In which I click the shuffle icon on the iTunes app and listen to the first five songs that pop up from the years 1976-85.
"It's All In Your Hands" by Nile Rodgers (1983, Mirage) As you might suspect, this would have been a wonderfully beautiful Chic song, circa 1979. However, as a Rodgers solo joint, we realize what's missing rather quickly: Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson. Oddly, Rodgers decides to be a picker, not a scratcher on this track. Nonetheless, it's a well-written song and we're left wondering what might have been.
"Let's Pretend" by Al Jarreau (1984, Warner Bros.) Not the best song on the High Crime album, I dig the writing, especially on the chorus and bridge. Lemme check who wrote it: Jay Graydon, Richard Page, Steve George, & John Lang. Hey! Isn't that Pages? No wonder it's got hooks.
"Not Enough Love in the World" by Don Henley (1984, Geffen) Like much of Henley's music, I'm indifferent to this song. It's pleasant enough and has a killer organ line (courtesy of Heartbreaker Benmont Tench), but I much prefer "All She Wants to Do is Dance" or "Sunset Grill" from the Building the Perfect Beast album.
"Demolition Man" by The Police (1981, A&M) I think Ghost in the Machine is the best Police album and even Sting's sax playing can't harsh this groove and the wicked guitar solo from Andy Summers. Originally recorded and released by Grace Jones, it would later be covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band. I prefer this version and now I feel the need to listen to the entire album.
Released: August 1982 (Epic) Produced by: Mack, John Eden, ATF, Muff Winwood. Peak on the US Billboard 200: #25
Side One
Side Two
Laser Love
One Rule for You
Dancing in the Shadows
Sometimes
Sailing Ship
Carry Home
Frozen Rivers
Love Will Always Make You Cry
Starflight
Der Kommissar
1980-F
This is the US release of songs compiled from this UK band's previous three albums: Laser Love (1979), 80-f (1980), and Batteries Not Included (1982) and one new release. The compilation was meant to break the band in the US and might have gone unnoticed if it hadn't been for the top five hit "Der Kommissar," the aforementioned new release. That hit earned the band a place on the recently compiled 'Official' list of MFD One-Hit Wonders 1976-85.
My high school buddy Jim hipped me to this album in the fall or winter of 1982. He bought the record, played it for me, I was immediately hooked by the lead track, and promptly dubbed myself a copy and subjected to riders in my car to said copy. Many years later, I picked up a 1998 greatest hits CD with a few different tracks, then once I reacquired a turntable, finally purchased my own vinyl copy. I think the tunes are catchy as hell, but at this point I don't know if that's actually true or if nostalgia has simply gotten the better of me. In any case, I still enjoy listening to it. Plus, I had heard of the band before "Der Kommissar" hit big in March-April 1983, which meant I got to be a know-it-all pompous ass at school that spring (not that I normally needed such an excuse). To me, the music comes off as a cross between The Fixx and Bruce Woolley and The Camera Club.
The band opened some dates for Van Halen on their 1982 tour. Exposure is exposure but I can't imagine the VH fans' reactions to "Der Kommissar." Being booed off the stage every night has got to take a toll, right? But if the Van Halen backstage stories are true, I doubt they remember much about the tour.
Laser Love, from the album Laser Love: Lame lyrics and sound effects, but hooks for days. In 1979, it peaked at #62 on the UK charts.
One Rule For You, from the album Laser Love: Mid-tempo the verse and chorus are just okay, but the intro keyboard riff and the bridge make it all better. The band's highest charting single in the UK, this peaked at #40 in the fall of 1979.
Dancing in the Shadows, from the album Batteries Not Included: is that an attempt at synth-reggae? I guess it is, but its also got some great melodies/ harmonies along with a fun synth solo. This tune was released as a single in the US, managing only a #85 peak position.
Sometimes, from the album Batteries Not Included: driving power pop tune with another great synth solo. Three minutes and out.
Sailing Ship, from the album Batteries Not Included: synth-drenched ballad that i smoody enough to fit its own title. The harmonies on this one are reminding more than a little of Styx, oddly enough.
Carry Me Home, from the album Batteries Not Included: love the chord progression on the chorus on this one.
Frozen Rivers, from the album Batteries Not Included: another great synth riff to lead off a song that is otherwise unremarkable.
Love Will Always Make You Cry, from the album 80-f: they tone down the synths a bit on this one, add some great melodies and come up with a better than average New Wave pop tune.
Starflight, from the album 80-f: this instrumental starts off like soundtrack music, then adds a backbeat and completely spoils the mood.
Der Kommissar: never liked it from the get-go, but it hit #5 in the US, #47 in the UK.
1980-F, from the album 80-f: A high energy instrumental - great way to end an album.
