I just returned from my first real visit to Arizona.My friend Joe & I went to 18 record stores in 2.25 days.I liked Arizona (and Phoenix, in general) real well – despite the “Big Brother” cameras on the (sometimes confusing) freeways.
Sorry to see “Circles” (on Central Ave.) going out of business.I understand that they had been in business since ’72.I was told that they had two storefronts, at one point.I was also told that they were closing at the end of the month (Feb. ’10).I got a lot of very inexpensive CD’s there (3 for $1 type stuff).I photographed a ball made exclusively of “Topper” strips from CD’s over a 5 year period.It was most impressive.
We knew the 4 x Zia Records stores from the 2 x Zia stores we have visited in Las Vegas, NV.Yes, we went through all 4 x Phoenix area Zia stores – each one was different.We would’ve liked to have gone to the 2 x Zia stores in Tucson – but that was over a hundred miles away from Phoenix – and we had already driven enough!It was purely “luck of the draw” and both Joe and I each found lots of stuff in the Zia stores in Phoenix.
Near Zia in Tempe was a neat vinyl-heavy store called Eastside Records; at first, we weren’t even going to look!I added 2 x Yello titles to my collection there, and got a great Chris Spedding 45!(“Get Out Of My Pagoda” French RAK picture sleeve).
Really enjoyed our visit to Revolver Records, near downtown – very unusual vinyl selection; I found delightful stuff, adding to key collections (Mike Oldfield, GeorgeMelly, Suzi Quatro, Level 42 and more).When I visit Phoenix again, I will definitely be going there!(I hope they stay in business!).
Joe & I went to “Alice Cooper’s Town” (sometimes spelled as one word) – a sports bar, some good draft beers, burgers & BBQ.Wish we had ordered a “Big Unit” (something like a 22” hot dog!), it would’ve made a great photo.There was Alice Cooper ephemera all over the place, and the wait-staff all wore Alice Cooper face make-up.I’m not kidding.
I would’ve liked to have seen some of the assorted Frank Lloyd Wright architecture around Phoenix, but…busy using the G.P.S. unit finding record stores…and Bookman’s.Primarily a used book store, I don’t think there’s anything that Bookman’s doesn’t sell.Long story short: an interesting place that we didn’t buy much stuff at.
Yes, there were even more record stores – but we didn’t buy stuff at each and every store we hit.Nothing for me at Stinkweed’s, an indie store – but I could see that they may be useful, if searching for a non-major label CD.We also went to lots of F.Y.E. stores, at Joe’s request.One never knows what will turn up in those places!(I got a Peter Gabriel SACD for $7.99 at one, “Up”).
It took us about 6 hours driving from Long Beach to Scottsdale (where we stayed).
I last wrote about singer Sue Thompson in 2002.I know of her because I inherited a 45 of “Norman” from my older sister, and I found the “Meet Sue Thompson” LP in New Zealand in the 80’s.
Hickory LPM-104“Meet Sue Thompson” [1962]mono LP only
Hickory LPS-107“Two of a Kind” [1962] mono LP only?
Hickory LPM-111“Golden Hits” [1963] mono LP only
Hickory LPS-121“Paper Tiger” [1965]
Hickory LPS-130“Sue Thompson with Strings Attached” [1966]
Hickory LPS-148“This Is Sue Thompson Country” [1969]
Hickory LPS-168“The Two of Us Together” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1973]
These latter day MGM / Hickory LP’s feature some songs from her earlier albums in stereo…some in stereo for the first time:
MGM / Hickory HR-4503 “Warm Love” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1973]
(re-issue of LPS-168 “The Two Of Us Together”, with a new cover)
MGM / Hickory H3F-4511“Sweet Memories” [1974]
MGM / Hickory H3G-4515“...And Love Me” [1974]
MGM / Hickory H3G-4520“Oh How Love Changes” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1975]
MGM / Hickory H3G-4523“Big Mable Murphy” [1975]
Mercury / Wing SRW-16317-WThis is where some of her 1950’s Mercury 45’s / 78’s turn up!“The Country Side of Sue Thompson” [1966, 50’s recordings; stereo is electronically reprocessed]
Hickory LPS-154“Treasure Album”
Various Artists [1970] This is wherethese Sue Thompson tracks appear in true stereo for the first time:Sad Movies (Make Me Cry) / Paper Tiger / Have A Good Time / Norman / James (Hold The Ladder Steady)
Happily, there are several Sue Thompson CD’s available:
Go for the Ace UK CD!It has the most songs, and the most stereo!
I am still finding US Hickory 45’s by Sue Thompson – and I have yet to determine which of ‘em are non-LP.There are dozens of ‘em!And as far as I know, Ms. Sue Thompson is still alive ‘n’ kickin’.
7"KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUGPIROGUE / MY UNCLE ABELRCA US
47-81821962? 2 TRKS no pic sleeve
Interesting that It was Rusty & Doug and not the other way around.R.I.P., Rusty.Doug Kershaw still plays live, and I presume he still releases records / CD’s.The Rusty & Doug Hickory label sides are wonderful – the ’04 “Louisiana Men” collection is everything you’d ever want to hear…well, almost.I got a CD of Doug’s Warner Brothers “Best of”!
The Hickory label has always been sort of an interesting US label for me.I am a big fan of Rusty & Doug, as well as Sue Thompson, The Newbeats…Roy Acuff etc.I have a couple of Hickory label various artist CD’s that have artists like Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, BobLuman etc. – on addition to the aforementioned artists.
Easy to dismiss the Strawberry Alarm Clock as a one-hit-wonder, with “Incense and Peppermints”, but I do like them as a band.Trainspotters note:“Incense and Peppermints” only exists in mono, folks – doesn’t matter if it’s on a 7”, LP or CD – it’s mono or nothin’ at all!And it’s still a great single, 40+ years later…
Several years ago, I found some SAC singles that were not “Incense and Peppermints”:“Girl From The City” and “Tomorrow” (which would’ve been a great follow-up to “I&P”, but I didn’t hear it until 2007 or so).I even have an easy listening orchestra version of “Tomorrow”, believe it or not!
There are 4 x proper SAC LP’s, all of which have been re-issued on CD by Collector’s Choice.I recently found the UK collection CD “Strawberries Mean Love”, and it’s excellent.21 tracks, mostly in stereo.Gets me where I want to go.Obscure 60’s in digital!
For years, I read that the SAC were from San Jose, but I read in the booklet for “Strawberries Mean Love” that they were originally from Santa Barbara.Tarred and feather for their genius “Incense and Peppermints”, I guess if the hippies couldn’t take them seriously…who could?And I don’t know of an easy listening orchestra version of “Incense and Peppermints”…too difficult to arrange for a big band?
So get yourself some hippie thrills and chill to the non-hit tunes of the Strawberry Alarm Clock on a CD today (oh, and have a nice clean mono listen to “Incense and Peppermints”).
I’ve never been a big fan of Rick Wakeman, but I will confess to several occasions of interest.
LP1984CHARISMA UKCDS 4022
1981 10 TRKS orig. UK issue
LPCOST OF LIVINGCHARISMA UKCAS 1163
1983 9 TRKS Robert Powell etc.
CDCRIMES OF PASSION (O.S.T.)EDELEDS 5404.2
1984 10 TRKS V.A., O.S.T.
LPGOLE (O.S.T.)CHARISMA UKCAS 1162
1983 12 TRKS O.S.T. (811295.1)
7"I'M SO STRAIGHT I'M A WEIRDOA&M UKAMS 7510
1980 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo
CDJOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTHA&M USCD 3156
1974 2 TRKS ('91 issue) with L.S.O.
LPJOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTHA&M UKAMLH 63621
1974 4 TRKS booklet, with L.S.O.
CDMYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR…A&M USCD 3230
1975 7 TRKS ('88 issue)
LPNO EARTHLY CONNECTIONA&M USSP-4583
1976 8 TRKS with mylar sheet
LPx2RHAPSODIESA&M USSP-6501
1979 17 TRKS
7"ROBOT MAN / 1984 OVERTURE (Part 1)CHARISMA UKCB 392
1981 2 TRKS no pic sleeve
LPROCK 'N ROLL PROPHETMOON UKLUNA LP 1
1982 8 TRKS orig. UK issue
CDROCK 'N ROLL PROPHET…PLUSPRESIDENT UKRWCD 12
1982 12 TRKS ('93 issue) (4 x bonus tracks)
CDSIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, THEA&M USCD 3229
1973 6 TRKS
LPSIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, THEA&M UKAMLH 64361
1972 6 TRKS
LPWHITE ROCK (O.S.T.)A&M USSP-4614
1977 8 TRKS O.S.T.
I was a Yes fan in the early 70’s.I had heard “All Good People” on the FM radio and was ready for “The Yes Album” and “Fragile”.A big part of what was interesting about “Fragile” were the keyboards – by Mr. Rick Wakeman.It was lost on me that he had been active in Strawbs (or that he had played for David Bowie).
During the 80’s, while airchecking music videos off of satellite TV, I got a video for “I’m So Straight I’m A Weirdo”; I really like the song and the video is a good, typical English music video – very eccentric.I was also very fond of Wakeman’s work on the “Crimes Of Passion” original soundtrack (notably “It’s A Lovely Life”).
Very recently, I finally got a CD of “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”.I should’ve got the LP as soon as it came out, but there were too many other things on my plate in 1972.It’s a pretty strong album, his debut solo album – nearly 40 years hence.Probably my favorite A&M album of his.Also still working on (listening to for the first time) his Charisma LP’s, some have sounded rather good to me.But he sure does have a lot of CD’s, doesn’t he?I am sure I’ll never get through them all!
7"FIRE OF LOVE / SEASON OF THE FALLING LEAVESVERTIGO NL6012 971
1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDFRAMES (as EARTH AND FIRE ORCHESTRA)LANKOCD 4711
1988 8 TRKS
CD5FRENCH WORD FOR LOVECNR NLS/CD 860019
1989 4 TRK CD Single CD5
7"FRENCH WORD FOR LOVE / GEMINICNR NLCNR 7860019
1989 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
LPGATE TO INFINITYPOLYDOR NL2925 065
1977 10 TRKS
LPIN A STATE OF FLUXDURECO NL88.05
1982 10 TRKS
7"INVITATION / SONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDRENPOLYDOR NL2050 084
1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"JACK IS BACK / HIDE AWAYDURECO NL47.09
1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CD5KEEP ON MISSING YOUCNR NLS/CD 860019/2
1989 3 TRK CD Single CD5
12"LOVE IS AN OCEAN / (Instrumental)VERTIGO NL6840 181
1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"LOVE IS AN OCEAN / YOUVERTIGO NL6198 529
1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"LOVE OF LIFE / TUFFY THE CATPOLYDOR NL2050 322
1974 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"MAYBE TOMORROW MAYBE TONIGHTPOLYDOR NL2050 242
1973 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"MEMORIES / FROM THE END TILL THE BEGINNINGPOLYDOR NL2050 179
1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"ONLY TIME WILL TELL / FUNPOLYDOR NL2050 359
1975 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDPHOENIXCNR NLCD 86O019
1989 12 TRKS
CDREALITY FILLS FANTASYPOLYDOR NL835083.2
1979 8 TRKS
LPREALITY FILLS FANTASYVERTIGO NL6413 509
1979 8 TRKS
7"RUBY IS THE ONE / MECHANICAL LOVERPOLYDOR NL2050 019
1970 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"SEASONS (Long) / (Short)ATCO US45-6744
1970 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo
7"SEASONS / HAZY PARADISEPOLYDOR NLS 1335
1969 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
LPSONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDRENPOLYDOR NL2925 003
1971? 5 TRKS
CDSONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDREN / ATLANTISPOLYDOR NL831641.2
1971/3 11 TRKS 2 on 1
7"STORM AND THUNDER / LOST FOREVERPOLYDOR NL2050 133
1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"TELL ME WHY / WHAT MORE COULD YOU DESIRE?VERTIGO NL6198 517
1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"THANKS FOR THE LOVEPOLYDOR NL2050 376
1975 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDTO THE WORLD OF THE FUTUREPOLYDOR JPNERC-29245
1975 7 TRKS
LPTO THE WORLD OF THE FUTUREPOLYDOR NL2925 033
1975 7 TRKS
7"TWENTY FOUR HOURS / STRANGE TOWNDURECO NL46.63
1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"TWO OF US (Remix) / LOVE IS TO GIVE AWAYDURECO NL47.47
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"WEEKEND / ANSWER MEVERTIGO DE6147 024
1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE / (Instrumental)POLYDOR NL2050 411
1976 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"WILD AND EXCITING / VIVID SHADY LANDPOLYDOR NL2050 044
1970 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
Jerney Kaagman solo:
7"ALL RIGHT HERE I AM / (IN A SHADE OF A) WILLOW TREEDURECO NL48.86
1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
LPMADE ON EARTHDURECO NL88082
1984 11 TRKS
7"MY MYSTERY MAN / MISERYDURECO NL49.54
1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDRUNPOLYDOR JPNERC-29247
1987 10 TRKS
7"VICTIM OF THE NIGHT / THEME FROM V.O.N.POLYDOR NL885342.7
1986 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
Dutch band Earth and Fire were always interesting for me.I followed them in real time, from about ’75 until ’88 or so.They were like a Dutch version of JeffersonAirplane, a rock band with a female lead vocalist – all of E&F’s stuff is in English, too.By the time of “Reality Fills Fantasy” (1979), their sound was a lot more pop than rock – but it was still interesting stuff.
“To The World Of The Future” (1975) is my favorite album by them.The single from that album, “Love Of Life” is my favorite single by them.I always tried to find all the E&F singles that I could, as the singles usually had cool non-LP B-sides.
As far as I know, there were only ever 2 x Jerney Kaagman solo albums. Both of which were sung in English (and in the style of latter day E&F).She was the lead vocalist of E&F.
I have been reading the book “Please Kill Me” by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain.It is billed “The Uncensored Oral History of Punk” – which is from a New York City perspective.It is entertaining reading, despite my not being terribly interested in some of t music / musicians being discussed.
The book starts with a bunch of stuff about The Velvet Underground.I am not a fan.I tried those records in the early 70’s, and couldn’t get the message.I also eventually tried some Lou Reed records, because of the apparent connection to David Bowie, and I couldn’t get that through my head either.I don’t mind David Bowie from the early 70’s, but…no go on Lou or the V.U.
Next comes Iggy Pop.I am not an Iggy & The Stooges fan.I once lived in an apartment in Hermosa Beach, CA – and a neighbor across the way used “I Wanna Be Your Dog” to cover up the sound of her arguing with her boyfriend.“Ugh, and I have to get up and go to work in the morning with this crap blaring at 2:30am?” – I don’t mind “The Idiot”, “Lust For Life” and even “New Values” – but I haven’t got that far in this book just yet.I always chuckle when I think of the song “Lust For Life” being sung by TomJones – or being used to sell cruise ships to…yuppie punks?
Also not much of an MC5 fan.Heard ‘em when I was a kid – but the pull of Krautrock was much stronger.It didn’t even matter to me about the “m. f.” stuff – that kind of language was all over records by The Fugs – years earlier!
Television and The Ramones – two groups that have never much troubled me.I own the debut album by each artist, however – the result of prowling inexpensive used CD bins.I heard both artists at the time they were ‘new’, as I was working in a hippie record store, and there were always a few punks around – Hi, Mott!
And not much more patience for Blondie or the Talking Heads.At least T.H. used Toshio Nakanishi artwork!I have “Best Of” CD’s for both these artists, which will likely suffice.I remember seeing the members of Blondie walking around The Whisky in Hollywood, desperate to be noticed.I think we were all there seeing The Screamers, a really good band.
I don’t do and have never done Patti Smith.It wasn’t enough that John Cale produced her debut album.It just didn’t say anything to me.And I would’ve been all of 17 or 18 when I first heard her.“Please Kill Me” paints a fairly ‘accurate’ picture of her – highly motivated, but majorly derivative.Not so interested in Jim Carroll either.
I still enjoy reading about all of this stuff, even if they don’t make my playlists.R.I.P., Jim Carroll and all deceased members of The Ramones, V.U., MC5, Stooges etc.It is a tale to be told.
Would a book about L.A.’s punks be better?Well, only in that I met / knew some of ‘em.
My brother liked Santana a lot, so that’s basically how I first encountered them.They were also real good in the “Woodstock’ movie.Lately, I’ve been trying to push forward (into the 70’s) with the band, and I’m all the way up to “Festival” or “Moonflower”, whichever came last.And I recently found a 1998 nicely re-mastered “Best Of” Columbia US CD, with lots of tracks.And as you can see by my list, I have 2 x Santana Sony Minidiscs.
I would probably be happy having all of the Columbia releases, but I am still working on all titles after the debut album, actually.I really should get re-mastered CD’s of “Abraxis” and “Santana (3rd Album)”.The packaging of “Lotus” is amazing, easily the most elaborate packaging of any LP set – Tadanori Yokoo artwork, even!It has been masterfully reproduced as a little paper album cover (kami sleeve) CD, with all original inserts.
Not so sure about any titles after the Columbia era.I suppose it was always a question of “Who is the vocalist?” – ‘cause you always know who the guitarist is!
I’ve been a fan since the 70’s of French band Catharsis and their keyboard master Roland Bocquet.I’ve met him a number of times, usually in Paris.It’s weird how Catharsis aren’t more famous.My good friend Yael finally found me the CD of “Vol. 6” recently.Great stuff, mostly instrumental.Both “Paradia” and “Robot Rose” are amazing solo albums.
CD5JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF MEPOLYDOR JPNPOCH-1927
2000 5 TRK CD EP CD5
CDK.K.K.K.LE GRAND M60012.2
1998 15 TRKS U.S. pressing
LPK.K.K.K.CRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 044A
1998 15 TRKS U.S. pressing, LP+12"
CDL'ARME DE CROCODILECRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 031D
1997 10 TRKS kami sleeve
LPL'ARME DE CROCODILECRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 031A
1997 10 TRKS clear vinyl, U.S. pressing
CD5LE ROI SOLEILTRATTORIA JPPSCR-5500
1996 6 TRK CD EP; Menu 99
CD5LEUR L'EXISTENCETRATTORIA JPPSCR-9102
1995 6 TRK EP CD5 + CD3; Menu 62
CD5MIKE ALWAY'S DIARYCRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 003D
1992 4 TRK CD Single CD5
CD5MY FIRST KARIETRATTORIA JPPSCR-5348
1995 6 TRK CD EP; Menu 56
CD5ONCE UPON A TIMEPOLYDOR JPNPOCH-1913
2000 5 TRK CD EP CD5
CD5ONE THOUSAND 20th CENTURY CHAIRSPOLYDOR JPNPOCP-7297
1998 3 TRK CD Single CD5
CDTILTPOLYDOR JPNPOCH-1949
2000 13 TRKS
12"TINY KING KONGCRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 029A
1997 4 TRKS with pic sleeve, U.S. pressing
CD5TINY KING KONGCRUE-L JPNKYTHMAK 029D
1997 4 TRK CD Single CD5
Kahimi Karie is a Japanese female vocalist who used to hang around with Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada); some of her more interesting records were created by Momus (Nick Currie).I’ve seen her play live, I’ve met her.Her voice isn’t much, and I have tried to collect all of her Trattoria label recordings, but I have not succeeded 100% in this endeavor.
I was always a bit baffled that she seemed to be signed to two different companies at the same time in Japan (Crue-L and Trattoria).I never got past her “Tilt” album, either.It just seemed like I didn’t see her stuff anymore, when I visited Japan last.
“Good Morning World” is a great place to start – it’s a Momus song that utilizes SoftMachine samples!How can you go wrong with that combination?I am also quite fond of her EP “Le Roi Soleil”, which has a nice set of Momus and Cornelius tunes.
p.s. pictured 1996 CD EP is for sale, 6 tracks, looks to be factory sealed - easily her most consistent work: 1. Le Roi Soleil 2. Take It Easy My Brother Charlie 3. Ma Langue Au Chat 4. Son Of A Gun 5. A Fantastic Moment 6. Humming Ga Kikoeru - $10 postpaid in the US/Canada, $15 outside of the US.
7"BURNING CAR / 20th CENTURY pic discVIRGIN UKVSY 360
1980 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, pic disc
12"DANCING LIKE A GUN / SWIMMER I + IIVIRGIN UKVS 459-12
1981 3 TRKS with pic sleeve
12"ENDLESSLY / A KIND OF WAVEVIRGIN UKVS 543-12
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"ENDLESSLY / DANCE WITH MEVIRGIN JPNVIPX-1722
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"ENDLESSLY / YOUNG MANVIRGIN UKVS 513
1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"ENDLESSLY / YOUNG MAN pic discVIRGIN UKVSY 513
1982 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, pic disc
12"EUROPE AFTER THE RAINVIRGIN UKVS 393-12
1981 3 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"EUROPE AFTER THE RAIN / PATER NOSTERVIRGIN JPNVIPX-1618
1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"EUROPE AFTER THE RAIN / THIS JUNGLEVIRGIN UKVS 393
1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDGARDEN, THEVIRGIN UKCDV 2194
1981 16 TRKS (6 x bonus tracks)
LPGARDEN, THEVIRGIN UKV 2194
1981 10 TRKS 2nd album, large booklet
CDGOLDEN SECTION, THEEDSEL UKEDCD 704
1983 16 TRKS (6 x bonus tracks) ('01 issue)
LPGOLDEN SECTION, THEVIRGIN UKV 2233
1983 10 TRKS 3rd album
CDIN MYSTERIOUS WAYSVIRGIN UKCDV 2355
1985 10 TRKS 4th album
LPIN MYSTERIOUS WAYSVIRGIN UKV 2355
1985 10 TRKS 4th album
LPJOHN FOXX (Collection)VIRGIN CANMETA 1101
1981 10 TRK Collection
12"LIKE A MIRACLEVIRGIN UKVS 645-12
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"LIKE A MIRACLE / WINGS AND A WINDVIRGIN UKVS 645
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
CDMETAMATICVIRGIN UKCDV 2146
1980 16 TRKS 6 x bonus tracks
LPMETAMATICVIRGIN UKV 2146
1980 10 TRKS 1st album, Ultravox
7"MILES AWAY / A LONG TIMEVIRGIN UKVS 382
1980 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"MY FACE (Flexidisc)SMASH HITS198082
1980 1 TRK flexi-disc
7"NO-ONE DRIVING (7" x 2)VIRGIN UKVS 338
1980 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2
7"STARS ON FIRE (7" x 2)VIRGIN UKVS 771
1985 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2
7"UNDERPASS / FILM 1VIRGIN UKVS 318
1980 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
12"YOUR DRESSVIRGIN UKVS 615-12
1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve
7"YOUR DRESS (7" x 2)VIRGIN UKVS 615
1983 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2
I saw Ultravox with John Foxx live a couple of times in 1978 or so.They were already playing “Touch and Go”.I was the natural intended audience for “Metamatic”, when it was released in 1980.I ate it up.Mr. Foxx never came back to L.A. as a live on stage solo act, unfortunately.
I only recently completed by 80’s CD collection of Mr. Foxx’s first 4 solo albums.It took forever for me to find the right version of “The Golden Section” (with the right bonus tracks).The only CD that has the same tracks as the LP is album #4, “In Mysterious Ways”.All the others are healthy with bonus tracks.
I wonder why “Young Love” wasn’t released as the debut John Foxx solo 45?It exists only as a bonus track on the “Metamatic” CD.There’s no 45 of it that I am aware of.
And “Metamatic” is, of course, the most interesting for me.Real tight sound, perfect for serious young insects in 1980.“Metal Beat” was even the name of his record company.Kraftwerk already said “Metal On Metal” – and we’re not talking heavy here!I remember getting the early John Foxx music videos off of “Music Box”, the forerunner of MTV Europe, but I forget if it was “Underpass” or “No One Driving”.We eventually got a PAL VHS video of some of the early Foxx solo music clips.
There were also unique couplings in Japan, Canada – plenty to keep the obsessive fans busy.I remember that I absolutely loved the “Miles Away” b/w “A Long Time” 45.Just loved it, wished that there were whole albums that sounded like that – when they’re weren’t, really.And I felt like I was “in on the joke” with the “Endlessly” 45 – John Foxx plays psychedelic hits.
I probably don’t have every 45 / 12” of his in my original collection – I sort of lost interest at the time of “The Golden Section”, so I didn’t keep up.I was very focused on Australia and New Zealand, as some of you will recall.There wasn’t much going on in England in 1985 that interested me, actually (apart from old UK favorites such as Scritti Politti and A Certain Ratio).
But in 2010, I am OK with the first 4 solo albums by John Foxx.As with the usual law of diminishing averages, I like the first one best.