymes). Their two biggest hits in came in 1963 in the US (So Much Love, which beat the Beatles in the #1 spot) and then in 1975 in the UK (Ms Grace). They bounced around from label to label and had minor alterations to their sound trying to find a place to capture the initial first album success. Williams and Banks have both passed away in 2004 & 20011 respectively. But surviving members still play out as The Tymes to this day (2020). They were part of Dick Clark's 1963 American Bandstand tour, which was supposed to play Dallas the day JFK was shot.

Stand Out Track: Only Your Love

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
ABKCO
Banks Obit - Philly Inquirer 11/1/11
Soul Express
Rebeat Mag
Rate Your Music
All but forgotten Oldies
Delafont
Gary Cape Booking
Oldies . com

Pop Will Eat Itself - This is the Day...This is the Hour...This is THIS!

Name: Pop Will Eat Itself 
Album: This is the Day...This is the Hour...This is THIS!
Year: 1989
Style: Electronic, Techno, Industrial, Rap
Similar Bands: Sigue Sigue Sputnik, EMF, B.A.D., M/A/R/R/S, Einsturzende Neubauten
"One-Word" Review: Eastern European Industrial Rap
Based Out Of: Stourbridge, England
Label: RCA, BMG

Cover & Record

This is the Day...This is the Hour...This is THIS! (1989)

1. PWEI is a Four Letter Word - 1:12
2. Preaching to the Perverted 4:25
3. Wise Up Sucker 3:16 (single)
4. Sixteen Different Flavours of Hell 1:23
5. Inject Me 3:51
6. Can U Dig It? 4:31 (single)
7. The Fuses Have Been Lit 4:02 /
8. Poison to the Mind 0:57
9. Def Con One 3:59 (single, US #30 Mod Rock)
10. Radio P.W.E.I 3:37
11. Shortwave Transmission on "Up To The Minuteman Nine" 1:01
12. Satellite Ecstatica 3:33
13. Not Now James, We're Busy 3:08
14. Wake Up Time To Die 6:41

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Flood (Mark Ellis) - Producer, Mixing
• Dave Pine - Engineer & Re-Mix Engineer
• Karl Broadie - Asst. Engineer
• Robin Goodfellow - Engineer
• Mr. X & Mr. Y - Producer
• Mark Dodson - Additional Production
• D. Steele - Producer
• A. Cox - Producer
• Robert Gordon - Producer
• Cenzo Townshend - Engineer
• Frank Booth - Guitar (Situation B)
• Kerry The Buzzard Hammond - Guitar (Yeah God!)
• Twig the Wonder Kid - Backing Vox
• Mastermix - Turntables (Hardnoise, Beatmasters, Cookie Crew)
• DJ Winston (Hazel) - Turntables (Forgemasters, Supafix, The Step, Winston & Ross)
• Vestan Pance - Words & Music Pseudonym for PWEI
• This Is The Designerstar Republica - Sleeve Design, Artwork
• Phil Wolstenholme - Computer Images
• Kevin Cumings - Live Photos
• Craig Jennings - Worldwide Rep
• Paul Boswell -UK Agent
• Ian Copeland - US Agent
• Graham Crabb - Vox Keys (Golden Claw, Wild & Wondering, Je Suis Crabbi, Primitive Race, Vile Evils, Fuzz Townshend)
• Adam Mole - Keys, Programming  (Wild & Wondering, From Eden, Kut Loaf, Vile Evils)
• Richard March - Keys Programming (Wild & Wondering, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Charlatans UK, Wonder Stuff)
• Clint Mansell - Vox, Guitar (Wild & Wondering, From Eden, Buddah Boys Choir, Cerebral Fix, NIN, Lavish, Vile Evils)

Unknown-ness: I have heard of them, but i know not what they are like...from the artwork ( i do like how the initials PWEI make up the 5 "monsters" attacking the biohazard clock in the middle), and mention of BPMS on the back, i imagine some sort of future-techno EDM band, but for some reason, i think they may sound like Nitzer Ebb or Low Pop Suicide or Stabbing Westward...maybe part of the industrial KMFDM / Front 242 genre, which is not a reach from the formerly listed bands. 

Album Review: This one required some research, as the style of music had an origin in the UK and is called Grebo Rock, a subculture and genre, adopted from a slang term for long hair bikers and/or rock music fans in the late 80's. When grunge and brit pop took hold in the early - mid 90's PWEI was shuffled over to the Industrial sub-genre, but they were a posterband for the Grebo niche. Their big trivia bit is that they were the first Western independent band invited to play the Soviet Union in 1988. The songs on this album are similar to the back of the album: a collage of bits and pieces strung together with samples, turntables and beats that bear a strong association with cold, mechanical industrial sounds. Sometimes the vocals have melody, sometimes, they are like an Eastern European cold wave rap. Def Con One uses samples of "Funky Town" and "The Twilight Zone" among a string of other musical borrows. They are still around, as a 2020 tour was planned in NZ, alas, everything was postponed Mar/April to Oct, so maybe?

Stand Out Track: Def Con One

Links:
Wiki

album wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Spotify full album

website

touring NZ 2020 & playing this album in full

twitter

imdb

under the radar

trouser Press

Cherry red records

Nails (the) - Dangerous Dreams

Name: The Nails
Album: Dangerous Dreams
Year: 1986
Style: Dark New Wave
Similar Bands: The The, Church, Fad Gadget, Wolfgang Press, The Cult, Sisters of Mercy
"One-Word" Review: Darkwave for Arenas
Based Out Of: Boulder, CO
Label: RCA Victor

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Dangerous Dreams (1986)

1. Dig Myself a Hole 4:40
2. Hello Janine 4:57
3. Voices 3:32
4. The First Time 3:45
5. The Veil 5:07/
6. Things You Left Behind 4:02 (single)
7. Save Me 4:33
8. Dangerous Dreams 4:02
9. Darkness Grows Uncivilized 4:15
10. Ocean 4:16

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Pete Solley - Producer
• Marc Campbell - Vox (Ravers, Jack Mack, Misterwives)
• David Kaufman - Keys (Phil Gammage, Longboard Ranch)
• George Kaufman - Bass (Ravers)
• Steve O'Rourke - Guitars (The Scruffs, The Shroud of Lowell, Mike Magoo)
• Douglas Guthrie - Sax (Safi Abdullah)
• Mike Ratti - Drums (Heavy Balloon, Morgen, Rex Smith, Jay & the Americans, Shroud of Lowell)
• Joe Galdo - Percussion, Emulator (Foxy, The Jerks, Sunergyans, Barry manilow, George & Gwen mcCrae, Toni Bishop, Betty Wright, Bobby Caldwell, Ish, Niteflyte, ABBA, Leif Garrett, Dion, Ron Dante, bee Gees, Billy Luke Burton, Firefall, Ship, Viola Wills, Eddie Money, Alliance, Space people, jeannie Cruz, KC, Miami Sound Machine, Timmy Thomas, Lissette, Stephen Stills, Bellamy Bros, Rudy, Miguelito, 97 A-1-A, Hugger, Jimmy Bo Horne, Margaret Reynolds, Celi Bee, Nicole, Steve Alaimo, Donna Allen, ted Nugent, Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Bandera, Gene Ryder, Angelique Kidjo, Martika, CSN, Mink Deville, Professor Trance, Andres Calamaro, David Byrne, Flayer, Baaba Maal, ApeX)
• Soozie Kirschner - Electric Violin, Backing Vox (Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, David Johansen, Crosstalk)
• Trevor Hallesy - Engineer
• Dave Axelbaum- Asst. Engineer
• Mike Fuller - Mastering
• Michael McClure - album quote
• Terry Dunne - Mgmt
• Luis Cruz Azacata - Cover Painting 

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but based on the dark cover, and abstract skull collage artwork + year, i'm going to guess they are dark, brooding new wave, not too different than The The.

Album Review: So yeah, the album is dark and brooding, vocals a little like the modern band Ceremony's non-hardcore songs, which grow from calculated, deep chants to angry and aggressive emo. There is also an element of Cowpunk to the songs composition, too. This was a follow-up record (2 of 3) to their much more praised debut, which featured a hit with "88 Lines About 44 Girls." Before that, they were known as the ravers, and had a very yet-to-be famous roadie in Eric Boucher, AKA Jello Biafra. 

Stand Out Track: Things You Left Behind

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

website

doug epstein

spotify album

Joboxers - Like Gangbusters

Name: Joboxers
Album: Like Gangbusters
Year: 1983
Style: Blue-Eyed Soul, Swing, Motown
Similar Bands: Joe Jackson, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Elvis Costello, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Madness, The Jam
"One-Word" Review: Showtune Soul & Swing
Based Out Of: London, UK
Label: RCA, Victor

 Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Like Gangbusters (1983)

1. Boxerbeat 3:03 (single)
2. Crosstown Walk Up 3:02
3. Fully Booked 3:22
4. Not My Night 2:28
5. Just Got Lucky 4:45 (single, #36 US) /
6. She's Got Sex 2:59 (single b-side)
7. Curious George 3:22 (single b-side)
8. Hide nor Hair 3:15
9. Crime of Passion 2:46
10. Johnny Friendly 5:05 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Alan Shacklock - Producer
• Mike Pela - Engineer
• Ian Mullard - Mgmt
• John Wallace - Sax (Heavyshift, Stargazers, Big Town Playboys, Sound Barrier, Peter an the Test Tube Babies, Little Willie Littlefield, Tot Taylor, James Taylor Quartet, Marshall & the Shooting Stars, Princess Erika, Grant & Forsyth, Jive Romeros, Virna Lindt, 
• Nick Pentelow - Sax (Andy Fairweather-Low & the Lowriders, Juice on the Loose, Shortlist, Wizzard, Glenn Cardier, Steve Gibbons Band, Louis Clark, Adrian Snell, Roger Chapman, Paul Field, Rejects, Normaal, Swans Way, Diz Watson, Cliff Aungier, Big Jay McNeely, Nick Lowe, Ron Kavana, Flesh For Lulu, Poli Palmer, Elton John, Vic Goddard, Chas & Dave, Colin James hay, Dreams Come True, Gary Moore, Wishbone Ash, Squeeze, Virunga, Paul Millns, Moody Marsden, Martin Barre, Stephanie Lawrence, Jim Preen, Robert Forster, Balham Alligators, Jack-E McAuley, Rhythm Kings, Geraint Watkins, Ui, Eric Bibb, Bill Wyman, Lee Sankey Group, Annie Haslam, Tony Stevens, Mick Abrahams, High Society, Slim Chance)
• Dig Wayne (Timothy Wayne Ball) - Vox (Buzz and the Flyers, DW & the Chisellers, Matt Bianco)
• Sean McLusky - Drums, Vox (Subway Sect, If?, Joe Public, Stingrays, Johnny Britton, Euston Jones, Whitey, Cazals)
• Chris Bostock - Bass, Vox (Subway Sect, Spiritual Cowboys, Style Council, Stingrays, X-Certs, Johnny Britton, Spear of Destiny, Shakespears Sister, Amina, Rhythm Sisters, Tracey Thorn)
• Robert Marche - Guitar, Vox (Subway Sect, If?, Earl Brutus, Joe Public, JLP Sessions Project, Johnny Britton, Euston Jones, The Grid, Dreadzone, )
• Dave Collard - Keys, Vox (Subway Sect, If? The The, Lisa Stansfield, Johnny Britton, Humpe Humpe, Billy Ocean, Richenel, Beth Nielsen, Tanita Tikaram, Laura Satterfield, Celien Dion, Gardenz Darkx)
• Steve Rapport - Photos
• Andrew Christian - Cover

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but from the grainy cover, and depression era newsies outfits, I imagine this is going to be tedious, overthought, overproduced jangly college radio rock.

Album Review: So the album does have a mid-80's pub-band-discovers Jazz feel, but it is done so through very fun and bouncy swing and blue eyed soul /motown songs...somewhere between Madness and Dexy's with some Cab Calloway thrown in. I guess I could just say Joe Jackson, or offer "Town Called Malice" for comparison. Singles "Boxerbeat" and "Just Got Lucky" (featured in 40 Yr Old Virgin) are super catchy and fun tracks that make up for some of the free-er jazzy numbers and slightly odd compositions like "Curious George" and "Fully Booked." They have reunited and are scheduled to play in London this year (2020)

Stand Out Track: Boxerbeat, Just Got Lucky

Links:
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website
Discogs
allmusic
nostalgia central
bbc
rate your music
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Franke & the Knockouts - Below the Belt

Name: Franke & the Knockouts
Album: Below the Belt
Year: 1982
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Foreigner, Bad Company, Journey, Scorpions, Mr. Big, Boston, Loverboy
"One-Word" Review:
Based Out Of: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Label: Millennium, RCA

 Cover, Notes, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Below the Belt (1982)

1. Never Had It Better 4:06
2. Without You (Not Another Lonely Night) 3:45 (single, top 25 hit)
3. Just What I Want 4:34
4. Any Way That You Want Me 3:40
5. Morning Sun (Dream On) 4:12 /
6. Shakedown 5:14
7. Keep On Fighting 4:34
8. Have No Fear 3:59
9. Gina 4:00

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Peter Solley - Producer, Arrangements
• Franke Previte - Vox, Co-Producer, Arrangements (Bull Angus, Brave New World, Disco Kids, Russ Taff, Scandal, Cyndi Lauper, Seiko, Richie Sambora, Patty Smyth, Jennifer Rush)
• Billy Elworthy - Guitar, Co-Producer, Arrangements (Michael Bolotin [Bolton])
• Blake Levinsohn - Keys, Co-Producer, Arrangements
• Tommy Ayers - Keys, Synth, Backing Vox, Co-Producer, Arrangements (Trigger, Dumptruck)
• Leigh Foxx - Bass, Co-Producer, Arrangements (Brian Briggs, Paley Bros, Benny Mardones, Randy Vanwarmer, Nicole Wills, Iggy Pop, Deborah Harry, Henry Lee Summer, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, Blondie, Clayton Bruce Ost, Holly & the Italians, Sonny Kenn Band, Karen Lawrence & the Pinz)
• Steve Klein - Engineer
• Patrice Carroll - Asst. Engineer
• Al Wotton - Drums (Mark Farner, Rachel Sweet, Mitch Ryder)
• Ricky Hitchcock - Guitar (Peter Oxendale, Ian Page, Walker Bros, Duane Eddy, Alvin Stardust, Tony King Sound, Dave Pope, Lewis Furey. Joe Bourne, David Dundas, London Symphony Orch, Sphinx, Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate, R&J Stone, Graham Dee, Karen Cheryl, Miquel Brown, Alec R Constandinos, Stardust, Edna B. Jerano, Love & Kisses, Marion, Vince Cadillac, Steven Schlaks, more)
• Richie Puente - Percussion (Foxy, George & Gwen, Latimore, Amant, Osmonds, Ish, Niteflyte, Alliance, Viola Wills, Mink DeVille, Les Brown, Peter Frampton, Debbie Jacobs-Rock, Johnnie Taylor)
• Benny Harrison - Backing Vox (Peter Criss, Richie Scarlet, Joe Lynn Turner, Melidian, Arcara, Citizens, Joe Bonamassa, Alexis P Suter Band)
• Mike Fuller - Masteting
• Spencer Drate - Art Direction
• Andrew Frances - Creative Coordinator
• Brian Zick - Cover Illustration
• Robert Burger - Back Illustration
• Michael Klefner - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but the cover and back and band name screams pub rock & power pop with a penchant for 50's retro style. Get a real working man's small town americana vibe with the cover action in the front seat of a pink caddie with tiger print seats. The boxing glove keychain is a nice touch, standing for the Knockouts.

Album Review: The amount of harmonic power pop bands that lived through the 70's and 80's is astounding. So many bands wanted to be Foreigner or Bad Company or Boston. Their big claim to fame came after this record, around 1984, when they wrote & recorded "Hungry Eyes" and "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," both songs featured in Dirty Dancing, winning Franke an Acadamy Award. Also, Bon Jovi Drummer Tico Torres joined them for a bit after this album's release.

Stand Out Track: Never Had It Better

Links:
spotify album
wiki
discogs
broadway world
allmusic
facebook

Don Bowman - Funny Folk Flops

Name: Don Bowman
Album: Funny Folk Flops
Year:1968
Style: Parody, Comedy, Folk
Similar Bands: Frank De Lima, Weird Al, Ray Stevens
"One-Word" Review: tea-bagger-get-off-my-lawn-anti-hippie-unfunny-jokester
Based Out Of: Lubbock TX
Label: RCA Victor 

Cover & Record

Back & Record

Funny Folk Flops (1968)

1. Green Sleeves 2:28
2. Crawdad Song 2:28
3. Under Tremendous Amount of Pressure 2:45
4. Worried Man 2:20
5. All My Trials 2:00
6. Dealyer's Stoned 2:35 /
7. The San Francisco Scene 2:16
8. In the Pine Trees 2:10
9. Messin' Up My Mind 2:50
10. House of the Setting Sun 2:05
11. Tom Dooley Baby 2:00
12. Streets of San Francisco 2:39

Album Rating (1-10): 2.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Don Bowman - Vox, Writing
• Chet Atkins - Procucer
• Felton Jarvis - Producer
• Al Pachucki - Recording Engineer
• Eddy Arnold - Liner Remarks

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this artist. But the cover, with him taking on different stereotypes and forms to produce "funky folk flops" with a "can you believe this?" look on his face, i'm guessing this is not someone who takes these styles or cultures seriously or respectfully, and this is probably a joke / insult album.

Album Review: This is a comic record, which mostly pokes fun at counter culture and flower children via an out of touch sense of humor which would ring true with older folks worryin' 'bout them hippies. Bowman passed away in 2013, but was a disc jockey, singer & songwriter, and comedian. His career genre was country as he was the original DJ for "American Country Countdown" from 73-78, and he apparently helped Waylon Jennings get a start. There is really no singing on the album, it is jut Don saying some rhyming phrases over country-folk music, with elderly lines like "can you believe that, and aw shucks chuckles at his own "unbelievable" realizations. From the loose parody of  House of the Rising Sun as the perspective of a nosey neighbor to a community house of folk singers and hippies, like a redneck tea-bagging trumper's version of Tom Wait's "What is He Doing in There?" to the outright hatred of hippies in the obnoxious "The San Francisco Scene" and "Streets of San Francisco" the album is just as terrible in its intolerance as well as the storytelling. Perhaps they assumed that hippies and their culture was a passing phase, that looking back at the scene would put this album ahead of it's time, alas, it's just grandpa yelling get offa my lawn. Or maybe the prejudice was part of the charm, and this album is trying to show folks how disrespectful people come off? I really doubt it.

Stand Out Track: The San Francisco Scene

Links:
Youtube album
Spotify album
Wiki
discogs
allmusic
IMDB
website
second hand songs

Werewolves (the) - Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues)

Name: The Werewolves
Album: Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues)
Year: 1978
Style: Pub Band, Blues-Rock, Powerpop
Similar Bands: J. Geils Band, Jeff Beck, Animals, Bad Company, Rolling Stones, Flamin' Groovies
"One-Word" Review: Country Blues Rock N' Roll Party
Based Out Of: Dallas TX
Label: RCA, Victor

Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues) (1978)

1. Baby Eyes 3:32 (single)
2. Crazy Arms 3:26 (cover)
3. There We Were 1:59
4. Days of the Rest of My Life 2:33
5. Face on Wrong 3:19 /
6. Summer Weekends 2:31
7. One Up on You 2:44
8. Catch My Drift 2:27
9. Waking Up Is Hard to Do 2:17
10. No More Blues 3:31
11. Ship of Fools 3:19

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Loog Oldham - Producer, Director (Rolling Stones)
• Brian Papageorge - Vox (The Hurricanes)
• Buckner Ballard - Vox, Guitar, Bass 
• Kirk Brewster - Vox, Guitar, Bass (Patricia Vonne)
• Seab Meador - Guitar (The Gentlemen, The Bridge.The Hurricanes, Zombies (fake))
• Bobby Baranowski - Drums & Percussion (Rev. Horton Heat, Hash Brown's TX Blues Review, Josh Alan Band, Herman Brock Jr. & The Eurocasters, Eugene Hideaway Brisges, Rocky Athas Group, Jim Suhler)
• Joey Stann - Horns, Keys (Bullet, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, American Men, Miami Horns, gary US Bonds, Steve Satten, Stephen Dees, Benny Mardones, Stompers, Neil Sedaka, Bob Bandiera, Allman Bros Band, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen)
• Ralph Mooney - Dialogue
• Charles Seals - Dialogue
• Neal Teeman - Sound Recording
• Chris Andersen - Sound Recording
• Mick Rock - Set Design
• Ernie Thormahlen - Set Design

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, but it looks like a low budget, as seen on tv album based on cramming four lines of active artwork across the cover (and not even fitting it all, having to wrap around to the back). They look "cool" and the toxic disaster palm tree sunset puts them in California, i imagine...which is supported by the way the back is set up like film credits. The band picture across the bottom makes me think they are a bluesy power-pop act, if only bluesy because they have a sax.

Album Review: The Texas band was "discovered" by ex-Rolling Stones producer Oldham after they moved to NYC to appeal to the up and coming CBGBs scene. Their style is country & southern blues infused rock and roll, which you can hear as they update and rock out on the traditional country cover of "Crazy Arms." "Face On Wrong" does a good job combining blues rock and oldies sounding powerpop.

Stand Out Track: Face On Wrong

Links:
Discogs
Australian Rock Review
Allmusic
What Frank is Listening To
Facebook
NY Times 2.25.79
I Was A Teenage Fake Zombie

Doug & the Slugs - Music For the Hard of Hearing

Name: Doug & the Slugs
Album: Music For the Hard of Hearing
Year: 1983
Style: Pub Rock, New Wave, Roots Rock
Similar Bands: Blasters
"One-Word" Review: Witty-Whimsical-Oddball Pub-Wave
Based Out Of: Vancouver, Canada
Label: Ritdong, RCA Victor

 Cover, Lyrics, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Music For the Hard of Hearing (1983)

1. If You Don't Come 4:00
2. Nobody But Me 3:16
3. Making It Work 3:27
4. Take It Or Leave It 3:10
5. St. Laurnet Summer 4:30 /
6. Who Knows how to Make Love Stay 4:00
7. Operator 3:00
8. Cover of Love 3:10
9. When the Doorbell Rings 3:20
10. She's Looking At Me 3:00

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Richie Cordell - Producer
• Glen Kolotkin - Producer, Engineer
• Ron Cote - Engineer
• Doug Bennett - Vox, Album Design
• Simon Kendall - Keys, Basso Profundo (Marsys Playground
• John Burton - Elec Guitar
• Rich Baker - Elec & Acoustic Guitars
• Steve Bosley - Bass
• John Wally Watson - Drums
• Mr. Thick Productions - Producer
• Dee Lippingwell - Photography
• D.Baswick - Photography
• Wayne Jordan - Artistic Interpretation 
• Jeff Lesser - Pre-production, Arrangement ideas

Unknown-ness: I don't know this band at all, but based on the artwork & color scheme, it looks like really fun  new wave music...Even the band name & album title are quite silly. I have really high hopes for the music, based on the cover.

Album Review: So this comes across as light, silly new wave. Some songs sound like Americana Roots rock, particularly the vocals. They do an interesting, new-wavey cover of the Isley Brothers' "Nobody But Me." "Who Knows How To Make Love Stay" is a really fun bit of blue-eyed soul. Operator is a good driving Farfisa organ song, with a gruff Captain Beefheart supporting vocal. "She's Lookin At Me" is a fun piece of upbeat synth pop. D&TS were much bigger in Canada than here, with multiple to 40 hits. In their early days, they held massive themed parties wherever they could to draw up a following. To keep control of their music and releases, they made their own Ritdong label for production.  Band Namesake and vocalist Doug Bennett died in 2004 from liver cirrhosis.

Stand Out Track: Operator, Who Knows How To Make Love Stay

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Rate Your Music
Music Ruined My Life
Canadian bands
Pique mag Obit

The Parachute Club - s/t

Name: (the) Parachute Club|

Album: s/t

Year: 1983

Style: Lite Pop, Caribbean, Reggae

Similar Bands: Toyah, Debbie Harry, Belle Stars

One Word Review: Deconstructed Antiseptic Jazz Wave 

Based Out Of: Toronto, Canada

Label(s): Current, RCA

 Parachute Club: Cover, Slip Cover, Record

Parachute Club: Back, Lyrics, Record

Paracute Club - S/T (1983)

1. Rise Up 5:10
2. Slip Away 4:36
3. Alienation 3:48
4. Are You Hungry 5:07
5. Free Up Yourself 3:41/
6. Boys Club 3:32
7. Hot Pursuit 5:09
8. She Tell You 5:05
9. Tobago Style 5:41

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:
Lorraine Segato - Vox, Guitar, Percussion, Mixing (Mama Quilla II, V, Dance Appeal, Northern Lights, Lillian Allen, Ramm)

Lauri Conger - Keys, Vox (Mama Quilla II, Heather Bishop)

Billy Bryans - Drums, Percussion, Mixing (Downchild Blues Band, V, Time Twins, Lillian Allen)
Margo Davidson - Sax, Percussion, Vox (Foxrun Band)

Julie Masi - Percussion, Sax, Timbales Vox (Martha & Muffins, Rita MacNeil)

Steve Webster - Bass (Billy Idol, Heads in the Sky, Dalbello, )

Dave Gray - Guitar (Lillian Allen)

Daniel Lanois - Producer, Engineer, Mixing

Lynne Fernie - Lyrics

Debbie Griffiths - Vox (Martha & Muffins)
Mohjah - Percussion

Tim Forbes - Art Direction, Artwork
Deborah Samuel - Art Direction, Artwork

Gerry Young - Management

Bill Kaye - Makeup
Dick Smith - Percussion

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of them. But from the font, artworks and band picture it looks like they will be a soft-yet-quirky 80's band that might be a little bouncy, but most likely, will be adult-contemporary new wave music. 

Album Review: The Parachute Club was pretty big in Canada for the mid 80's, spawning 3 top 40 hits, and voted "most likely to succeed" at the 1984 Canadian Juno awards (also taking best single with "Rise Up"). 1988 saw them battle and settle out of court against McCain Foods Limited for using the song in an ad. In 2006, they were entered into Canadaian Indies Hall of Fame. Two years later, founding member Margo passed away.

“Rise Up” was their most popular song, and single winning them single and most promising group of 1984. Later, the song sparked controversy as it was used against the band’s wishes in a self-rising pizza dough commercial. From the start it has a world, Caribbean bongo beat, and jazzy synth 8^-bit notes. The chorus of Rise Up starts off the lyrics, and the song feels like a spiritual hymn. The synth notes swirl around and accent the gospel feel, and reach some cheesy levels. The vocals are empowered and excited.
“Slip Away” has a bit of a reggae vibe with steel drums, but incorporates dreamy guitar and sleepy vocals. It is a good example of blending Caribbean music with antiseptic new wave. The song skitters along, with bongo flourishes and dual female lead vocals that fluidly take turns and overlap each other.
“Alienation” starts with some gritty guitar and sax, reminding me a little of mid 80’s period Oingo Boingo. The song contains political statements, and the vocals are emotional. There is no cohesive melody to the song, however, just a bunch of sounds, rattlings, crashes and other ideas thrown together.
“Are You Hungry” begins with a bit of a light ska vibe with a rhythmic deep bass. But the chime-synth sounds like the same effect used in Goonies. The vocals are bold and echoing, and there is a free-form feeling to the construction of the song. Toward the middle of the song, there are some deep masculine chanting vocals layered below.
“Free Up Yourself” fades in suddenly to a marching tempo, accented with weaving synth lines. The layers of female vocals share the stage and echo on repeat for an artificial chorus. It even has a little of a deconstructed disco sound.

“Boys Club” has a bit of a Debbie Harry attitude at the outset. The song is a little dark, and it carries an attitude of suppression due to anti-feminism. There is a “Military Rap” section to the song, too.
“Hot Pursuit” slinks back to a smooth, reflective, jazzy style. The vocals are deep, and sound a little like Chrissie Hynde.
“She Tell You” has a dark, futuristic feel to it with wood block percussion and deep grueling guitars. Of course, no song escapes this period without the cheesy synth, so the Goonies effect lightens the mood. The overall tone of the song shifts to a shuffling, indecisive yet uplifting track.
“Tobago Style” starts out with a couple of echoing laughs, and the song feels like it could evolve into a good post-punk no-wave song. But the synth comes in, and the song is quartered into multiple directions and loses cohesion.

The album has a lot of good potential. Good effects, solid vocals, interesting beats, but it really lacks an overall vision, is soft on hooks and repetitive, catchy choruses, and it is hard to pin down a melody that follows through.

Stand Out Track: Alienation

Links:

Wiki

Discogs
Parachute Club Blog

Allmusic

Titi Tudorancea

New Anthems

Canadian Bands

Lorraine Webpage

Sad Cafe - Misplaced Ideals* Facades~

Name: Sad Cafe

Album(s): Misplaced Ideals* Facades~

Year(s): 1978* 1979~

Style: AOR, Prog, Jazzy Rock, Pub Rock

Similar Bands: Rockets, Mick Jagger, 10cc, Styx, J Geils Band, ELO

"One-Word" Review: Jazzy Depressed Fantasy* 

Based Out Of: Manchester, England

Label: A&M Records, RCA Limited

 Misplaced Ideals* - Cover & Record

Misplaced Ideals* - Back & Record

Facades~ - Cover & Record/Sleve

Facades~ - Back & Record/Sleeve

Misplaced Ideals (1978)*

1. Restless 4:37
2. Here Come Those Clowns 4:01
3. Run Home Girl 4:57
4. Black Rose 4:37
5. I Believe (Love Will Survive) 4:34 /
6. Babylon 3:41
7. Shellshock 3:15
8. Hungry Eyes 5:28
9. Feel Like Dying 4:09
10. On With the Show 5:14

Facades (1979)~

1. Take Me to the Future 4:05
2. Nothing Left to Lose 4:34
3. Everyday 4:09
4. Strange Little Girl 5:06
5. Crazy Oyster 4:30 /
6. Emptiness 3:33
7. Time is Do Hard to Find 3:30
8. Angel 3:42
9. Get Me Outta Here 3:53
10. My Oh My 4:43

Album Rating (1-10): *6.0

~6.5

Members & Other Bands:

Paul Young - Vox & Percussion*~ (Toggery Five, Gyro, Mandalaband, Mike and the Mechanics, Squeeze, Mike Read)
Ian Wilson - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Percussion *~(Gyro, Mandalaband, Bunk Dogger, Boss Brothers, Ramones, Steve Warley, Alarm, Loz Netto, Jon Astley, Johnny Hallyday, The Law, Barclay James Harvest, Flutadors, Alestrom, Common Tongue, Debbie Harry, )
Tony Cresswell - Drums, Percussion* (Mandalaband)
John Stimpson - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vox*~ (Mandalaband)
Vic Emerson - Keyboards~, Piano, String Arrangement*~ (Sylvie Vartan, Mandalaband, Tim Hart, Heebeeheebees, Steve Warley, Gilbert O'Sullivan, 10cc, John Wetton, Phil Manzanera, Was (Not Was), Lio, Zazie, Pascal Obispo, Emma Shapplin, Tono Balliardo, Sofia Mestari, Fabien Martin, Magna Carta)
Ashley Mulford - Lead Guitar, Vocals*~ (Mandalaband, Mike and the Mechanics, Tim Hart, Michael Learns to Rock, Chilliwack)

Dave Hassel - Kabasa, Bell Tree*
Dave Irving - drums, vocals~ (Supercharge, Loz Netto, Cam'ron)
Lenni Zaksen- Saxophone, Vocals*~ (Alan Parsons Project, Gonzalez)

Eric Stewart - Producer, Engineer, Mixing~ (10cc, Paul McCartney)
Katherine Ann Walter - Photo Treatment*

Lou Beach - Photo Treatment*
Chuck Beeson - Design*

Dorene Chanter - Vox*
Irene Chanter - Vox* (Allmusic Credits)
Lisa Strike - Vox*

Mark Hanauer - Cover*
John Punter - Engineer, Percussion, Producer* (Bryan Ferry)
Nigel Walker - Asst Engineer*
Jon Walls - Asst. Engineer*
Roland Young - Art Direction*
Bernie Grundman - Mastering~

Harvey B Lisberg - Management*~

Dave Kershenbaum - Special Thanks*~

Joe McSorely - Special Thanks~

Mark Smith - Special Thanks~

Hipgnosis - Photos*~

Unknownness: I had never heard of this band before picking up these albums up at a thrift store. Basing judgement on the cover art and the name, I expect this to be general 70's rock / pub rock, perhaps with a bit of shady noir. Many bands of the era incorporated a back alley bluesiness, and I expect a little of that, too.

Album Review: So this band is still active, under the guidance of Ian Wilson, even if it is just a cover band of their once selves. A couple of the members went on to join the more populat Mike & The Mechanics, the singer who did, Paul Young, passed away unexpectedly in 2000 (not the same Paul Young as London Dilemma). They topped out in the UK at #3 with Every Day Hurts, titled Everday on Facades (their 3^rd of 7 albums).

“Restless” struts from the start, with a skipping drum beat, and segmented guitar parts. The chorus is harmonized, and I can tell that the vocals are patterned after Mick Jagger. There is a breakdown, with chimes and jazzy percussion, and is fronted with a sax solo. Power chords bring the song back to rocking territory, but the instrumental seems like it will go on forever. The song recycles, and the skip-beat tempo returns.

“Here Come Those Clowns” changes tempo, and feels like a Dexy’s Midnight Runners or Black 47 track thanks to the horns creating a Celtic sound. The J Geil’s band bouncy piano and angry vocals give the songs a pub rock feel, with a little bit of a The Who feel as well. It has a very nice groove, and the seemingly opposite styles merge together very well.

“Run Home Girl” was a US single. It starts with a smooth jazz intro, and reminds me of a lighter version of Foreigner’s Urgent once it hits the disco pop chorus: perhaps if ELO covered Urgent. The instrumental breakdown is full of spacey synth keys, further contributing to the smooth AM radio ELO feel. The song returns to its roots with a smooth jazz fade out.

“Black Rose” continues with the spacey synth to make a brief power pop intro, which flattens out to a soft elevator pop melody. By the chorus, a chorus of vocals make a very Prog case for the song. Until the next subdued part, the song soars in an aggressive prog rock orchestra.

“I Believe (Love Will Survive)” is a slow jam. It’s not quite a ballad, as it has some marching forth tempo, and some “White Snake” crooning, not to mention a weeping metal guitar breakdown. But Bee Gees harmonies and crystal sweeps make up the verse. It is a rock song trying to find its elegant footing in a disco land.

“Babylon” opens with prog rock harmonizing guitars. The funky, shuffle tempo of the verse collides with the precedented guitar harmonies when it reaches the chorus. This song is a mix of funk and prog, which is a fine line, itself. And here the vocals are again trying to channel the energy and fluidity of Jagger’s vocals.  

“Shellshock” is a jazzy, bluesy tune, featuring back alley keyboards and drafty streetlamp gusts. The vocals try even harder to capture Jagger’s soulful, poetic delivery.

“Hungry Eyes” is not the Dirty Dancing song, but is a soft acoustic ballad fading up. Once it reaches adequate volume, we are again taken to the forlorn side streets and depressed, dark city blocks. Bitter, angry vocals offer up the energy for the chorus. The singer’s sentiment seems real when he breaks the preset format to offer his feelings. The piano twinkles out to end the track.

“Feel Like Dying” picks right up with a depressed, somber light story-song. A female chorus backs the singer up when he prematurely hits the song title. The feeling is real, but it makes for a tedious track, filled with gospel efforts, but feet dragging obstinacy, which perhaps is the gist of the song.

“On With the Show” ends the album with the same bluesy swagger, but in a little more upbeat melody. Like a life story, the singer has gone through the steps of life, and has decided to just keep going, even if it hurts.

“Take Me to the Future” starts off with that same bluesy, pub rock guitar, but is underplayed with some futuristic synth effects. The vocals start much looser, and jittery (sometimes just spoken) than anything on the first album, giving this a more playful and care free vibe. The vocals share similarities with both Jagger and Peter Wolf (of J Geils), and the chorus is a harmonized prog segment. It has more powerpop guitars than before, too. The chaotic ending, and blending of vocals and chuckling oh-oh-oh’s ends in a spaceship lifting off.

“Nothing Left to Lose” wakes up from the dream/nightmare of the first track with haunting, new age synth. The notes dial up, and I half expected Madonna’s Like A Prayer to begin. Acoustic guitar kicks in, and the singer is out of bed and with careless swagger, explores his surroundings. The song is about the aftermath feelings from a love lost. The tone, like the conceptual mood, crests and falls. The violin fades the song out as it skips off down the street.

“Everyday” was a UK single, reaching #3. It has life breathed in to it as solemn, understanding vocals. The bouncy keyboards flow with orchestral support and rushed, bouncy vocals to parallel. The piano driven verse reminds me of Elton John. It sounds like a nice radio friendly song, but nothing I would have gleamed onto.

“Strange Little Girl” was another single from the album. And it begins with a county fair like music box fading in. Then a skip beat tempo (think Billie Jean) and bass line create a fun, but dark soundscape. The guitar’s power hook mixed with the futuristic synth are both catchy and accent the build into the verse. The chorus is lighter and mystical, but features some fun new wave harmonies, akin to the Cars. After two verse-chorus sections, a metal guitar solo is fed in over the steady beat.

“Crazy Oyster” begins without missing a beat from the previous song. It continues with the Bee Gees style harmonies that are barely there. It is a driving song, with poppy call out “Ohs!” The off-beat organ puffs keep the song unsteady and interesting in a reggae style.

“Emptiness” starts side two with the 80’s-style smooth jazzy sax. The lyrics don’t line up exactly with the melody, but it is only briefly. The song has a bit of a Mellencamp-Americana feel to it, mixed in with off beat jazz and a stalking march. The vocals become more aggressive in the second verse, but between these song title, you can feel a pattern of trying to fill a hole in the singer’s soul.

“Time is So Hard to Find” fades in as a funky groove that again dabbles in Prog. The song builds very well in the instrumental, until the lead guitar is given range to yowl, and the song picks itself up from underneath the guitar. There is a little Talking Heads funkiness in this song too.  

“Angel” continues instantly, but calms down on the 80’s synth, and features steady power pop and acoustic guitars instead. Finally, the protagonist in these songs has found a love. And although the euphoria is reserved, and rightfully so, since he is saying that she’d be his angel, you can sense the positive vibes from the song.

“Get Me Outta Here” is a drunken pub rock track. The stagger and synth honky tonk funk give this a full on southern rock, with a little “Jagger singing a Billy Joel” song feel.

“My Oh My” was a single from the album. It twinkles in with piano, and the building blocks for a power pop song. The vocals are reserved and knowledgeable. You can feel the song building, until it kicks into a rollicking pub rock piano ditty. After the burst, it calms back down to the travelling wanderer verse. The let-loose vocals are supported with a brief chorus of female vocals, and the song sways and treks along into a fade, even as the vocals stay strong.

Stand Out Tracks:

Here Come Those Clowns*

Strange Little Girl~

Links:

WIki

Allmusic

website

Discogs

Rate Your Music

Singer's Death Article 2000

Harmonic Prospector

(the) Men They Couldn't Hang - Night of A Thousand Candles~, Silvertown*

Name: The Men They Couldn't Hang
Album(s): Night of A Thousand Candles~, Silvertown*
Year(s): 1985~, 1989*
Style: Celtic Folk, Roots Rock
Similar Bands: Black 47, Pogues, Levellers, James, Bluebells, Midnight Oil

"One-Word" Review: Celtic Hoe-Down On A Prog-Train
Based Out Of: London/Southampton England
Label: Demon~, Imp Records~, Jive*, Silvertone*, RCA*, BMG*

 Night of A Thousand Candles - Cover & Record

Night of A Thousand Candles - Back & Record

Silvertown - Cover & Record

Silvertown - Back & Record

Night of A Thousand Candles (1985)

1. The Day After 2:41
2. Jack Dandy 2:24
3. A Night To Remember 3:14
4. Johnny Come Home 2:26
5. Green Fields of France 6:29 /
6. Iron Masters 4:11
7. Hush Little Baby 4:22
8. Walkin' Talkin 2:25
9. Kingdom Come 3:09
10. Scarlet Ribbons 5:55

Silvertown (1989)

1. Rosettes 3:34
2. A Place in the Sun 3:07
3. Homefires 4:02
4. Diamonds, Gold & Fur 2:39
5. Company Town 5:42 /
6. Lobotomy Gets "Em Home 3:22
7. Blackfriars Bridge 4:06
8. Rain, Steam & Speed 3:56
9. Down all the Days 2:41
10. Hellfire & Damnation 2:42
11. El Vaquero 2:38

Album Rating (1-10): ~6.0
*6.5

Members & Other Bands:
Tom Keane - Bagpipes~ (Pogues, Clannad, Clancy Bros, Nomad)
Shanne Hasler (Bradley) - Bass, Flute~ (The Launderettes, The Nipple Erectors, Wreckless Eric, The Chicken Family)
Chimp Carver - Design, Artwork~
Jon Odgers - Percussion, Drums~* (Catch 22, Swill & The Swaggerband)
Nick Robbins - Engineer, Mixing~
Graham Sharpe - Guitar~
Paul Simmonds - Guitar, Bouzouki, Keys~Mandolin* (Catch 22, Liberty Cage, Naomi Bedford, Swill & The Swaggerband, Lob)
Tony Poole - Management, Producer~
Tim Young - Mastering~
Harold Burgen - Production~
David Howell - Photography~
Phillip Chevron - Producer~
Lindsey Lowe - Trumpet~*
Stefan Cush - Vox, Guitar~*(The Feral Family)
Philip Odgers "Swill" - Vox, Guitar, Tin Whistle, Melodica~* (Catch 22 Liberty Cage, Swill & The Swaggerband, Crash Alley)
Tom O'Grady - band name
Mick Glossop - Producer, Engineer*
Nick Muir - Piano, Accordion, (Fire Next Time, Bedrock)*
Ricky McGuire - Bass (UK Subs, Swill & The Swaggerband, Fits)*
Bobby Valentino - Fiddle (Fabulous Poodles, Mike Oldfeld, Any Trouble, Nick Lowe, They Style Council, Billy Bragg)
Phil Smee - Sleeve Design*
Keith Morris - Photography*
Kris Heuer - Crest Design*

Unknown-ness: I had never heard of these guys before buying these two albums, independently of one another. I liked the cold, industrial artwork on the first album I bought (which was their first album), and before listening to it, I found the other album, picking it up because of the name recognition. Both albums make the band seem to be a real blue collar, working man’s band, and I imagine the contents to be something close to Big Country.

Album Review: The band really broke out onto the music scene in 85 in a big way with their first album, and a strong supportive backing from John Peel. They have basically been active ever since, with a few lineup changes, and a few breaks, but they have recently put out a new album based on fan supported pledges. They will co headline festivals in the UK, as they are still a somewhat well-known act.

“The Day After” starts with a pulsing, driving drum beat, and grows into a folky hoe-down, complete with banjo. It reminds me a little of James. In the chorus, there is a chanting group of vocals supporting the lead.

“Jack Dandy” begins with more jangely guitars, and grows into a driving Celtic drinking sing-a-long.  The bouncy bass line really drives the song home in the end.

“A Night To Remember” was a single from the album. And it begins with a more country-ish tone in melody and vocal inflection. The acoustic guitar carries the rural, mountainside atmospheric song. This song too, becomes quite jangely towad the end.

“Johnny Come Home” is a bouncy three acoustic chord stomping ballad, employing punk rock start and stop time signatures (I Fought The Law).

“Green Fields of France” is a cover of an Eric Bogle song, and is a slow, side-to-side  traditional (drinking?) sounding Celtic song that reflects on a World War 1 victim. The vocals become doubled as the song gains emotional steam. It cycles back for a second verse with a bit more frustration behind the vocals.

“Iron Masters” was a single from the album, which had to be edited for radio play in the UK because it referenced Margaret Thatcher in poor taste at the song’s end with “Oh that Iron Bastard, She still gets her way.” It begins quietly, with just the guitar and story sung vocals. The marching drums come into the song, and the bold, proud Irish sounding chorus takes over. The tempo grows to a sprint, and the song finds a second life rather quickly as an aggressive barn dance. There is a bit of a breakdown with trumpets before it regains its pace and drive.

“Hush Little Baby” begins with the acoustic guitar quietly being played for the first minute. Then a drum crashes down and a melodica accompanied oompa/gypsy beat picks up with an altered, yet familiar Hush Little Baby melody. The song is a bleak and dark interpretation of the nursery rhyme.

“Walkin' Talkin” starts off with a rollicking vocal melody that can only be categorized as a bit of Irish Rockabilly. The song just charges on forward non-stop through the entire hoe-down of a song.

“Kingdom Come” features the same deep chorus of vocals, but this time, they are filtered through an echo, cave-like effect. From there, the song takes on a traditional, driving Celtic sing-song melody.

“Scarlet Ribbons” begins with a flute, and is followed up with a mandolin, and the song progresses like a renaissance era minstrel story-ballad. But the vocal style is that of a nationally proud battle crier. This falls into the emotional remembrance genre of song.

“Rosettes” begins with twinkling sounds from a mandolin, then blasts off in some sort of dark Celtic Punk, that actually sounds a little like Midnight Oil. The vocals are a little angrier.

“A Place in the Sun” was a single. The vocals are a little calmer and clearer. But there is still a very strong Celtic musical backbone to the song. The song does not sound all that particularly catchy or stand out-ish. It feels like an original track from a band headlining a small town Irish festival.

“Homefires” steps back from the angry, energetic vocals and is a memorial/roots song. The marching tempo picks up after a little bit, breathing more life and multiple vocals into the song, but it is has become a traditional sounding drinking sing-a-long.

“Diamonds, Gold & Fur” starts with a fast drum beat, and a piano that takes a page out of Squeeze’s playbook, but this is a bouncy honky-tonk produced pub rock song. The song employs a harmonica for the short instrumental break. The song sounds like a combination of the best parts of the Blasters, and a little like John Wesley Harding (Wesley Stace).

“Company Town” steps back into the Celtic roots culture with a slow ballad as it beginning.  It sings of corporate rule over blue collar life in a small, company owned town. The mood of the song is both longing, nostalgia and hatred in the same breath. The pace of the song slowly picks up from the beginning, but it never becomes too crazy nor stays quiet. This is a solid, respectful song, and is explanatory of where the band excels best: capturing life and sentiment from the oppressed working class

“Lobotomy Gets "Em Home” starts with a bass hook as the cement of the melody. If the song was produced differently, it would be a straight forward punk song with its rollercoastering bass line. But with the style of the era that the band was involved in, this song is just a rollicking, driving folk song. Even the vocals are angry and energetic.

“Blackfriars Bridge” is another slower, historical Celtic roots song. This one feels much more airy and it starts out as new age. Like all the similar songs before it, the band is never just ok with leaving a song as a quiet ballad. They always bring up a rock element, and kick in extra energy and emotion. And this song in particular builds up in vocal and instrumental stress to the very end.

“Rain, Steam & Speed” was a single from the album that keeps its roots in Celtic melody, but with a slightly funky bass line. The verse is a little quiet, but the formulaic chorus holds the harmonizing hooks. The song, like many hints on this album are very prog oriented, although there can be a fine line between Celtic style music and prog rock.

“Down all the Days” begins with a jangely guitar, then like a chugging train, the song takes off, fueled by the drum beat. These songs are simple tempos to carry out fun barn dances or hoe-downs as banditing passengers recalling better times on a cargo train.

“Hellfire & Damnation” is a Kinks-like swampy, staggering southern tinged brass-jug band’s alcohol dream. It features stand out horns akin to Dixie-land jazz. And the vocals are again similar to Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. As if it were played in a nearly empty barroom, a trickle of applause stumbles in at the end.

“El Vaquero” ends the record with a wispy, rainy moonlit graveyard anthem for a minute and half. Then the music transports the listener to a 1800’s vaudevillian bar for a few paces, until it reaches the back room for a brief moment, where a sinister Dracula character lays. The listener is then returned to the graveyard, to plod along through to the end of this very visual instrumental.

Stand Out Tracks: ~The Day After
*Diamonds, Gold & Fur

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