"a- z affectionately, 1 to 10 alphabeticallyÉ"
The Tim Freeman Interview
Back in 1987 The British label 4AD released an EP from the strange sounding band Frazier Chorus. Strange not for the usual reasons (this was 4AD after all) but strange as in wonderful. Like some cool breeze on a summer day, Frazier Chorus, with its stacked vocals and lush sound, floated into the UK pop scene. They were then snatched up by Virgin UK and put out two albums, Sue and Ray..
Both were very well received by the critics and the band built up a strong fan base. But they never sold well enough for Virgin's liking, and when the last single from Ray failed to do much (despite radical reworking from Youth) Virgin dropped the band into the ash heap of pop music history.
But wait, Frazier Chorus, now reduced to founding member Tim Freeman plus assorted guest musicians, bounced back in early 1996 with the UK EP Wide Awake. Much rejoicing followed. Over here, Seedy Singles Label put out an EP of material (PO Box 16791. St. Louis MO, 63105) and Pure records picked up the UK EP, added some tracks and put it out on CD as Wide Awake, the album, this past fall.
Lexicon was lucky enough to steal a few moments of Mr. Freeman's time to ask him some questions about the new release, Frazier Chorus, and life in general.
Lexicon: Explain a little about the new album Wide Awake.
Tim Freeman: This album is an extension of last year's UK mini LP - a
fairly low-key re-introduction to Frazier Chorus, lest we be
forgotten. The "Pinkerton" imprint is mine all mine and now licensed
by Pure Records in the states
Lexicon: Are you "Virgin" days over?
TF: Virgin and Frazier Chorus now ignore each other at cocktail
parties.
Lexicon: For "Sloppy Heart" there was a neat heart shaped package
for the CD single, any more plans for stuff like that off the new
album?
TF: I "like those circular ones".
Lexicon: Do you consider FC a "live" band?
TF: "Good Evening Champagne, Illinois! Are you sitting comfortably?"
Lexicon: Your first EP came out on 4AD and you did some work on
the last This Mortal Coil album, do you still keep in touch with Ivo
and 4AD?
TF: As an enormous Cocteaux fan, being on 4AD seemed ridiculous. My
contribution to that Mortal Coil album was ridiculous. Ivo, on the
other hand...
Lexicon: The last album had some fairly radical remixes (i.e.
"Walking On Air"). Was that your idea?
TF: I find it impossible to discuss remixes without a libel lawyer
present.
Lexicon: Have you gotten any feedback from Johnny Lydon about your
amazing cover of "Anarchy In the UK"?
TF: Nascent versions of F.C. have played "Anarchy..." since '82 and
always saw it as our song! Unfortunately, the Sex Pistols discovered
wormholes before Professor Stephen Hawkings and released it first.
Lexicon: How do you find the band is received in the US as opposed
to the UK?
TF: I find releasing records in England similar to sh----- on your
front door [step] and having your neighbors poke through it with a
stick while making it plain they don't like what you've eaten.
Americans tend to view my diet in a more charitable light.
Lexicon: How do you see the band fitting into today's
Brit.-pop(TM) ( UK) and grunge-lite(TM) (US)?
TF: The same way I see the band fitting into today's Milk Marketing
(UK) and United Dairies (US) distribution scene.
Lexicon: From your older stuff, what's your favourite song?
TF:" Prefer You Dead" (Ray)
Lexicon: What sort of music are you listening to today? Do a quick
"What's in Tim Freeman's Record Collection" for us.
TF: Cocteaux, Miles, Cream, Eno, Lennon, Floyd, Sprouts, Holst, Sade
Lexicon: Do you feel the UK music press has overlooked the
band.
TF: Yes
Lexicon: Why?
TF: Because we're crap?
Lexicon: What sort of thing would F.C. not do just to sell a few
more records?
TF: Eat our greens
Lexicon: What has been F.C.'s biggest record success, sales wise
or personally?
TF: Sales - "Cloud 8". Personal "Sloppy Heart"
Lexicon: What does the future hold for F.C.?
TF: Death and Taxes
That's about it then. Do yourself a favor and seek out the new album, 'cause it is brilliant. As for former members of the band word is that Kate Holmes has signed with Sony, Chris Taplin is touring with Ruby and Michele is an editor with a magazine.
From the wreckage of the presumed DOA Human League, Martin Ware and Ian Marsh crawled out to form B.E.F. Then they ran into a singer by the name of Glen Gregory. Ideas were hatched, plans drawn up and Keyboard Manufactures' Accountants made giddy with expectation. Heaven 17 was born.
In the 15 or so years since a lot has happened to these three intrepid travelers. They've hit the UK top 5 twice, with the same song, ten years apart. They rescued careers thought long over and started ones a new.
Back in 1981 Penthouse and Pavement introduced the band to the world. Earlier that year B.E.F. and Glen Gregory had teamed up on B.E.F.'s compilation of standards call Music of Quality and Distinction, but this was the real coming out. The album was embraced by the public and critics alike. Two years later "Temptation" (with help from Karol Kenyon) hit the top 5 in the UK. A 1993 re-issue would help the single to become the 42nd biggest single of the rock era in the UK. Over here in the US "Let Me Go" was their career high, hitting #87 on the Hot 100. The bands popularity started slipping after that, ironically just as they were hitting a creative high with the remarkable "concept" album How Men Are. Several years later Pleasure One would spin off their last US it, a top ten Dance hit "Contenders". The un-even, but not all together bad (check out "Responsibility") Teddybear, Duke and Psycho would follow in 1988. And then, Boom (not the future), silence.
Not that individual members were quiet, Ian Marsh would go on to start his own record company. Ware would produce (with BEF) Tina Turner's comeback single "Let's Stay Together", Terrance Trent D'Arby's debut, as well as Scritti Pollitti and Erasure. Glen Gregory would duet with Claudia Brucken of ACT and release a single as Ugly.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the band got back together and
released the brand new collection Bigger Than America (see review p.5
).
Martin Ware recently agreed to submit to a barrage of questions from
Lexicon about the new album, Heaven 17 in general and lots of other
stuffÉ.
Lexicon: About the new album, Any plans for a US release? Can you
explain a little about it and how it came about?
Martin Ware: No plans for the US. We[the band] have always remained
close friends and we were offered a good deal of money to get back
together by Eye of the Storm [the record label that released the new
album]. We jumped at the opportunity. It is a purely analogue album.
It was recorded mainly using early monophonic instruments.
You guys have kept pretty busy over the past 8 years since
"TeddybearÉ". Is this what kept Heaven 17 on hold? Or had you broken
up?
Ware: We just stopped working and went our separate ways for a while.
We never officially split up.
How did the re-issued singles of a couple o years ago come about?
Were you surprised how big they were in the UK? (all three hit the
top 40)
Ware: Virgin were doing a new romantic (We were never that!)
compilation and asked us if we were interested in "Temptation" being
remixed. We said yes and the rest did surprise us.
Virgin and Arista seemed to lose interest in you guys after you
didn't sell millions of records here in the US. Do you perceive
Heaven 17 as having a fan base here?
Ware: We were always more influential than big sellers. That's life,
I'm afraid, when you're trying to stick to your creative principles.
Let's talk about B.E.F. for a second. I noticed that in Tina
Turner's autobiography you guys are glossed over after "Let's Stay
Together' brought her back. What is your relationship with Ms. Turner
today?
Ware: I haven't seen her for about 5 years. She's much more into MOR
rock now, not my bag.
"Music of Quality and Distinction II" (which Turner guests on) is
a great collection, yet it seems to be impossible to find. Why was it
never released in the US with all those great R&B singers?
Ware: I couldn't believe when it didn't get a release in the USA
either. It's out on a budget label in the UK now.
Will "Music For Listening To" and "Music for Stowaways" ever be
released on CD?
Ware: Be nice wouldn't it?
You've done lots of outside production outside of Heaven 17 (and
even B.E.F.). What's been your favorite, most interesting?
Ware: Scritti Pollitti (Green contributed a track to MQDII), Terrance
Trent D'arby and an album by Tashan on Chaos Records I produced - I
love that.
One for Glen - You've been working with Martin Fry of ABC. How is
that going, is Mark White involved?
Gregory: No more Mark White. There is a new album co-written by Fry
and myself.
What about your rumored solo album?
Gregory: What!?
Tell us about UGLY?
Gregory: John Uriel and I were on Rhythm King / Nutbush - One single
and then dropped. (Was electronic pop).
Martin, you were in Sheffield when Vice/Versa - ABC was around, is
this the connection between Fry and Gregory?
Ware: We've always been acquaintances.
Phil Oakey (Human League) in an interview with "Record Collector"
seemed dismissive of ABC and the Sheffield "scene" in general.
Ware: Phil has a degree in dismissiveness.
To touch on Human League for a second, do you know what happened
to the planned collection of rarities called "The Future" that was
supposed to come out last spring? Did you guys have a hand in
assembling it?
Ware: As far as I know it was never intended to be released, but I
have a copy.
Lexicon: With all the success they had, do you ever regret leaving
Human League?
Ware: No.
Do you guys still keep in touch with members of the Human League,
have a bowling night or something?
Ware: Ian still sees Phil.
Who (or what) do you guys listen to today?
Ware: All sorts. Glenn likes Britpop, I hate it but like Hiphop and
experimental pop of any description.
Have you been energized by Techno, Jungle, Ambient etc? There is a
track on the "Go Go Brown" single called "Slow All Over" that sounds
ambient, were you listening to Eno and the like at the time.?
Ware: Yes to Eno. Techno is, I find, a bit contrived and even boring
generally.
Lexicon: Did you ever hear T42's version of "Let Me Go"? What
about sampling, I've heard "Penthouse and Pavement" pop up in rap
songs.
Ware: We never heard it (T42). But if anyone samples us I regard it
as a compliment.
Lexicon: Both the new Heaven 17 album and the last Human League
album rely on an earlier sound. Is it easier or harder to go back to
this "primitive" sound?
Ware: It's just a matter of using a limited sonic palette.
Lexicon: Are Politics back for the band?
Ware: Absolutely, left wing activists.
Lexicon: What does the future hold for Heaven 17, BEF and you?
Ware: We will continue to slough our lonely furrow and avoid being
sucked into the mediocre mainstream.
Word comes from Martin Fry himself that ABC is putting out a new album this February. It will be released on DeConstruction/BMG in the UK, and RCA in the US. The new album, entitled Skyscraping, will not have Mark White on board. The album will contain songs co-written by Glen Gregory (see Heaven 17 interview above). The first scheduled UK single is "Stranger Things". Look for an exsclusive interview with Martin Fry in the next issue of Lexicon.
The ABC and DeConstruction connection goes way back. Martin Fry sang one of the songs on M People's debut Northern Soul (Although it has since been replaced by a version of Northern Soul with the current line-up's vocals), and Black Box, one of the label's biggest successes, remixed "Say It" from Abracadabra. Also, Mark Pickering, of M People fame, remixed several cuts from Up.
"ABC / Martin Fry" fanzine reports that Fry had been working on the new album over the past couple of years.
Meanwhile Fry has been performing around Europe in the past year or so to much acclaim from critics, who note Fry hasn't changed much appearance-wise from the early 80's. (One critic went as far as to call it "spooky"). "ABC/Martin Fry" also reported that the re-issue of "Lexicon of Love" hit the top 20 of the UK Catalog Chart.
As briefly noted in our last issue there is a new fanzine devoted to ABC out there. The first issue is a four page deal, packed with info about the band, Martin Fry, Earl Brutus (Fry's brother's band) and more. It talks about Fry's work with M People and rumors of a new project (see article above). The October issue has information on ABC collectibles and the UP album. The 'zine has big plans, including an Internet site and more. Worth the IRC coupons (International Reply Coupon, ask you local post office for 'em). Send 2 to:
ABC / Martin Fry Fanzine
p/a Melis Stokelaan 2412
2541 GP the Hague
The Netherlands
The current issue came out in October and regular issues are scheduled to come out in June, October and February, so ask how you can get the first two issues.
It can be a full-time job keeping pop music relevant. At times a flourishing medium, pop is often chastised and dismissed for the very reasons it is embraced - infectious melodies, predictable subject matter and an insistent, maddening simplicity able to win over all of the cynics within earshot... or at least get them humming.
Dwight Twilley has always known the formula for perfect pop, even if commercial success has largely eluded him over the course of his 22-year career. When he introduced the world to the Dwight Twilley Band in 1974, power pop was not in vogue. On the downturn of a dizzying cycle of public favor that often swings violently from the light and harmless to the serious and profound, Twilley instantly shook things up with the rave-up anthem "I'm On Fire". The unsuspecting public - perhaps longing for the raw energy of power pop - swiftly returned the favor by pushing the song to #16, making it one of the more impressive debuts of the year.
The band consisted of talented sidekick Phil Seymour as rhythm support (handling bass and drum duties) and guitarist/keyboardist/sole songwriter Dwight Twilley (real name Dwight Twilley). The two shared vocals and album covers, with silent partner Bill Pitcock IV adding occasional lead guitar to the mix. What began as an ambitious project (the young songwriter had penned virtually hundreds of tunes by the time he recruited Seymour) in Twilley's native Tulsa eventually landed the band a recording deal at fledgling Shelter Records.
It was at Shelter that Twilley found the means to carry his spirited song writing to another level of exposure, as well as the natural pitfalls accompanying an otherwise promising recording career. Shelter's distribution entanglements, complemented by a series of other legal issues, postponed the release of the debut album, Sincerely, for so long that the powerful leadoff single was almost a distant memory by the time the remainder of the material hit the streets. After a follow-up LP that received critical acclaim but hardly comparable sales, the Dwight Twilley Band parted ways to allow its two visionaries to focus their efforts more effectively.
Indeed, the breakup appeared to be a fruitful one, Seymour finding success in 1981 with his signature song "Precious To Me", and Twilley following suit in 1984 with another magic #16 hit, "Girls". Unfortunately for Twilley, even support from his peers (like fellow Shelter alum Tom Petty, who contributed backing vocals to the hit single) could not sustain a tortuous career of hurtful delays and damaging miscalculations. It was a few years later that he left the public eye completely, retiring to a lifestyle of more relaxed song writing and well deserved rest.
Phil Seymour did not fare as well over the next few years; sadly, he succumbed to lymphoma in late 1993. He leaves behind a collection of sincere, energetic songs encapsulated beautifully in The Right Stuff's 1996 release Precious To Me. There is far more here than just the hit single; for any true music fan this is a veritable time capsule of rare gems left over from an era that was not afraid to accept the simple pleasures of pop music. It is a tragedy that the composer of this material did not leave more of it behind.
The Right Stuff has also released an impressive living document that chronicles the work of the leader of the band himself. This first-ever retrospective collection of twenty one Twilley originals - playfully entitled XXI - is truly relevant for two reasons: not only does it span a career's worth of impressive pop craftsmanship, but it marks the return of a man whose muse would not rest.
There are more than a few would-be hits on both of these discs. Listen to the sublime harmonics of Twilley's "Touchin' the Wind;" the rockabilly punch of his ode to that icon of pop culture "TV;" the propulsive, full-bodied rhythm of "Girls..." Likewise, note Seymour's boundless emotion in "Baby It's You;" his plaintive longing on "Save Me..." These are two men who have never served the status quo; instead they have forged an incredible cache of that most widely endearing and ever-enduring art form - the pop song. And as the cycle turns once again to bring us back to all that is promising, hopeful and maybe even danceable, it is my sincere hope that the world finally recognizes the talents of two men who have been up all night working... while you were sleeping.
Kevin Flaherty, is an A&R Producer for EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets. He voted for Alex Chilton in '96.
"It Came From the 80's" On MTV
During early September 1996, MTV aired a half hour documentary / special called "It Came From the 80's", a brief, glossy over view of the decade that gave birth to the music channel. Brief glimpses of ABC were all over the place, mostly in segments making fun of the styles that came out of the 80's. Mr. Fry's gold lame suit was one particular example of the slight excesses of the decade.
Better than all the obvious let's make fun of Mike Score's Seagull hair doo stuff were, segments with The Thompson Twins and Pete Burns (Dead Or Alive). The two-thirds of the Twins that stayed when Joe Leeway left (Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie) are currently living in New Zealand ( Alannah's birthplace) and have two kids. They work pretty much full time at doing nothing much except enjoying life away from the rat race of the pop charts. They spend most of their working day with Babble. Asked if they missed the attention that the Twins gave them, they both said no way. It turns out that they both keep in touch with Joe Leeway (looking exactly like he did when he was in the Twins). He is still working on various projects, he too remembers the heady days of their success fondly, but has no desire to return to them.
Pete Burns, on the other hand, still yearns to return to the spot light and seems to think he will one day. Still actively performing and releasing albums (last year, Japan) under the name Dead or Alive, Mr. Burns says he fully expects to come into fashion again. By the way, if you were wondering if any of these people felt that they had been fashion victims in the 80's, they certainly didn't let on. Burns now looks more like Cher than ever, and Tom and Alannah showed that they didn't dress up like they did in the 80's because they were fashion followers.
Also on the show were words of wisdom from Spandau Ballet front man Martin Kemp, Limhel (now going under his real name) and Cindy Lauper (in a contemporary interview).
The Boys tenth album (!!!) in as many years (!!!) finds them in a Latin tinged mode, no doubt in an attempt to keep things fresh. And they almost succeed. Let's just say the best track on the album , "The Truck Driver and his Mate" is actually not on the album, but on the b-side to "Before". "Bilingual" is probably the weakest Boys effort since "actually", but since their quality level has been so high over the past decade it still sounds miles better than most other "dance" music out there. They've completely divorced themselves from the high energy sounds so prevent on "Disco 2" just as that sound was sweeping the pop-dance world. Instead they co-opt the Brazilian percussion sound that recently snuck into some of Mr. Jackson's mixes for "They Don't Care". They use it to brilliant effect in the catchy "Se A Via E" and also with the opening three track "medley". And the chorus to "Electricity" is about the biggest hook they've laid out since "What Have I Done To Deserve This?".
Still, one comes away from listening to the album a little dazed. Certainly singles like "Se A Via E' and "Before" and should be singles like " Electricity" and "Metamorphosis" jump out, but the rest of the tracks, usually where the boys slip in their more involved lyrics and tunes, come off as, well, plastic. A friend of mine told me that the Boys define the word plastic, but to me that was always their charm, they had a surface sheen that hid a very organic, almost rock like, sound. To many dance acts albums have always been single collections, to the Boys albums where always much more than that. But "Bilingual" seems like just a singles holder. For the first time we get filler. By the way, they continue expanding the design format of the CD with an ultra-cool cover design. Let's hope the inevitable remix album comes out sooner than later.
Various Artists - "Sedated In the 80's, Vol. 4" (Right Stuff) -Compilations can be tricky things, series even more so. The Right Stuff label, known for their slow jams collections of 70s and 80s R&B, released volume one of this series to cash in on the then current 80's revival. Volume one had many excellent tracks, but by volume two and three, well, the market must have been getting tight. While many good tracks still appeared, they began to over lap with other, more complete collections, and the series even threw in some questionable "filler". (We all love the Stone Roses, but are they new wave?).
Thankfully, volume four represents a complete turn around. If you are a fans of the 80's and a collector, it is essential. Mainly composed of rare b-sides and a few remixes and live tracks, this volume "rediscovers" some very rare gems. Tracks like the Thompson Twins "Passion Planet" (the best single they never released), "Why is it so Hard" by Talk Talk (we'd never heard of it, from some movie, but it's great stuff!), or "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by the Dream Academy (fantastic version, done originally for their home video EP). Live Blondie ("Hangin On the Telephone") and remixes of "Private Revolution" and "No More Words" round out the collections. Brilliant. One can only hope there will be more of this series soon....
Heaven 17 "Bigger Than America" (Eye of the Storm- UK) - 1989's Teddybear, Duke and Psycho was about as disappointing an album as could be imagined from Heaven 17. Most fans, as the years wore on, began to realize it was probably also the bands swan song, which made it doubly disappointing.
But the gods of good fortune (and Commerce) have now favored us with a brand new collection from the "godfathers of pop". Bigger Than America marks the first all new collection from the band since 1989 (they've had three best of collections meanwhile). It was, as they say, well worth the wait.
Try to get by the first single, "Designing Heaven". Maybe one day it will be considered a classic like "Let Me Go" or "Penthouse and Pavement", but it's doubtful. The song lacks energy or a good melody, seemingly constructed with out a real master plan. Add that to the opening track "Dive" which has even less energy and direction. With these two opening tracks out of the way the album suddenly opens up, like Dorothy landing in Oz. The band seems invigorated by going back to the old analogue synths (a fact proudly noted in the liner notes). Gregory's voice has never been better and stronger, he uses it to push the songs to even greater melodic heights and often duets with himself to form great harmonies. The band has wisely added to that a liberal, but not overbearing, use of back up singers, which has filled out the songs rather than drowned out Gregory.
The music also is far more powerful than past efforts. Albums like Pleasure One and Teddybear seemed overly loud and overly full of tons of instrumentation, yet curiously flat. Now that the band has scaled back the sound seems, ironically, fuller, richer. They actually seem to get a "warmer" sound out of the old synths. Stand out tracks include the should-a-been first single "Freak", "Another Big Idea" and the title track.
This is easily their best work since Penthouse and Pavement or How Men Are. No US Domestic release has been announced.
There is also a German CD single for "Designing Heaven" with mixes by Altern-8 and Gorgio Moroder. Non of the remixes set the song on fire, but seem serviceable enough for clubs. No b-sides or unreleased songs. From the UK there was released a 2 cd set for the single. All together 9 tracks, they do not contain the "Pei" mix from the German single, but do have 5 mixes not on the German single, including a version auf Deutsch ("Den Hemmel Designen") and several remixes by Giorgio Moroder.
This gem was slapped out by Virgin/VIP at the end of 1995 and slipped pretty much beneath the radar. However, if you are a fan of Heaven 17 this collection is worth the extra effort to get [Siren Disc is one source, see "resource" section].
Only three out of 11 tracks are from the newer 1992-93 remixes. The rest are mixes for the 12" singles at the time of the song's release.
By far the nicest surprise is the inclusion of the "disco" mix of "Play To Win" (Here listed as the extended version). Over 8 minutes long, it remains one of their best mixes. The "Mainline" mix of " Train Of Love In Motion" (from Teddybear Duke and Psycho) serves as a neat reminder why the current rumors of the band working with Giorgio Moroder aren't that hard to believe.
The collection makes a nice companion to Higher and Higher, defiantly worth seeking out. Below is a track listing:
1. Temptation (Brothers in Rhythm Mix)
2. Fascist groove Thang (Rapino Club Mix)
3. And That's No Lie (Remixed to Enhance it's danceability)
4. Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Ext. Dance Version)
5. Train Of Love In Motion (Mainline Mix)
6. This Is Mine (Filmix)
7. The Foolish Thing TO Do (Vers 1)
8. Play to Win (12" Ext. Version)
9. Let Me Go (12" ext. vers.)
10. Penthouse and Pavement (Tommy D's Master Remix)
11. Come Live With Me (12" ext. Vers)
If you've always wanted the album on CD, One Way records delivers. Just that.
Last issue we told you about the EP released in the UK and how the album was coming out here. Well, here it is. Three extra tracks have been added, "Next To No-one" (as in -who cares about you?), "Funny Thing" and the awesome "Thank You". "Thank You" is one of those instant Frazier Chorus classics, tight harmonies, insightful lyrics, a fine addition. Also "Driving" has been replaced with a new single version. If anything this album has gotten better, certainly there's more of it to love ( and costs a lot less than the import EP too).
We also hide our faces in shame for not recognizing Richard Digby Smith's name as producer. He is, of course, of Pre-Fab Sprout fame. We used to think that Thomas Dolby gave the sprout their glossy shine, but now we wonderÉ You might think that adding a Pre-fab Sprout gloss to the Frazier Chorus might be like adding sugar to your frosted flakes (too much of a great thing), but it actually works. The Chorus's sound is fuller and deeper on this album than in the past. This is the best Brit-pop album since "Jollification" by the Lighting Seeds. Also, did we mention that they sound a little like EBTG ("Missing" style)? And didn't EBTG have a single called "Driving" too?
There is also a four track single out for "Driving". Not bad at all, much better than most of what gets passed off as a remix these days. The last remix is especially nice. Not as radical as some of the make-overs from "RAY", hopefully it will open more peoples ear's to this great album.
The Twins have been blessed twice with greatest hits collections, one from the US and one from the UK.
First up is the US Arista one. Not at all bad as far as greatest hits go. A nice article and some photo's of the band in it's prime. Listening to this collection makes one realize that the Twins had a lot going for them. And while the liner notes maybe a little self inflating (taking synth pop to the masses? yes.... but anybody remember a little band by the name of Human League?), they do serve to remind us that the Twins were ahead of their time and very popular.
This best of starts with "In The Name Of Love", which wisely leaves behind the re-mix from the Greatest Remixes collection and replaces it with the album version. (Somewhere, there is a really good remix, the "US Remix" that Hansa Netherlands released in 1981). All the rest of the tracks are straight from the albums and are pretty much the singles. One exception is "If You Were Here", which is an album track, but also, as the booklet notes, was used in the film Sixteen Candles. Also from the world of film is "Nothing In Common", which until now, was not on CD or any Twins album.
The UK version is a bit more adventurous adding several tracks never before seen on CD, including; "Perfect Game" 7" mix, "Don't Mess With Doctor Dream" 7" mix, and "Lay Your Hands On Me" 84 Us remix. The rest are either album tracks or taken from the US only "Greatest Remixes".
US CD UK CD
In the Name of Love Perfect Game (7")
Lies Lies (Remix)
We are Detective Love On Your Side (Remix)
If You Were Here We Are Detective (LP)
Love On Your Side Watching (LP)
Hold Me Now Hold Me Now (Remix)
Doctor Doctor Doctor Doctor (Remix)
You Take Me Up King For A Day (Remix)
The Gap You Take Me Up (LP)
Sister of Mercy Sister OF Mercy (LP)
Don't Mess With Doctor Dream Don't Mess (7")
Lay Your Hands On Me Get that Love (Remix)
King for A Day Revolution (LP)
Nothing In Common Lay Your Hands (84 Remix)
Get That Love In the Name of Love '88
Long Goodbye
(Arista) - Now that Arista has discovered catalog (see Thompson Twins above) we might get more unexpected gems like this one.
Sparks was Parker's biggest album and listening again to it one can see why. It's chock full of enough great tunes to make Elvis Costello jealous. New Wave doesn't get much more classic than this.
Arista has done a superb job re-issing the album. They've added the live EP they sent to radio stations at the time (Live Sparks) and there are great liner notes by Ira Robbins. Even if you have the original album on CD (somehow) go ahead and pick up this copy too, if only for the great notes from Mr. Parker himself....
Basically the essential Katrina and the Waves CD to own. And, thanks to One Way records' thriftiness, it also won't set you back very much.
The Waves, if you remember, blasted on to the scene in 1985 with the irresistible pop gem "Walking on Sunshine". Their debut was filled to the brim with great songs, most of them written by Kimberly Rew, a man who seems to have been connected with just about every garage pop band from the 70's.
Other than their one top 40 hit there is at least one other song you might recognize, the original version of the Bangles hit "Going Down To Liverpool", further proof the Bangles were a better band than songwriters. Blessedly absent are any tracks from their "comeback" SBK album from the early 90's.
Since this is a distillation of their debut, which itself was a distillation of their first two Canadian albums, plus several tracks from their second US Capitol album, Waves, there are probably some gems missing. But for pure enjoyment this collection is a must have from start to finish.
The Beloved "X" (Atlantic)
Okay, okay, we did review this last issue, but now that it has been released here in the states we thought we'd give it a second listen. It still is not a very interesting album but it is an enormously pleasant one. The first couple of songs tend to grow on you after a while. A good collection of what's been termed "deep house". Not very challenging, but is that really such a crime?
- Holiday Round Up - Fine Young Cannibals "Greatest Hits", Simply Red "Greatest hits" , Moby "Rare and Unreleased" and also new material from Elektra due in February, "Best of" Huey Lewis and the News. From Renaissance Records - Box of Frogs two fer CD, Karla Devito, Spys, Device's debut album (remember "Hanging on a Heart Attack"?), T'Pau Best of (logically), the first two Flash In The Pan albums ("Hey St. Peter"), Balance, Prism best of and two Renaissance (the band) albums from the 1980s "Timeline" and "Camera Camera". (see also the "In Brief" section). Razor and Tie have Great White's best of and Freddie Jackson's Best of... Don't forget A&M's reissue series that includes a new Squeeze best of (not too many 45's and under repeats) and a Joe Jackson best of (finally!)... RCA has released a US best of Bow Wow Wow...EMI UK has midlined "Journeys to Glory" by Spandau Ballet, nice and cheap (US$10) but very plain, just the original album...Thirsty Ear is putting out two Marc Almond albums, "Absinthe" (A new Album maybe?) and "Jacques" and a collection called "If You Can't Please Yourself" featuring Yello, Almond, The The... Was (Not Was) "Forget Everything By Was (Not Was)" 2 CDs featuring unreleased stuffÉ Level 42 "Live At Wembly"ÉThey Might Be Giants "The Early Years" 18 previously unreleased tracksÉElliot Easton (Guitarist for the Cars) "Change No Change" with 5 bonus tracksÉalso due out early spring is a new Howard Jones album "Angels and Lovers"....By the time you read this Prince's (whatever) Emancipation three disc set will have come, and most likely, gone...Spring time is new CD time for Bowie and U2É. AON (Art of Noise) will have yet again a new remix project out in January intitled Drums N Bass.. The Vapours Turning Japanese a UK complilation with b-sides and live tracks...The Human League Soundtrack To A Generation UK best of , not the long rumoured Future collection....
A recent article in the Washington Post noted that Oasis's second album has sold about 3.4 million copies in the UK this compared to 3.2 in the US, but the article also noted that the UK has a population of about 58 million people compared to the US population of 264 million. This got us thinking, if the Us has about 4.55 times the people of the UK then Oasis sold , in the UK, the equivalent of 15.5 million copies. If Oasis had sold this many in the US it would make it one of the bigger albums of all times (compare 14 million for the last Hootie album or 15 million for "Bat out of Hell"). Some other conversions (source for UK sales - Q).
Artist /Album /UK Sales (millions) /US Equiv. (mil)
ABC "Lexicon of Love" .3 1.3
Paul Weller "Stanley Road" 1 4.5
Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" 3.6 16.5
Oasis "Definitely Maybe" 3.3 15
Lightening Seeds "Jollification" .3 1.3
Michael Jackson "Bad"* 3.9 18
Simply Red "Stars" 3 13.5
Kylie Minogue "The Album" 1.8 8
Beautiful South "Carry On UpÉ1.8 8
Mariah Carry "Daydream" .6 2.5
(In the US Mariah has sold upwards of 10 million of "Daydream", The Beautiful South's best of was delayed in the US a year and then released as catalog to negligible sales. "Stars" achieved only a gold record award here in the states)
*"Generally considered to be the best selling UK album of all time. Jackson's "Thriller" is the US best seller with 23 million.
Lightning Seeds Back In Studio
Word comes from Q that Ian Broudie was back in the studio this fall recording the next Seeds album. He recorded several new songs and used several songs done last year before he took the band on tour. The Album, Dizzying Heights, was released in early November and came onto the UK album chart at #11. The Seeds also released a single in the UK this fall, " What If..." which came into the air play chart at #28 and came close to hitting the top ten.
Susanna Hoffs to Cover Lightening Seeds
She of the Bangles lead singer fame was planning to release a new solo album this past fall. Hoffs has chosen several covers, among them "All I Want" originally done by the Lightening Seeds. At press time this was also the first single.
New Heaven 17
See the Interview with Heaven 17 (page One) for all the juicy details.....
New Talk Talk, and, New Talk Talk!
Word comes that just in time for Christmas 96 EMI UK has released "The A's and the B's", the long rumored Talk Talk Singles collection (with all those great b-sides). Track listing not available at pres time.
No word on a US release. In speaking to one label kingpin we found out that EMI was shopping around the US rights because there was "no market" for the band here (then why are all their albums always in print?...) [At press time EMI had canceled this set (again) as was reportedly going to release a new best of instead....]
The Other new Talk Talk album might be just that! One of the many Talk Talk pages (address here) noted that rumors have been flying fast and furious that Mark Hollis minus Tim Friese-Green (is this a good thing?) has been recording in various London Studios with the intention of using the Talk Talk name. Any one have the real scoop?
New Pete Shelly Compilation Due
Razor and Tie, better know for preserving the 70's, also seems to have a thing for the 80's. They are re-issuing "Homosapian" by Pete Shelly. It promises to be a very nice package. First up, besides the US version of the album, are five (!) bonus tracks; "Telephone Operator", "If You Ask Me (I Won't Say No)", "Millions of People (No One Like You)", "XL" and "XL1". Also, at press time, a dub mix of "Homosapian" was being considered. The CD will also feature plenty of liner notes, pictures, etc.
Rare Buggles May Be On The Way
Geoff Downes, formerly and currently in Asia spoke with the official ASIA web site in August 96 about a new Asia collection of Rare tracks and b-sides. Mr. Downes also stated that he might go back and do the same for the Buggles, putting together a collection of rare tracks and demos. No word on how Mr. Horn feels about thisÉAlso, Tower Pulse listed "Adventures in Modern Recording" as an album people would like to see on CD. JIMCO in Japan did release the album (no bonus tracks) on CD about three years ago.
Eurogliders See the Light Of Day
Australia's Eurogliders's first two albums are being treated to a two-fer CD from Renaissance Records. The CD will feature all the original artwork, liner notes and photos, plus an extra added bonus track. Renaissance is a relatively new label, but very active is re-issuing late 70's early 80's pop / prog rock / new wave (see the "New Release" section). You can write to them at:
Renaissance Records
PO Box 681786
Franklin TN 37068-1786
(615)661-6598
or on the Web "http://skymarshall.com/renaissance ".
New "Old" Moby Out Now
Instinct records, seemingly still alive and kicking, has raided it's Moby vault again, this time putting a collection of rare tracks (off of discontinued CD5's) and unreleased versions of Moby's Instinct work. Also included is a bonus disk of "Go" mixes, about an hours worth. It's a nice package, sells for the price of a single CD, but really only for true Moby Heads.
Remember Freur? Prince isn't the only on who asked the world to call an artists by some unpronounceable symbol. The band Fruer originally went by the above little squiggle. Well after one very memorable song "Doot Doot" and a follow up album the band called it quits. Since then "Doot Doot" has become one of those "oh yeah!" songs. Oglio records has re-released the Album on CD and "Doot Doot" is on Volume One of Flashback Favorites.
And, in case you weren't paying attention, very close attention, Freur is still among us, just now under the name Underworld. After three good but largely ignored albums on Sire during the late 80's Underworld resurfaced on Juniors Own (UK) / TVT (US) last year with a new album. This year saw the release of Second Toughest On the Infants which has been a huge hit in the UK. Now their "Born Slippy" form the Trianspotting soundtrack is a huge single in the UK and Europe, selling almost a half million copies. Here in the US the single is climbing the Club Play chart in Billboard. Unfortunately for the band, the single is not on the album, just the soundtrack. Still it's nice to see a talented band getting a second chance all these years later. Now if What's His Name would just go back to his God-given (stage) nameÉ
New Sounds, Same As The Old Sounds
We here at Lexicon have not completely closed our ears to new stuff. From time to time we'd like to let you know about current artists who are mining similar sounds and attitudes as the artists we cover.
The Rentals- Their bouncy first single "Friends of P" sounds like it escaped from 1980, and the rest of the album follows suit. Owes a lot to the Cars.
Elastica -"Connection" and most of the album faithfully (and successfully) revives early, scratchy new wave.
Nancyboy- Nice concept, lousy follow through.
Ocean Blue - A favorite of ours for years, try to pick up their early Sire CDs (all cut out now). Their new one, See the Ocean Blue, carries on pretty much as planned. If you like Echo, The Smiths, The Bluebells, or Aztec Camara, try them out, they successfully distill all those bands into a poppy and catchy as hell sound.
Also, there is UK indie band by the name of In My Life, which the Record Collector mentioned as the sucessor to ABC. We can't seem to find this bands singles anywhere. If you know anything about them let us know.
Men Without Hats Two Fer Due -
Oglio, who have had great success with the recently released MHW collection, are patiently working on getting the band's first two albums released as a two-fer here in the states. It will actually come out in Brazil (!?) first and maybe Europe, but hold on a little longer 'cause they will get it out over here too (hopefully). Word also comes that a best of called "Greatest Hats" (get it? get it?) is out in Canada. It has the same layout, etc. as the Oglio version but will have a few different tracks (of course). By the way if you think that demand for this group must be pretty low, think again, the collection is Oglio's best fastest selling single artist CD ever. And according to the Hats Web newspage (hats-request@cs.uwp.edu) a copy of their first CD recently went for $1250.00 (!!!!!). A bit much maybe, but copies regularly go for $500 and up. Now how much for that Red Box CD?
New Thomas Newman Soundtrack
Thomas Newman, better known as Thomas Dolby, has written the soundtrack for the new movie The People Vs. Larry Flynt, the story of the charming Mr Flynt' battle for truth, justice and his way. Thomas has written soundtracks for many movies, including material for Howard the Duck, Gothic, and Ferngully. Although Dolby is one of his middle names, Dolby labs sought legal action against Thomas when "Blinded By Science" became a hit, an out of court agreement led to Thomas agreeing not to do work in motion pictures (where Dolby Labs does a lot of their business). His "side projects" venturing into film scoring led to Dolby Labs clearing their throat loudly and, we assume, his new nome de plume "Newman".
Entertainment Weekly gave the soundtrack a B-.
Other News
Morrisey has left RCA and signed to Mercury, his third label in about as many yearsÉSoft Cell's classic take on "Tainted Love" is the inspiration for a new Levi's jeans commercial directed by Spike Jonz. The commercial is either the funniest thing ever shown on TV or the most disgusting, take your pickÉIf you are keeping score, Siouxsie and the Banshees have officially called it quits. The original Echo and The Bunnyemen have re-unitedÉPaul Weller guests on a new album from Mick Talbot & Steve White, two former members of the Style Council (White still drums for Weller)ÉFaron Young, country music superstar died this past December, his biggest hit was "These Walls" and was inspiration for the song "Faron Young" on Pre-Fab Sprout's Two Wheels Good (AKA Steve McQueen)...
OUT OF PRINT HEAVEN....
Red Box "The Circle In the Square" (Sire 1984)
We are reminded of this rare gem of an album due to the folks over at EMI's "Living in Oblivion" series when they hit volume four. Not only did they have Strawberry Switchblade's "Since Yesterday" but the also put Red Box's "Lean On Me (Ay Ya Ay)" from "The Circle In the Square". This album really is a most amazing, well crafted piece of UK pop. Interestingly enough Red Box has never followed up this album save for a lone single that was note worthy only for it's awfulness, especially in light of this album. [We have seen a second album listed in the UK catalogues from the late 80's, but have never seen a copy of it, much less heard anything from it].
The album is a great mix of world beat sounds and classic new wave British pop. There's not a bad track on the album, but stand out tracks include the title track and the aforementioned single. Definitely worth picking up and checking out if you run across it in the cut out or used records bins!
STRAWBERRY SWITCHBLADE
(Korova/WB UK 1985)[Produced by David Motion except "Who Knows What Love Is" produced by Phil Thornalley]
Often when people talk about great pop records to come out of England in the 80's "Lexicon of Love" and Human League's "Dare" come up, but not too many people mention a third, equally great album by the Strawberry Switchblade.
Their song, "Since Yesterday", recently surfaced on "Living in Oblivion volume 4". This was their first and last big hit in the UK. Perceived at the time as a flavor of the week, the batch of songs on Strawberry Switchblade have aged very well. The album also gets some production help from Andrew Poppy (who later recorded several records for ZTT in the late 80's)
Stand out tracks include "Who Knows What Love Is?" and "Go Away". The second single off of the album was "Let Her Go", which gets excellent treatment in a remix on the 12" released at the same time (the "Kitchen Sink" mix). The duo brings a decidedly feminine point of view to Brit pop with this release.
Over all the album sounds, even today, shimmering and brilliant. A classic example of Brit-Pop/Techno Pop and deserving of much more attention than was paid to it. Several years ago a Japanese import was fairly common in the bins, but we haven't seen it lately. Vinyl copies surface more commonly. Also look out for a Japanese vinyl "The 12" Album", which is exactly what it sounds like. See below for a complete (we hope) discography.
"The 12" Album"-
(P6219- Warner Pioneer, Japan)(Vinyl Only)[see last issue for notice of a new Canadian CD version]
The Switchblade have always been bigger in Japan than anywhere else. So far only the Japanese have seem fit to raid their vaults for every last bit of Switchblade paraphernalia. This album is a alternately thrilling and disappointing catch all of Switchblade leftovers. The album's first side are all extended mixes of songs present on the debut; "Let Her Go", "Trees and Flowers", and "Since Yesterday". All of these mixes are good, but none as outstanding as the "Kitchen Sink" mix of "Let Her Go". Side B contains the weird stuff. First off is the lone single that they released after their debut album, "Jolene". A cover of a Dolly Parton song, it makes for a good stop gap between albums, but doesn't exactly drive things along or make you excited about what the Switchblade could have been if they carried on. The last song on this side really makes you wonder. Entitled "Ecstasy (Apple of My Eyes)", it sounds half done and the vocals sound like a demo take. Not a finished product by any means and most likely a demo or throw away from the debut album sessions. One could even doubt the authenticity of this as being the real Switchblade except that it was released as a Switchblade single in Japan. The other two songs on this are a live recording from the BBC of "Michael Who Walks By Night" and an extended mix of "Who Knows What Love Is."
All in all an uneven package, but one that does have a few rare gems.
THE LOVER SPEAKS
(A&M 1986) [Produced by Jimmy Iovine and the Lover Speaks]
A strange little number that A&M slipped under the radar that has aged very well over the years. The Lover Speaks is the song writing team of David E.D. Freeman (lyrics) and Joseph Hughs. A bit like Naked Eyes in their approach, but the sound is filtered through the Coctau Twins, OMD and two of three other filters that you can't quite place so that in the end the album sounds like nothing before of since. The single from the album was "No More 'I Love You's'". A great New Romantic song that speaks to the then current wave of depressingly romantic songs. It has the great line "I don't catch myself bouncing home whistling buttonhole tunes to make me cry". (If you've heard the song you know why this line is great!). This was later covered (and a top 30 US hit!) by Annie Lennox on her "Medusa" album.
Other great tracks include "Every Lovers Sign" (another its-all-been-done-before song) and "Never To Forget You". It is little pretentious at times (one song, "Tears", is an instrumental, but they give the lyrics anyway, claiming the song sounded better with out singing). The whole album seems to float out of the speakers. Jimmy Iovine provides spotless production. A great addition to any pop music collection. It was made on CD, but we haven't seen it around for years.
ABC - "Mantrap" VHS and Laser Disc
(Directed by Julian Temple. Released 1983. Starring ABC, James Villiers and Lisa Vanderpump. Running Time 55 min.)
This long form video released in 1983 was one of the first of it's kind. It was a long form promotional tool used to sell the band in markets it could never reach. For a highly visual band like ABC this was the perfect vehicle to promote their image across the globe. Well that was the idea anyway. The film didn't actual start to surface until "Lexicon Of Love" had been out for a while. Still it was shown on MTV and has enjoyed a longer life as a video.
More of a concert document than a real movie, it none the less tries to spice up the average concert film with a highly imaginative background story. It involve Martin Fry, down on his luck until he runs into "Samantha", played by Lisa Vanderpump (Hey, we don't make this stuff up). His luck improves until he is robbed outside a casino. The "Band" saves him and offers him the lead spot for a European tour. What follows is mostly concert footage, most of which is excellent. The band sounds very good here (much better than the B-side to "The Night You Murdered Love" tracks, which was from around this time), Julian Mendohlson, who would be important to the groups later career, was in charge of "sweetening" the band's live sound.
One Interesting footnote in all of this is that Mark Singleton, the Sax player, plays a much larger role than any other band member (save Fry, who is, basically, the star here), even bigger than Mark White, who would eventually form the musical half of later ABC. Also listed as the "Neutron record coordinator" is Carol Singleton. His sister?, Wife?
The film also serves as an excellent example of Julian Temple's budding talent. The films editing and visual style fit perfectly with the musical soundtrack. Also of note to true fans of ABC is that many of the musical numbers are longer and different versions of the songs from "Lexicon" (most likely from the necessity that they are "live"). On the downside the songs are often interrupted to have characters speak in order to move the "plot" along. There also seems to be a large number of crowd reaction shots in which the two main characters (outside of ABC) seem to be disco dancing to the concert like some sort of delirious mental patients. Minor point.
All in all not likely to have won any Oscars, but still a lot of fun and a vital document of the band.
Rent it if you can, or buy it if you are a big fan. Try to find the laser disc as it offers a much better picture and sound.
Following is a complete Discography for Strawberry Switchblade. We have tried to include everything . If you know of items not listed here send us a line and we'll include them in future issues. Thanks.
HAPS 001 (92 Happy Customers) 7"
"Trees and Flowers" b/w "Go Away" (produced by Bill Drummond and Dave Balfe. This is the first single release from the band, released on Ian Muculloch's, of Echo and the Bunneymen fame, own label, and produced by the manager of Echo and the Bunneymen and future KLF ring leader Bill Drummond).
HAPS001 (92 Happy Customers) 12"
Same as above except adds "Trees and Flowers - Just Music"). The picture sleeve is a nice photo of the two and on the back are the lyrics from "Trees and Flowers".
No Catalogue Number - 7" Flexi. Promo item from Wea/Korova as preview to new album. Features 5 tracks and an introduction by Janice Long. More next issue on this very rare item.
KOWT 38 (Korova) 12" and 7"
"Since Yesterday" b/w "Sunday Morning", "By the Sea" (produced David Balfe). 7" drops "Sunday Morning. Cover is black and silver. B&W photo of band in polka dots.
KOW 38 PT "Since Yesterday" 12" Picture Disc. Close up photo of band backed with polka dot back ground/track listing. Same tracks as regular 12".
KOWT 39 (Korova) 12" and 7"
"Let Her Go" b/w "Beautiful End", "Michael Who Walks By Night" (Recorded by Martin Hayes for the Janice Long Show on the BBC-1). 7" does not have "Michael Who..."
"Let Her Go" (KOW 39 P)
This is a strawberry shaped picture disc for the single of "Let Her Go". This disc has a picture of a strawberry covering the first side and a picture of the duo on the back. The tracks are the same as for the single. Very striking and colorful. A real find if you run across it.
WEA P-1990 (Japan) 7" "Let Her Go" b/w "Beautiful End" Has Japanese one sheet photo on band in black dress and white dress, small photo of album cover.
SAM 240- (Korova) 7"
"Trees and Flowers" b/w "Go Away" (This is a re-release of HAPS 001, given away with initial pressing of the debut album.)
KOWT 41 (Korova) 12" and 7"
"Who Knows What Love Is" b/w "Poor Hearts", "Let Her Go (Kitchen Sink Mix-up)".(Remix produced by Drummond, Harding, Youth, Smort, Balfe). the 7" drops the "Let Her Go" remix. Cover is Yellow and Black Switchblade logo with a "moon" cutting through it. Black and white photo of the band lying down, legs kicking up.
WEA P-2011. (Japan) "who Knows What Love Is?" b/w "Poor Hearts" 7" Single has typical Japanese one sheet with a rare photo of band lounging in an idyllic glen (?). More on these Japanese items in a future issue.
KOW 42T (Korova) 12" and 7"
"Jolene" b/w "Black Taxi", "Being Cold" (the B-sides are from the Janice Long BBC sessions. The A-side produced by Clive Langer and Colin Failey). 7" drops "Black Taxi". Cover is matte finish, picture of band in a frame of roses. The word "Jolene" is spelled out down the right side with lyrics inserted between letters.
Catalog # Unknown 12" Picture Disc
"Jolene" b/w 1. Black Taxi 2. Being Cold. No further info available
Catalog # Unknown 7"
"Ecstasy (Apple of My Eye)" b/w/ "Being Cold. Japan 1985.
Catalog # Unknown 7"
"Since Yesterday (Ext.)" b/w "I Can Feel" [previously unreleased b-side?]. Japan 1986.
KODE 11(240525)(Korova) LP "Strawberry Switchblade"
Side 1)
"Deep Water"
"Another Day"
"Little River"
"10 James Orr Street"
Side 2)
"Let Her Go"
"Who Knows What Love Is?"
"Go Away"
"Secrets"
"Who Knows What Love is? (Reprise)"
"Being Cold"
Album originally came with a free 7" pressing of "Trees and Flowers" (SAM 240). Also released with a free poster. Japanese LP had lryic booklet. [This album is available on vinyl and also on import CD from Japan.] Expect to pay about 20-30 for the CD (part of Warner's "Forever Young" series)].
12" Album (Japan) Vinyl (Canada) CD. Striking green cover with shot of band on front. Mostly 12" mixes with some unreleased material. Track listing:
1. Let Her Go (Ext. Mix)
2. Trees and Flowers (Ext. Mix)
3. Since Yesterday (Ext. Mix)
4. Jolene (Ext. Mix)
5. Michael Who Walks By Night
6. Who Knows What Love Is? (Ext. Mix)
7. Ecstasy (Apple of My Eye).
Note: The names of the mixes on this collection seem generic at best. Most of them seem like mixes from the 12" singles, we're investigating this!
Also on CD from Communiqué Records, Canada. See last issue for details
Compilation Appearances:
"Hits 2" (1984 UK)(Vinyl Only) "Since Yesterday".
"Debut, Issue 8/9" (UK 1984 Vinyl Only) "Trees and Flowers" (This was a UK monthly magazine that came housed in an LP jacket that also had a 12" album of new releases).
"Living In Oblivion Volume 4" (EMI US 1994) "Since Yesterday" (CD and Cassette).
Rose McDowall
7 RDS 3 Rio Digital Records "Don't Fear the Reaper" b/w "Crystal Days". (Produced by Ray Hedges). 1988
Cover is a close up of Rose looking just slightly Switchblade like. No word on the success of this 7", have to assume it was a one shot tho'.
Beautiful Catastrophe
"Threshold House" b/w "World Serpent" released as a 12" and a CD 5. From a planned album International Dark Skies. No Further Info available.
Guinness Book of Music also lists Candy Cane as a spin off group. It does not specify which member was in the band.
Collecting Switchblade vinyl didn't used to put you in the hole too much, but over the past several years the market for Switchblade collectibles has become much tighter. Also, finding them is another matter. Expect to pay between 10 and 15$US for 7" singles, except for HAPS 001, which might fetch upwards of 20$US. 12" singles should run between 10 and 18$US and the album around 15$US. The 12" album from Japan might run as high as 25$US as it is harder to find. Depending on the shop and local demand prices might be lower.
Special thanks to Jon Peterson who has a Strawberry Switchblade discography at http://129.82.172.172/ for the information about Beautiful Catastrophe and the late Japanese singles.
In their entire career (so far at least) ABC released only 20 singles. But thanks to the structure of the UK singles market (where, for much of the 80's, the more versions you could put out the better chart run one had) and their international appeal (leading to interesting variances across different countries' single releases) ABC has a rich discography when it comes to singles. So here we present, in Catalogue order, ABC's single discography.
Where there are differences in both the names of the mixes and the timing, we have tried to account for each variation. In almost all cases the vinyl versions are the only ones noted, except when a CD single was also released. Cassette version are not noted unless different in some way.
[As Vice Versa]
· PX1092 - Neutron (UK 1979) PS 7"(picture sleeve) "Music Four EP" Side One "New Girls/ Neutron" , "Science Fact". Side Two "Riot Squad" , "Camille". (Sleeve was a black and white fold out poster. Only members listed are Mark White, Stephen Singlton and David Sydenham). All three are credited with "Rhythm Generator and Synthesizer".
· [No Catalogue # given] BBR (Backstreet Beat Records) (Netherlands 1980) PS 7" Side one "Stilyagi" backed with "Eyes of Christ" . (This has Fry, Singleton, White. Instruments listed as "Wasp and Korg MS20 , Pan American Alto (Sax) and vocals.). Color sleeve with video image of band.
· One track on The First Fifteen Mintues. (Neutron, 1979) A UK 7" EP featuring four tracks, one each by Vice Versa, Clock DVA, I'm So Hollow and Stunt Kites.
[As ABC]
· "Tears Are Not Enough" Neutron Records NT 101 7" a) "Tears Are Not Enough" b)"Alphabet Soup." Single Produced By Steve Brown
· "Tears Are Not Enough" Neutron Records NTX 101 12 a) - "Tears Are Not Enough" (Ext.) b)- "Alphabet Soup" (Ext.) Not released as a single in the US.
· "Poison Arrow" b/w "Theme From Man Trap" 7" UK 1982. Neutron NT102. Sleeve has message from Fry.
· "Poison Arrow" b/w "Mantrap" and "Theme From Man Trap" 12" UK 1982 NTX 102
· "The Look Of Love" b/w "Look Of Love Part 2" 7" UK 1982 Neutron NT 103. Sleeve has brief message from Fry.
· "The Look Of Love" (Parts One, Two Three and Four)". UK 12" Neutron NTX 103
· "The Look of Love (Special Remix)" b/w "same" UK 12" DJ Promo Neutron NTX DJ 103. Plain sleeve ("Special remix" label).
· "The Look Of Love" b/w "Theme From Mantrap" 7" 1982 Mercury US. 76168. Sleeve same as UK.
· "The Look Of Love (USA Remix - Dub Version)" b/w "Look of Love (Part 3, Dance Version)". US 12" Mercury MDS 4023 (These versions are really the US and the part 3 versions, Mercury added some extra language to clue in US DJs.)
· "All of My Heart" b/w "Overture from the Lexicon of Love" 7" UK 1982 Neutron NT 104. Issued both as "plastic" label (silver label) and paper label (yellow). Paper label comes with free postcard of Fry.
· "All of My Heart" b/w "Overture" UK 12" Neutron NTX 104. Some versions came with a free poster.
· "Poison Arrow" b/w "Tears Are Not Enough" US 1982 Mercury 810-340. Sleeve same as the UK 7"
· "Poison Arrow" US 12" Mercury 811-329. Same sleeve as 7" 1. Remix 2.a) Theme from Man trap / Theme From Man Trap (Lounge Sequence)".
· "Valentine's Day' b/w "Look of Love Part Three" Japan 1982 Mercury 7pp-85(PWM 3810). Sleeve is a photo of a man being chased by a helicopter.
· "selections From the Magnificent New ABC Long Player "Beauty Stab" UK 7" flexi Neutron MADDOX 1. Features :
1. Unzip
2. Love's A Dangerous Language
3. The Power of Persuasion
4. Bite The Hand
5. King Money
6. SOS
7. That Was Then, But This Is Now
· "That Was Then, But This Is Now" b/w "Vertigo" UK 7" Neutron NT 105. 1983 Sleeve -the Guitar sleeve.
· "That Was Then, But This Is Now' b/w "Vertigo" US 7" Mercury 814-631. Sleeve same as UK
· "That Was Then, But This Is Now" b/w "Vertigo" UK 12" Neutron NTX105. Infamous "This is exactly the same as the 7"" sleeve. Also, there is a promo version (not labeled) that comes with poster, 7" sleeve.
· "S.O.S." b/w "United Kingdom" UK 7" Neutron NT106. Cover is close up of royal seal. No 12" exists of this single (as far as we know). It was also not released in the US.
· "S.O.S." b/w "United Kingdom" UK 7" Picture Disc. NTP 106. 1983. Picture on side one is from the album cover, the over side is the SOS graphic.
· How To Be A Millionaire" b/w "How To Be A Billionaire" UK 7" Neutron NT 107. Also came with a free poster. "Cartoon" cover.
· "How To Be A Zillioanire (Wall St. Mix) b/w a) "How To be.. $$$$$$$ b). How To Be AÉAccepella" UK 12" Neutron NTX 107.
· "How To Be A Zillionaire Bond St. Mix" b/w "How To Be A Millionaire $$$$$$$ / How To Be A Millionaire Accepella" UK 12" Neutron NTXR 107. Some copies come with poster, same as 7" poster.
· "Be Near Me" b/w "A to Z" UK 7" 1985. Neutron NT 108. Another "Cartoon" cover.
· "Be Near Me" b/w "A to Z" c/w "Poison Arrow (US Remix) b/w "The Look Of Love (US Remix)". UK double 7" in clear vinyl sleeve with "ABC" in red. Neutron NTD 108. "Be Near Me" comes in regular UK picture sleeve". Other single comes in black and white sleeve with message from Fry.
· "Be Near Me" UK 12" Neutron NTX 108. 1. Munich Disco Mix 2.a) A to Z b). What's Your Destination?" ["Be Near Me" Instrumental].
· "How To Be A Zillionaire" UK 10" Promo "Taken from the new albumÉ" ABCDJ 10 1. Fear of the World 2. Be Near Me 3. Ocean Blue 4. 15 Storey Halo. Sleeve has large ABC logo with "How To Be" on bottom.
· "How To Be A Zillionaire" Album Sampler UK 12" Neutron ABCDJ 12 one sided, has entire vinyl album on one side.
· "Be Near ME" b/w "A to Z A-Z (sic)" Japan Mercury 7pp-183. One sheet cover same as UK cover.
· "Be Near ME" b/w "A to Z" US 7" Mercury 880-626. Cover same as UK version.
· "Be Near Me (Munich Mix) b/w "Ecstasy Mix)" and "What's your Destination?" US 12" Mercury 884-052
· "How To Be A Millionaire" b/w "Tower of London" US 7" Mercury. 884-382. Unique US sleeve design highlighting Fry and White only.
· "How To Be A Zillionaire" US 12" Mercury 884-382 1. Nickel and Dime Mix 2.a) Bond St. Remix 2 b) Tower of London (ext. Remix).
· "How To Be A Zillioanire" US 12" Mercury Promo 1. Wall St. Mix 2. Acepella 3. Nickel and Dime 4. Bond St. Mercury Pro-397.
· "Vanity Kills" b/w "Judy's Jewel" UK 7" NT 109. Came in two labels, one a silver "plastic", the other a blue and yellow paper. Sleeve is another "Cartoon".
· "Vanity Kills" UK Shaped picture disc. Neutron NTP 109. Same tracks as 7". Has band picture (cartoon) backed with track listing).
· "Vanity Kills" UK 12" Neutron NTX 109 1. Mendelsohn Mix 2. A) Be Near Me (Ecstasy mix) b). Judy's Jewels.
· "Ocean Blue" b/w "Tower of London" UK 7" Neutron NT 110. Sleeve was photo of Fry, back of Fry. Not released in the US
· "Ocean Blue" UK 12" Neutron NTX 110. A1 "Ocean Blue Atlantic Mix A2. Tower of London B1. Ocean Blue Ecstasy Mix B2. Pacific Mix.
· "Ocean Blue" UK 12" Neutron Promo NTXDJ 110 A1. "Ocean Blue Atlantic Mix A2. Tower of London Inst Mix" b/w B1 "Be Near Me (Ecstasy Mix) B2. "Ocean Blue" (Pacific Mix)".
· "Vanity Kills" b/w " Judy's Jewel" US 7" Mercury 884-714. Different mix than the UK single. Different cover (from the US video shoot).
· "Vanity Kills (USA Remix) b/w "ABC Mega Mix US 12" Mercury 884-714.
· "When Smokey Sings" b/w " Chicago. Part One" UK 7" 1987. Neutron NT 111 Cover has "gold" ABC logo.
· "When Smokey Sings" UK 12" Neutron NTX 111 1. When Smokey Sings (Miami Mix). 2. Chicago Parts 1 &2. Came out with both "gold" ABC logo on front and "red".
· "When Smokey Sings' b/w "Chicago Part One" US 7' Mercury 888-604. Cover same as UK except ABC logo is Yellow
· "When Smokey Sings" UK CD Single Neutron NTCD 111. 1. When Smokey Sings' 7', 2. All of My Heart (live from Boston Metro 17/12/82)" 3. Chicago (1.45 mix) 4. When Smokey Sings (Miami Mix).This version is 7.02. Sleeve has "golden" ABC logo.
· "When Smokey Sings" German(?) CD Single Mercury 888-604. Tracks 1. When Smokey Sings 2. The Look of Love (Live) 3. When Smokey Sings (Miami Mix). This version is 5.08. Sleeve has flat gold "coloured" ABC Logo.
· "When Smokey Sings (Miami Mix" / "Chicago Parts 1&2)" b/w " When.. 7" vers" / "Bonus Beats" / "Detroit Mix) US 12" Mercury 888-726
· "The Night You Murdered Love" b/w "Minneapolis" UK 7" Neutron NT 112. Cover is silvertone "glamour" shot of Fry and White. ABC logo is "silver"
· "The Night You Murdered Love" b/w "The Night You Murdered Love Rap" UK 7" Promo Neutron NTDJ 112. Cover has light blue ABC logo.
· "The Night You Murdered Love" UK 12" Neutron Promo NTXDJ 112 3 mixes 1. The Whole Story 2. The Reply 3. Bonus Beats.
· "The Night You Murdered Love (Sheer Chic Remix" b/w " Minneapolis" and " NightÉThe Reply" UK 12" Neutron NTXR 112. Different sleeve from NTX112. Has photo of Fry and White looking very dandy.
· The Night You Murdered Love" b/w "Minneapolis" US 7" Mercury 888-783. Cover same as UK, ABC logo is a blue gray.
· "The Night You Murdered Love (Sheer Chic Mix" / "Minneapolis" b/w "NightÉThe whole Story" / "The Reply" / "bonus Beats". US 12" Mercury 888-894. Front reads "ABC - The Night You Murdered Love featuring Contessa Lady V".
· "King Without A Crown" b/w "Look of Love (live in Boston)" UK 7" Neutron NT 113. Cover is Fry and White in Chairs, double image.
· "King Without a Crown" Neutron UK 12" NTXG 113. A1. "KWAC -Monarchy Mix". B1 "Look of Love" B2 "Poison Arrow" (Both live). This is the infamous "gold" sleeve, most of the sleeve is a shiny gold polymer with a photo of the duo on the front.
· "King Without a Crown (Mendehlson Mix)" One sided Neutron DJ Promo UK 12" NTXRDJ 113
· "King Without a Crown" UK CD Single Neutron NTCD 113. 1. King without a Crown 2. Look of Love live in Boston 3. Poison Arrow (Live in Boston 4. King without a Crown (Monarchy Mix, Abridged Version) 4.12
· "King Without A Crown" b/w "Look Of Love (live)" [US version doesn't delineate Boston performance]. US 7" Mercury 870-102. Sleeve is same as UK version. To our knowledge this is the last US single released as a 7".
· "King Without a Crown (Mendelsohn mix)" / "King (Monarchy Mix)" b/w "Look of Love", "Poison Arrow" , "All Of My Heart" (all live Boston 12/17/82). US 12" Mercury 870-102.
· "One Better World" b/w "One Better World (Percapella Mix)" UK 7" NT 114 Sleeve has photo of Fry.
· NTCD 114 (1989 Phonogram/Neutron, UK) "One Better World" 1. Single Mix 2. Percapella Mix 3. Club Mix 4. Garage Mix (1. Mix by Julian Mendelsohn, additional production by Blaze. 2. Mix by Mark Stent 3&4. Mix by Blaze
· "One Better World" UK 12" Neutron NTXR 114. A1. "One Better World (Pickering Mix) B1 "One Better World (Organ Mix) and B2. (Percapella Mix). Very nice mutlicolour sleeve with design from the UP style.
· "The Real Thing" b/w "The Greatest Love Of all (edit)" UK 7" Neutron NT 115. Sleeve is photo of both Fry and White.
· "The Real Thing" UK CD Single Neutron NTCD 115 1. The Real Thing 2. The Greatest Love Of all 3. North 4. The Look of love (part 5) "
· "The Real Thing (Album Version" b/w "Frankie Knuckles Mix and "Bruce Forest Mix" UK Promo 12" Neutron NTXDJ 115
· "The Real Thing (Full Album Version ) 2. Frankie Knuckles Mix 3. The Greatest Love of All (May Day Mix). US 12" Mercury 876397
· "Look Of Love 1990 Mix" b/w "Look Of Love" UK 7" Promo Neutron NTDJ 116. Side two is original version.
· "Look of Love 1990 Mix" b/w "Ocean Blue" UK 7" Neutron NT 116. Sleeve is "sunburst" design.
· NTCD 116 (1990 Phonogram/Neutron, UK) 1. Look of Love 1990 mix (Remix by Paul O'Duffy) 2. Ocean Blue 3. Vanity Kills
· "Look Of Love" UK 12" Neutron NTX 116. A1 "Look of Love 1990 Mix b/w B1 "Ocean Blue" B2 "Vanity Kills" Same design as 7"
· "Love Conquers All" b/w "What's Good About Goodbye?" UK 7" Paralophone R 6292. Cover is the Starfish image
· 1. Love Conquers All (7" Mix) 2. Extended Version 3. What's Good About Goodbye 4. Love Conquers All (Percapella Mix) CDR6292 (1991 EMI/ Parlaphone UK) Produced by David Bascombe with Mark White and Martin Fry
· 10" Promo for "Abracadabra" from "Abbey Road Studios"- no other info.
· "Say It (Abracadabra Mix)" b/w "Say It (the Black Box Mix Edit)" UK 7" Parlaphone r 6298. Cover is the Sand Dollar image.
· "Say It" UK CD Single Parlaphone CDR6298. 1. Black Box mix edit 2. LP mix. 3. Satori 4. Black box mix.
· MCAD554055 (1991 MCA U.S.) 1. Say It (Black Box Mix) 2. Abracadabra Mix 3. Black Box Edit 4. Black Box Piano forte 5. The Black Box Single Remix (1,3-5 Remixed by Black Box. This US issue single has a nice fold out booklet instead of the usual single card. Pictures of Fry and White on the inside.
· "Say It" US Promo CD .Gray CD design. CD45 1431. Has same tracks as commercial release. Different cover.
· "Say It" US 12" five mixes A1. Black Box Mix A2. Black Box Radio Edit B1. Piano Forte B2. Single Remix B3. Instrumental. MCA 54055.
· "Look of Love" b/w "Poison Arrow" US 7" (Timepieces Series) Mercury 814-876.1989 Generic Sleeve.
· "How To Be a Millionaire (Wall St. Mix) b/w "The Look of Love (USA Remix)" US 12" Mercury "Timepieces" 874-113. Generic sleeve 1989
· "Be Near Me" b/w "When Smokey Sings" US 7" Collectibles Label 1992. COL 4846. No Sleeve.
· "How To Be a Zillionaire" (US 12" MIXX Rite, the Remix Service) DJ only mega mix 8714. 1991
· "Viva Love" (Un released EMI single circa 1994).
ABC as Producers (Other Artists)
· Paul Rutherford "Get Real" b/w "Happy Face" UK 7" Fourth and B'Way 1988. BRW 113 (Fry/White/Rutherford writers).
· Paul Rutherford "Oh World" b/w "Seduction (edit)" UK 7" 4th and B'way 1989. Fry/White/Clayton/ Rutherford writers.
· Paul Rutherford "I Want Your Love (Arthur Baker remix)" b/w "Get Real (happy House Mix) and "Pushed Away" 1. By Edwards Roger, 2. Fry White Stent Rutherford, 3. Stent Rutherford. UK 12" 4th and B'Way BRX 124.
· Lizzie Tear "Turbo Charged" b/w "Turbo Charged (Percapella)" UK 7" EMI 1988 EM 59. Written by Tear Fry white.
· Lizzie tear "Silver Surfer" b/w "Silver Surfer (Percapella)" EMI UK 7" EM 72 Written by Tear .
Discography's - Updates
ABC- Compilation - "18 Modern Rock Classics" JCI / Essex 1996 CD US "Look of Love, Part One"
ABC - Compilation "Q -Magazine 10th Anniversary " UK CD 1996 "When Smokey Sings ".
Spring 1997-
The Buggles
Frazier Chorus
Black
Summer 1997-
Heaven 17
Human League
BEF / Hot Gossip
Fall 1997
Special ZTT issue with discography's from:
Art of Noise
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Propaganda
ACT
Winter 1998
Thomas Dolby
Thompson Twins
Babble
If you have a band you would like to see a discography for drop us a line. Also, if you know of rare and unusual releases drop us a line too!
CDs Wanted: Graduate, Dave Wakeling Solo, Tony Hadley Solo, Howard Jones "What Is Love?", Danny Wilson "Sweet Danny Wilson", Afrika Bambaataa's The Light, Paul Young "Between Two Fires", Simple Minds "Themes One", call Gordon (410) 737-6833.
From The Editor-
Hope you enjoyed this second issue of Lexicon. As you can tell it's bigger than last time and (we think) better. The two interviews are our proudest improvement, and we hope to have many more in the upcoming months. If you know of folks from bands from the 80's who might be willing to answer a bunch of questions let us know.
We also are happy with the Dwight Twilley article. Twilley may not be exactly new wave, but we hope that Lexicon can become a magazine about all sorts of music from the 1980's, whether it be synthpop or power pop. As we are still trying to decide what people want to read about, drop us a line and lets us know what you think.
We've gotten a great response from people about the magazine. One section people really seem to like is the Discography section. To that end we hope to have at least two artists featured every issue (see the tentative schedule at the end of the discography section).
The next issue should be out at the beginning of April. We hope to have a color cover, if we can get enough advertising support.
Any ideas, questions, comments you might have about the magazine please drop us a line.
Thanks- David Richards
Here we try to let you know about resources for more information on acts from the 80's. If you have a good resource let us know.
FAZINE-
"ABC / MARTIN FRY" Send IRC to; Melvin Welters, Melis Stokelaan 2412, The Hague, Netherlands" A four page newsletter full of great detail and tons o' facts. These people love ABC. In English.
Sources for Records / CDs
On the inter-net try "CDNOW", a great CD resource that is also a real store in Connecticut. They offer reasonable prices and good selection.
1-800-COOL-CDs - Run by Oglio (Men With Hats, Freur, Wire Train, etc). Mostly their stuff, but they have lots of great stuff. This is home to the "Flashback Favorites" series that, in effect, re-introduced music of the 80's. Call for a catalog.
Renaissance Records - See New Release section for a partial listing of their stuff. See the Eurogliders brief for address and web site.
Mail Order Houses - Thoughtscape Records carries lots of imports, more 70s and 80's bands (800-435-6185). Siren Disc is more 80s and 90s imports (213-935-0578).
By the next issue we hope to have our own web site up and running. On it you'll find ths first two issues of Lexicon and rare photos, discographys and news about music from the 1980's. Our email address is guerue@nicom.com. Drop us a line and we'll message you back when the site is up. Thanks.
The New Wave Complex Home Page. This is a great list of bands with tons of information on each one. Check out issue #1 of Lexicon in the ABC section. Address is - http://www.path.unimelb.edu.au/ new wave/
ADVERTISING -Classified Ads are 1$ for 25 words. $5 for business card ads, $10 for a quarter of a page, $15 for a half and $50 for a page. Right now it's black and white, photo ready only. For more than one issue deduct 15% from total (maximum four issues at a time, Classified excluded). Contact Lexicon to ask about color ads. Make checks payable to Dave Richards. Send to Ninthwave Records and Publishing 9826 Hollow Glen Place Silver Spring MD 20910.
CONTRIBUTIONS - We gladly accept any article, letters, resources, etc you might want to send us. We welcome your input, comment, constructive criticism.
SUBSCRIPTIONS- Okay, we're not in this for the money, so we will try to be fair. If you want a "Free" copy of this issue or the next send an SASE with two (2) 32 cent stamps for each issue you want (for a copy of issue #1 see below). If you are overseas please send 2 IRCs for each issue you want.
OR - you can send a check for $6 for the next four issues, 12$(US) for over seas subscribers, please make it payable to David Richards. Thanks.
BACK ISSUES _ Issue #1 is still available for $2.00 post paid. Send check or money order to the address below. Please make check out to David Richards. (Or get it FREE when you subscribe for the next four issues).
This issue of Lexicon is copyright 1997 by NINTHWAVE Records and Publishing, 9826 Hollow Glen Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA. But please feel free to quote content as long as Lexicon is noted as the source. Thanks.
NEXT ISSUE - The "Three Steps To" Human League-Heaven 17 complex (we promise), An interview with Martin Fry of ABC and with Black, All the news about the new ABC album Sky Scraping , a Lexicon of Love critique, Strawberry Swithcblade's Japanese Singles (including a colorful surprise) and much more!
SUBSCRIBE TO LEXICON AND GET A FREE CLASSIFIED AD AND A FREE COPY OF THE PREMIERE ISSUE!.
Subscribe today to Lexicon and you can get a free (35 word or less) classified ad and we will also send you a copy of the first issue free with the first issue of your subscription. Just fill out the coupon below and mail it to : Ninthwave Records and Publishing, 9826 Hollow Glen, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Subscriptions are $6.00 for the next four issues (one year) or 12$ (US) for overseas subscribers. Please send check or Money order payable to David Richards.
Please enter my subscription. Enclosed is a check or Money Order for $6. Please also send me a copy of the premiere issue of Lexicon.
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Also, enter me to win a free copy of Frazier Chorus's "Wide Awake" or "Sedated in the 80's Volume four". Below is my Favorite Frazier Chorus song and a rarity or b-side (by any artist) I would like to see on a future "Sedated In the 80's"
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