07/06/09 -- LENE LOVICH, RIC OCASEK, BANANARAMA, THE BANGLES, DAVID BOWIE, THE FIXX

Hello everyone!


Are we all here? Do we still have all of our fingers intact after the celebrations this past Saturday? Good! Let us spin again!!


LENE LOVICH -- FLEX (1981).
Purchased at -- Circle Drive-In Flea Market. Dickson City, PA.


You know, if there's one thing you DON'T expect to find at the Circle Drive-In on a Sunday morning, it's a mint copy of new wave oddball LENE LOVICH's second album. But one morning, there she was. This is an American first pressing on the STIFF/EPIC label. And I must admit that I enjoyed this record a hell of a lot more than I though I would. It features the usual LOVICH vocal quirks, and those spooky male back-up harmonies. But it also boasts solid pop hooks, and the occasional crazy ska-influenced back-beat. And of course, there's that gorgeous early 80's STIFF production -- plenty of treble and compression. Highlights include "Bird Song" and "Joan" -- but the entire record is spectacular -- in an off-kilter kooky kind of way. Worth seeking out.


RIC OCASEK -- THIS SIDE OF PARADISE (1986).
Purchased at -- I honestly can't remember.


Solo RIC OCASEK albums are always "hit or moss" affairs. PARADISE is probably one of his more solid records, and the one featuring his biggest solo hit "Emotions In Motion." It's typical mid-80's new wave-influenced rock -- a bit dated but still relevant. A bunch of the CARS make appearances on the record anyway -- so I guess you can say it's a "half" CARS album. PARADISE isn't exactly a mandatory album, but I guess you could do a whole lot worse.


BANANARAMA -- BANANARAMA (1984).
Purchased at -- Main Street Jukebox. Stroudsburg, PA.


Okay, maybe most people see these ladies as an 80's studio concoction -- and in this country, a one or two hit wonder. But being the Britpop fanatic that I am, I must admit here that I REALLY LIKE BANANARAMA. I always have. I always will.
The girls' harmonies may not be the best. Some of their songs are silly. But you simply can't deny the feel-good power of a rhythmic catchy track like "Cruel Summer" or "State I'm In" (my personal favorite cut on this album).
BANANARAMA did some socially conscious stuff on this record in an attempt to be taken more seriously at the time. But even cuts like "Rough Justice" leave you with an urge to simply dance around the room. Feel-good stuff.


THE BANGLES -- ALL OVER THE PLACE (1984).
Purchased at -- Main Street Jukebox. Stroudsburg, PA.


Simply put, this record is AWESOME! It should have been a million seller. This is THE BANGLES when they were young and hungry, churning out the basic bare-bones power pop. The album is damn near flawless, packed with punchy rockers like "James" and "Going Down To Liverpool" -- songs loaded up with hooks and harmonies. If you ever come across a copy, grab it!


DAVID BOWIE -- THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS (1972).
Purchased at -- Estate sale in Ephrata, PA.


I already had one of these, but you can never have too many ZIGGY'S on hand. This is yet another original RCA Dynaflex pressing. What can I say? As far as glam rock goes, it doesn't get much better than this. From the delicate strains of "Starman" to the relentless thump of "Hang On To Yourself," the record simply cranks. The production is crisp and the songs are stunning. Another one of those albums everyone should own.


THE FIXX -- SHUTTERED ROOM (1982).
Purchased at -- Main Street Jukebox. Stroudsburg, PA.


The debut record from THE FIXX is also their most "new wave-ish." Tracks like the title cut and "I Found You" bounce about the room on jagged guitar riffs and jittery keyboards. But you also get certified FIXX classics like "Stand Or Fall" and "Red Skies." It's a pretty solid debut, but side 2 is a tad uneven.
Of course one year later, the boys would break into the mainstream big time with REACH THE BEACH and "One Thing Leads To Another." You know, I have every FIXX LP except REACH THE BEACH! You would think a nice clean copy would be easy to find. But so far, one "eludes" me.


Whew! Busy day. Well, until Wednesday -- have a good one people!!


EVANS