Author: Monocled Alchemist
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A-Side: All Around The WorldB-Side: Carnaby Street Record label: Polydor Records 2058 903 Producer: Vic Smith & Chris Parry Released: 08/07/77Purchased: 24/01/81 The Jam “All Around The World” – If one song crystallised the confusion surrounding the idea of a cohesive…
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Aztec Camera’s debut single “Just Like Gold,” released on April 17, 1981, showcases sixteen-year-old Roddy Frame’s mature songwriting. The track features a folksy sound with shimmering acoustics, although its arrangement is somewhat lacking. The B-side, “We Could Send Letters,” falls…
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The Jam’s 1979 single “Strange Town” reveals Paul Weller’s fascination with London’s alienation and anonymity. Set against a Northern Soul beat, it reflects his experiences while touring. The B-side, “The Butterfly Collector,” critiques rock groupies, showcasing Weller’s contemplative songwriting. Both…
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The compilation “The Original Singles 1965-1967” by The Byrds features their first eight singles, showcasing their influence on folk-rock. Lauded for hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, it highlights their evolution in sound and serves as a…
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The Jam’s single “Going Underground,” released on March 14, 1980, features the experimental track “The Dreams Of Children” as a B-side. This work reflects Paul Weller’s influences from British psychedelia, incorporating innovative techniques like backwards vocals. The release also included…
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Blondie’s album “Eat To The Beat,” produced by Mike Chapman and released in 1979, garnered mixed reviews. Critics acknowledged its catchy singles like “Dreaming” but criticized the album for mediocrity and inconsistency. While some tracks demonstrated the band’s pop prowess,…
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The Jam’s “Eton Rifles,” released in 1979, critiques British traditions and institutions, offering a stark perspective on themes like nationalism and class. The track stands out for its strong, direct tone, contrasting with softer approaches in prior works. This single…
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The Jam’s single “David Watts,” released in 1978, showcases their energetic style against the backdrop of a hurried second album. The song, a cover of a Kinks classic, reflects on an idealized character, while the flip side, “A Bomb In…
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The Barracudas’ album “Mean Time,” recorded in 1982 and released in 1983, features original songs and a cover of “I Ain’t No Miracle Worker.” With contributions from band members and producer Peter Gage, it blends rock with elements of psychedelia.…
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“Nowhere Girl” and its B-side “Scare Some Life Into Me” by B-Movie, released in March 1982, showcase a polished, confident sound compared to their earlier work. Critics noted its catchy production but varied in opinion, praising its pop elements while…
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‘The Gift’ by The Jam grapples with political disillusionment and artistic uncertainty. While it attempts to provoke through tracks like “Town Called Malice,” it struggles with cohesion and depth, often resorting to simplistic themes. Paul Weller’s quest for optimism amidst…
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Stiff Little Fingers’ 1982 EP, released by Chrysalis Records, faces criticism for poor sound quality despite its appealing price. While ‘That’s When Your Blood Bumps’ shows promise, the additional ballads detract from its overall quality. Critics note a decline in…
