Back To The Future

So we all know that the '80's have made a comeback. With cartoons being released on DVD, re-releasing albums, toys, etc.
But what about a band that sounds like they were from the '80's? New Young Pony Club does just that, but with their own
flavor. Its like an 80's flashback but even better. Every single song on here makes me think of another 80's song or artist, but as its counterpart.

"Get Lucky" the first song off this album and the first single, makes you think punk attitude. They even mention an "psycho killer" which makes you think of Talking Heads inspiration. The next song "Hiding on the Staircase" makes me think of The Tom Tom club with its jungle drum like beats and percussion.

"Ice Cream" is a afterthough to Blondie's "Live It Up" off of their Autoamerican album, and glad to be one of the albums singles. Very punk/dance sounding, with a mention to Sid and Nancy. "The Bomb" is another single, catchy and sounds like it could have lept off of Cyndi Lauper's debut album She's So Unusual. The bass is so cool and is the focal point on all songs, esp this one.

"Jerk Me" is another Bow Wow Wow or Bananarama sound alike. I'd like to hear Bananarama sing this one. I don't care too much for the chorus on this song, the rest of the track is good. Percussion is neat and tight sounding on this track.

One of my favs is "The Get Go." It sounds so like its a Smith or R.E.M song. The vocals on this one is neat and reminds me of Amiee Mann during her Til' Tuesday adventures. This should be released as a single. "Talking Talking" is smooth seductive and sounds like Duran Duran during their first labor of love - their self titled debut. A sequel to Nightboat anyone?

"Grey" is definately their own song. I can't really make a comparison to the 80's with this song. The closest I can come up with is possible Icehouse during their 'Primitive Man' album or even Men At Work. I say Men At wor because of the vocals and the harmonies. "F.A.N" screams Human League. I love this song. The guitar sounds very familiar in this. Can anyone tell me why? I can't put my finger on it.

Last and closing the album is "Tight Fit." A familiarity to The Clash, the drum track/percussion sounds like a slowed down Rock the Casbah. A great closing track.

Overrall this album is not really a sound alike competition. Its a band that makes their songs take you back to forgotten and guilty pleasures. I think thats why I love this album so much. Its fun and upbeat.

If you like Talking Heads, Cyndi Lauper, The Clash during 'Combat Rock', The Smiths, early Duran Duran - Please give this a chance. I got this on a whim and is a favorite.

Standout tracks: "The Get Go" "Ice Cream" "The Bomb" and "F.A.N"

What to Start With? Let's start at the Very Beginning! Letter A!

Review: Bryan Adams - Reckless

Back in 1984 a young Canadian blasted though the speakers with a rough and tumble voice. "I got my first real six string, bought it at the five and dime" came through to kids as an encouragement to start your very first band, complete with the arguments as to who played the best air guitar.

My first thought of this album was that it was an uptempo album with only one real slow ballad. Not that that's bad, just a crazy rush from beginning to end. The album starts off with "One Night Love Affair" which has some awsome guitar playing from Adams's side man Keith Scott. Title says it all, affairs are bad and can end up nasty. You loose your heart and head in the relationship and you don't want it to end.

The songs get better with "She's Only Happy when She's Dancin'" complete with hand claps and backing vocals from Lou Gramm (Foreigner) to the Chart Topper singles that follow "Run To You" with a signature guitar lick, "Heaven" the slow ballad with a beautiful piano arrangment provided by Adams himself, "Somebody" a rocker about wanting that person in your life, "Summer of '69" all about following your dreams even with everything changing around you, dont let go and last but not least
"It's Only Love" a duet with Tina Turner, I never get tired of hearing that song.

Some might say its too strong of an album, but for Mr. Adams, no. This is what Canada is about! :) Never mind that this is his 4th album, sold over 5 million copies and a rise to stardom.

For me a must have for your music collection, great album for a car ride and to get you pumped for anything in life. Heck! It just might get you pumped up for your own wedding! Adams sings with sincerity and from the heart. Oh, he did that already with an earlier tune "Straight From The Heart."