New Wave music reviews

When looking back to those dazzling disco/techno pop days of the eighties, there are so many acts that had one or two songs that were really memorable. ABC, however, rises above this "one hit wonder" status, and none so as eloquently as in this "Alphabet City."
What has always worked for these debonair gents is their flair for esoterically correct vocals and their stunning string arrangements. And while many of their songs can be considered a little "glitzy" or "forced," the songs on this collection work because of their unique approach to their subject matters. "When Smokey Sings" is a tribute to Smokey Robinson, and has some clever lyrics, and while it may be seen as a self-confident ode to themselves, I think it's more of a salute to a man whose influence in popular music cannot be underestimated. The synthesized instrumentals saluting "Minneapolis" and "Chicago" are filler fluff, but not bad in that respect. For me, the album's showcase is both the opening "Night You Murdered Love," and it's counterpart (The Whole Story). In this version, the female responds to the male's accusations. It's done in rap and it's so funny and appropriate; also shows that rap music can be done with orchestral backups and gives the singer much more support and is much more interesting than the garbled garbage that exists in rap today.
A clever, well produced and truly listenable musical experience. Hats off to Martin Fry and Mark White.

RECOMMENDED.

What is it about ABC? If you're familiar with their albums, you know what I mean... there's something about them that seems so wonderfully starry-eyed, from the twinkly styles that decorate their music to their love of filling both their lyrics and their album covers with references to beautiful clouds, starry nights, stars (LOTS of those!) and lovely cityscapes at midnight. That's part of the reason I love them so, of course. There's no denying that their work, as catchy and funky as it is, is part of the great "starry-eyed disco" tradition, if you know what I mean, music created that seems to be dropped from the same edge of heaven that gave us Saturday Night Fever's gorgeous Bee Gee tunes and The Electric Light Orchestra--music which is not only dazzlingly fun to dance to but is also beathtakingly beautiful at the same time. And WOW, WHAT A VOICE that Martin Fry has (in elegance and range, it can top George Michael's)! The only thing that amazes me is how this album can be out of print in the USA when it had so many hits on it in this country--deservedly so. "When Smokey Sings", their tribute to Smokey Robinson, still shines on and the entire album continues from there in the same note. A masterpiece--and be sure to also check out "How To Be A Zillionaire" and "Abracadabra", if you can! CHEERS!

This fourth ABC album marked a return to the sound of their debut, and even though Beauty Stab and How To Be A Zillionaire were good albums, this blue-eyed soul is the type of music that suits Martin Fry and Mark White best. The sales revealed that the public thought so as well. Big, lush production with layers of keyboards and string arrangements on funky rhythm tracks is the essence of this album, on which The Night You Murdered Love (a great Chic pastiche), funk/disco thumper Think Again, the rocking Ark-Angel and the delicate ballad Bad Blood stand out, showcasing Fry's typically quirky lyrics. I'm probably not the only person wishing that ABC will one day return with more of this. Please.

I liked hojo long ago, but my son was curious about him too. He listened to his older songs, then wanted to hear more. In doing so, I was introduced to old, but new to me, songs I had missed, being caught up in what the present "pop" had to offer. I love, love, love this album. I have listened to it over and over. I highly recommend it, and I can thank my son who was just a baby when Howard Jones was "hot" on the US market. I wish he were still here. I had to order this album from Howard Jones'own site called dtox, but that's okay. He's a genius who I think is overlooked far too often.

GOOD MUSIC IS TIMELESS.THIS IS AN ALBUM THAT WILL SURPRISE MANY. I HAVE INCLUDED IT IN MY TOP TEN. EASILY. FORGET THE PRECONCEPTIONS OF EARLY HOWARD SYNTH MUSIC. THIS IS A COLLECTION OF TRACKS THAT FLOW BEAUTIFULLY INTO EACHOTHER TO MAKE A TOTAL COMPLETE WORK OF ART. THERE ARE FEW CD'S THAT CAN BOAST EXCELLENCE ON EVERY TRACK.

FORGET THE MASS MARKETING AND THE SHALLOWNESS OF THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE RAT PACK MUSIC INDUSTRY REGURGITATED TRIPE.THIS WILL MOVE YOU .GIVE IT A WHIRL.CONGRATULATIONS FROM SOMEONE WHO SAW YOU IN THE EARLY DAYS IN 1980 IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

PASSION AND SELF BELIEF=GENIUS.

A&L is one of the finest pieces of work Howard has done to date! Every track has a very deep and personal meaning to it, and you can tell Howard has put all his heart and soul into this CD. The lyrics are so moving, especially in "Sleep My Angel" and "When Lovers Confess". It is not very often that you will find an artist as truly talented as Howard in this day and age!

Well to think I have finally purchased this CD, after owning a similar vinyl copy many eons ago, it was just sensational to hear and feel the old ska toons once again, "tears of a Clown" exceptional and it is not found on many of their previous works, let alone "save it for later" and also Drowning - a great CD, well worth to have in the cabinet.

This album has the best compilations of songs from this outstanding band since "What is Beat?" I don't own this album yet, but will be placing an order for it as soon as I get done writing this review. I have been trying for the past year to find a new copy of "What is Beat?" to replace an aging one I have. Incredibly (and if you own a copy surely you know what I mean), this album does not seem to be in print any longer. I am really looking forward to getting a copy of this album, if I can't replace my aging copy of "What is Beat?" I will be very happy to have this as a supplement!

This is an incredible compilation of the finest of the English Beat. Most of the tracks were on earlier albums. The remix brings out the hidden sounds that were distant on old tracks. For those new to the Beat, or fans, this is a masterpiece. One of the finest musical compliations I have ever heard. Congratulations to London Records for resurfacing the incredible and mysterious mix of reggae, rock and roll, dance, and the pure joy that the English Beat delivered.

Nothing new here, other than the experience of the 'Beat', an astonishing tribute to a band, probably unrecognized and unknown by many, but worthy of serious consideration by music historians as a truely unique.

Just hear 'Sole Salvation' as it was originally played. This album delivers.

Compared to the AT WORST, THE BEST cd, this collection is a more definitive Culture Club collection whereas AT WORST focused mainly on JUST the hits and the solo career of Boy George, which wasn't bad, but didn't cover much of the actual Culture Club years. This collection, however, includes the major hits from the first 2 albums KISSING TO BE CLEVER and COLOUR BY NUMBERS, as well as the rare B-side title cut "Colour By Numbers". This collection also recognizes the WAKING UP WITH THE HOUSE ON FIRE album, giving you 3 selections from that almost disregarded recording, and 2 cuts from the almost ignored FROM LUXURY TO HEARTACHE album. Inclusive to finalize the album are two solo tracks by Boy George. A nice collection at a great price, this is definitely a "greatest hits" collection and highly recommended for a new fan of this group.

I choose this CD over the "At worst, the best of" for just one reason : Unlike "At worst," this collection has one of my favorite Culture Club songs, "Mistake #3." It received air time on the radio back in the 80s, and rightfully so since it has a nice melody to it. However, radio stations wouldn't play it on the request line because it wasn't a "hit." Therefore, I ended up buying this CD.

A must have for Culture Club fans!

I've been following CC & BG since 1982 & I am a big fan still. I don't particularly like these cheap type Greatest Hits, however this one cuts right to the chase & gives you most of CC's Hits, which is good for the passing fan. If you're torn get, "At Worst...The Best of BG & CC"

This was during Xmas 1984. One lovely girl from Texas brought to Poland (this is where I live) the 10 cassetes pack with "The Best of Billboard - 1984". I still hear this music. Now I can buy a piece of it.

To anyone who was ...teen in 1984: you have to own this one. Don't tell me there is no music you remember from these years. It must be one at least. Remember the first girlfriend. The first kiss maybe? Yes! That's it!.

This set takes me back to the early days of MTV. Pac-Man fever, Atari and great times in my life. As a child of the 80s it was a special time and special music. This box set helps take you back from time to time!

again billboard has done well in putting together a box set of the best songs of this time period. you will appreciate this gathering of the best. every listening minute of this box set is pure elation. not to be passed up.

I must say, the best compilation of Depeche mode songs. Blasphemous rumours is a dark tune which takes a stab at religion as we know it. (But, being that I am a little off, it fits me to a tee!) Somebody is a sweet plea for a true love. To listen to the lyrics, they hold so much truth in them!

Not only does it have an anthem for America's youth(blasphemous rumors) but it also contains the greatest plea for true love(somebody). I highly encourage you to continue down your road into the land of Depeche Mode. I promise you will be pleased. I know I will be forever changed.

Let's see...a song about god and suicide. Well. A lot of church officials must've been pissed off. But who gives a shit?! This is one of Depeche Mode's finest songs. Dark and moody, with a great chorus, and the lyrics basically ripped the heart out. Heavy thought-provoking stuff! One of their best singles!

i found this in a used cd store for $15 bucks when i was 19 years old, i bought it because i liked elvis costello, but i found it to be one of my most treasured possessions. my car was broken in to a few years ago, and they got 2 of the best discs- i still listen to the leftovers but i'm always looking to replace it. totally willing to pay $50 plus- highly recommended.

Don't be afraid to plunk down the $50+ dollars on this box set - its totally worth it. It features great songs you know by Ian Dury, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, which are all great to have in one location. But the real reason for picking it up is the gems by the groups you probably never heard of. Roogalator's "Cincinnati Fatback" is a undulating slice of glutinous, dirty funk from Porkopolis. "Between the Lines" by the Pink Fairies is the most scorching, out-of-control bar blues since the Rolling Stone's "Rip this Joint." Tenpole Tudor generally rocks, as do Madnesses' early hits. And there's some hilarious novelties like "Kill" by Los Trios Paranoias that is a affectionate poke at the punk aesthetic, a dead-on parody right down to its two note guitar solo and uber-nihilist lyrics ("I wanna cut me liver out and pin it on yer braces!"). There's three disks of great stuff (the fourth disk is pretty weak, actually), and its amazingly varied and fun stuff, from solid pop to pub rock to new wave to unclassifiable stuff. Not every song is great, but enough are. Highly, highly recommended.

Stiff Records was a renegade, independent record label formed in England that released all varieties of music from power-pop to punk to ska to reggae and everything in between. It was the label that artists like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Graham Parker, Ian Dury, Madness, Devo, Tracey Ullman, Dave Stewart & The Pogues got their start on. From its creation in 1976 to its demise in 1985, Stiff Records took chances on artists and put out records that may have not been released elsewhere. The label's first release shows it knew what it was doing, it is the brilliant Nick Lowe single "So It Goes" backed by "Heart In the City". Stiff gave the artists the freedom to experiment and push the boundairies of conventional music. The four discs are chock full of great songs and you get a generous helping of them with each disc averaging about 20 songs. To be honest, not all the artists are in the league of the above mentioned ones and many of the songs that are included range from forgettable to just plain bad. But this shows the spirit of Stiff. They left it all out there, from good to bad, from normal to weird, you hear it all. Nick Lowe summed up the general feeling towards Stiff wth his ode "I Love My Label".

While Big Country has released a "Best Of" CD with all their hits, that does not compare to this CD which marked a transition from the classic 80s Big Country "In a Big Country" and "Fields of Fire," which are still terrific, to some unbelievable rock. The Buffalo Skinners was a rebirth which, unfortunately, did not get the public acclaim it merited, but this is one of the few CDs I own which is strong throughout rather than mixing two or three good songs with a load of rubbish. The only regret I have is that it took me so long to find this lost gem.

I love everything Big Country does. Each album is special in its own right. Its hard to be unbiased but this, this one..... It absolutely kicks *ss. No doubt about it. It rocks, it kicks, it screams, it pushes the envelope. Not just underrated but one of the best albums ever. It has things to say but doesnt forget how to just blow the doors off any decent stereo system.

For those that are unaware of the Big Country gems, this one is a must. If you listen to any, The Crossing and Buffalo Skinners are just plain classics.

Everybody from the 80's generation(myself included)is familiar with "In A Big Country"(an MTV video favorite), a guitar driven tune with that familiar bagpipe sounding guitar.Big Country's 1st cd "The Crossing" was a big success(over 2 million copies sold) and contained this breakout song for the group. "Buffalo Skinners", their 1993 "comeback" cd is a more mature sounding effort and a pleasant surprise to hear. Gone are the bagpipe sounding guitars and what remains are some of lead singer Stuart Adamson's best song writing and lead vocals as well as some of the band's tightest playing. There were only a couple of minor radio hits off this release but the bottom line is this thing rocks! It sounds fresh eleven years after its release. Sadly, Stuart Adamson passed away in 2001, a casualty of depression and alcohol abuse. If you are into guitar driven rock with some heartfelt lyrics check this cd out...RIP Stuart.

Pretty average song writing here. Not fond of the singers voice.Excellent guitar playing.

I recommend Diamond Head for some old school NWOBHM. Metallica owes a great deal to Diamond Head.

Legend had drifted into total obscurity,but now thanks to this very well-done 2 disc anthology those that missed this the first time around(which would include about everybody)can enjoy/experience this original band.
and thats the key word here - ORIGINAL
i wont claim that every track on here is perfection,that they where the greatest thing since sliced bread,etc,etc.
if you rank yourself as any sort of New Wave of British Heavy Metal fan(or really curious about that epoch)this set should either bring back happy memories or amaze you with a band that clearly had its own style

If you are into a mixture of Sabbath grunge, mixed with guitar virtuso, which is influenced by a mixture of Roth, early Van Halen and Kim Mitchell then you should get this album. Some silly reviewer claims that Legend weren't original. But I have never heard a guitar player that can get us much out of the wangy-bar as this guy and it's these old-school guitar players that show how an electric guitar should be played. Not every track on this album is great. But a lot of this material is over 20 years old. But its great to see this band has released all their earlier compositions on disc and is even greater to see that they are still writing material. 5 stars, just for the cat screaming guitaring definately.

cherry,please come on tour to germany,soon,please,please,please. I LOVE YOU!(and I'm a young man,YEAAAAAAASSSas).(young in the heart)

These are some of the best songs put out back when punk was on a high. Even though she wasnt that famous she should of been as the punk is one of the best songs ever put out by a female artist around that time.

Buy it!

These two Cherry Vanilla albums, combined onto one CD,are the essence of the NY punk/New wave underground scene, circa 1976-1981; it's only rock & roll, but i like it,love it,yes I do!