Smart art-glam suggestions?

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skyhooks! no, really. the first two records.

mullygrubber (gaz), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:33 (twenty years ago) link

mullygrubber (gaz), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:37 (twenty years ago) link

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDMISS70403052131590759&sql=Barkxikl6bb69


everyone needs some rockets albums too. they rule. if you like electroboogiespacediscorock from france that is. and they were glam cuz they dressed like silver spacemen and they were arty cuz they were french. the first album is classic.

scott seward (scott seward), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:38 (twenty years ago) link

Plasteroid is a great rockets album too.

scott seward (scott seward), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:40 (twenty years ago) link

Dan, this is slightly off-topic but if you ever see the 1978 album by failed-bubblegummers Rosetta Stone for a dollar, pick it up. They do a great electro-glam version of "Sunshine Of Your Love" that is a cross between Moroder and the Bay City Rollers.

scott seward (scott seward), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:42 (twenty years ago) link

That Skyhooks record cover is AMAZING!! Looks like graphics from a King's Quest game gone horribly Queen's Quest. Will be hunting that one down asap.

Dr. Annabel Lies (Michael Kelly), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:43 (twenty years ago) link

I like that cover because it's all about glam's immediate 'yes OF COURSE we're stars, duh' fix.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:44 (twenty years ago) link

If any band sounds like what that cover looks like they'd be my immediate favorite. Closest I can imagine is the Devo Hardcore Vol 1 cd.

Dr. Annabel Lies (Michael Kelly), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:49 (twenty years ago) link

I second udu's early Split Enz suggestion. If nothing else, check out "Sweet Dreams" from the Second Thoughts album. It's got a really cool bridge with the squealing saxophone and Eno-esque (Manzanera's) production you're after. It's a great pop song as well and kicks ass in its own right.

Marcus Barr (Marcus Barr), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:50 (twenty years ago) link

I do have the Debris CD, but never really got into it. I grouped them in my mind with other american proto-punk bands, I wrote something about Oneida once and referenced bands from the 70s that were too late for garage/psych-rock and too early for punk, not that all these fit that, but there's a certain aesthetic: MX-80, Pere Ubu, Chrome, Simply Saucer, Debris, Twinkeyz, but that's another thread. I loved the letter included in the Debris CD, for those who haven't seen this, they sent their demo to EG, as they were big Eno/Roxy fans I suppose, and someone at EG responded that their music was utterly terrible, but they should get in touch with MX-80, as they may be likeminded enough!

I have a Split Enz record that I like, got it on a nostalgic fit, they had 2 videos that were all over MTV in the early days, one was One Step Ahead or whatever. The song I like off the album I have is "History, Never Repeats"

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:52 (twenty years ago) link

mullygrubber (gaz), Saturday, 6 March 2004 02:56 (twenty years ago) link

Is Bauhaus too obvious here?

anode (anode), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:03 (twenty years ago) link

I never got into Bauhaus, primarily for social/political reasons(OK, my sister liked them.) But what I've heard is a little to arty/arch...just not quite rocking. I like the power chords and electric piano of Roxy/Hammil etc. Suggest the Bauhaus record I should like and I'll check it out.

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:13 (twenty years ago) link

Dan do you like the Van der Graaf Generator stuff at all? I think the first album is great! Shorter songs, not all progged out. Some very green but beautiful singing from Hamill on that. "Afterwards" and "Running Back" just kill me.

Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:18 (twenty years ago) link

haven't ever listened to VdGG, but my recent obssion w/ Nadir has piqued my interest. Thanks for the recommendations.

Slightly off-topic, I just limewired Stereolab's version of Eno's St. Elmo's fire, don't know where or when that's from, but it's pretty cool...

Even more off-topic, anyone else think Stereolab's Speedy Car is a bit of a Soft Machine cop? Maybe it's just the horns...

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:22 (twenty years ago) link

But what I've heard is a little to arty/arch...just not quite rocking.

Dan, check out the following Bauhaus tracks: "Dark Entries", "Lagartija Nick" and "Telegram Sam" (yes, a T.Rex cover). They were quite capable of full out rocking, from time to time.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:23 (twenty years ago) link

("St. Elmo's Fire" is from that one Stereolab/UI EP under then name Uilab. Yup, pleasant cover.)

donut bitch (donut), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:25 (twenty years ago) link

AMG makes doctors of madness sound like the great lost band of the 70's. i had no idea. and the reviews on there are truly hyperbolic. that dude is a big fan.

I wouldn't go nearly that far. One of the idiosyncracies of the Doctors of Madness story was a TV special that ran on them in the States. It was an orphaned affair, presented as a kind of documentary, and it preceded any domestic album release. It was diverting but didn't light any buzz on the band.

The first domestic release I saw and bought was a double album. It had moments but wasn't particularly better than any middle-tier arty Brit hard rock act of the time.

Something to look out for in the bargain bins was the David Werner solo. It was very glammy.

And Cockney Rebel's "The Psychomodo" really fit the art glam bill, too.

Also see Audience's "House on the Hill."

George Smith, Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:30 (twenty years ago) link

Don't forget Bauhaus's cover of Third Uncle by Eno. Destructive.

Can't believe you're not feeling Debris'. Put it on again after listening to Roxy's debut.

Second "Psychomodo".

Dr. Annabel Lies (Michael Kelly), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:31 (twenty years ago) link

"I have a Split Enz record that I like, got it on a nostalgic fit, they had 2 videos that were all over MTV in the early days, one was One Step Ahead or whatever. The song I like off the album I have is "History, Never Repeats"

Oh, then check out the early Enz of Mental Notes and Second Thoughts when Phil Judd was the main writer. There's a strong prog and glam influence in the earlier works you would appreciate. The music is very arty, but most of the songs are fairly short and rock quite a bit. Neil Finn learned how to write from his exposure to Judd in the early days, but never did it as well. "History Never Repeats" partly steals from Judd's "Bergen Aan Zee"--an unreleased demo that the Enz would sometimes perform live in the late 70s.

Alistair Riddel's Space Waltz might be worth checking out as well. Riddel was New Zealand's answer to Bowie, T. Rex, etc. The sole Space Waltz album features keyboardist Eddie Rayner and orginal drummer Emlyn Crowther from the Split Enz. I've only heard "Out in the Street," which is quite good. I am dying to hear the rest.

Marcus Barr (Marcus Barr), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:36 (twenty years ago) link

I guess Deaf School deserves mention? I have a doulbe LP, I think it's the first 2 LPs and it's spotty, however I am a big fan of Clive Langer's solo stuff. His LP is pretty cool and he did a really fantastic EP on Radar called I Want the Whole World. It's not glam or art-rock, not really pub-rock or power-pop, not really New Wave or punk. I guess it's a Rock and Roll record, and a damn fine one at that.

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:37 (twenty years ago) link

Best "rocking" Bauhaus album is In The Flat Field (preferrably with the bonus tracks.)

anode (anode), Saturday, 6 March 2004 03:47 (twenty years ago) link

oh my god, someone beat me to mentioning space waltz! wow!

dan you should check out sparks.

The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Saturday, 6 March 2004 07:06 (twenty years ago) link

God, everything I could possibly have come up with has already been mentioned. All I'm left with is Sailor. But they were more pop cabaret than art glam, I think.

Dan, have you heard Marizane? They're the best Ziggy-era Bowie rip off I've ever heard. They have their own mythology and everything, and their record is gorgeous. Tony Visconti produced a few of the songs. They're from the Valley, but they sure don't sound it.

Arthur (Arthur), Saturday, 6 March 2004 07:26 (twenty years ago) link

I already mentioned I gots tons of sparks!

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 6 March 2004 07:51 (twenty years ago) link

i didn't see that. my skimreading ain't so hot.

The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Saturday, 6 March 2004 07:54 (twenty years ago) link

that's ok, Di. We still love you.

Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 6 March 2004 08:02 (twenty years ago) link

Even if some of us are very slow emailers...

Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 6 March 2004 08:02 (twenty years ago) link

thanks and not to worry mr d!

The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Saturday, 6 March 2004 08:27 (twenty years ago) link

Also check out the AMG review of the self-titled album by Metro, from 1977. They sound like the other great lost band from the 70s.

Jeff Strell (jeff_s), Saturday, 6 March 2004 13:32 (twenty years ago) link

The debut by Metro is pretty darn good. And it is arty. not really all that glammy though.

scott seward (scott seward), Saturday, 6 March 2004 15:02 (twenty years ago) link

What various folks said about Bauhaus up above -- they damn well do rock, thank you.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 6 March 2004 16:44 (twenty years ago) link

Does Glam Live?

Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Saturday, 6 March 2004 16:58 (twenty years ago) link

Mick Ronson's two solo albums are worth checking out.

Fragrant Vagrant, Saturday, 6 March 2004 17:03 (twenty years ago) link

I second that, especially Slaughter on 10th Ave. He actually had one later solo album that's to be avoided.

There are two great glam-sounding tracks on John Kongos' album "Kongos" that you might like: He's Gonna Step on You Again and (ugh, I can't remember the name, but it's first song/first side). The rest of the record sounds very different, though.

dlp9001, Saturday, 6 March 2004 17:25 (twenty years ago) link

He's Gonna Step on You Again

Covered by some chancers two decades later...I forget their name.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 6 March 2004 18:51 (twenty years ago) link

That's weird that that's all you listen to. I imagine that you're lying. But why try to look for Eno AGAIN? He only exists once.

Also, check out Pink's "My Vietnam" - AMAZING!!!

Heimlich "Maneuver" Fassbinder Heimlich "Maneuver" Fassbinder, Sunday, 7 March 2004 04:42 (twenty years ago) link

Oh, I forgot--Celebrity Skin, the band. They were arty in a Sparks meets early Alice Cooper meets mid-Sixties Who sort of way. Perhaps a bit too trashy and American for what you had in mind, but oh how I loved them back in the late 80s.

Arthur (Arthur), Sunday, 7 March 2004 06:16 (twenty years ago) link

Haha! Arthur I was just wearing the shirt I have from them yesterday. Saw them open for the Dickies back in 1991, they were utterly ridiculous in a good way, Don Bolles was dressed as Kaiser Wilhelm or something.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 7 March 2004 22:18 (twenty years ago) link

two weeks pass...
I'll throw out the name Hollywood Brats. Ironically enough they're from Finland or something. Very cool stuff. They're like Europe's answer to NY Dolls. Some Bowie, Mott the Hoople influence in their sound as well. Probably not as "artsy" as you would like, but it's great trashy rock n' roll. Worth Checking out if you can find it.

Ben St. Jacques, Monday, 22 March 2004 22:06 (twenty years ago) link

crazy question but is this the Ben St. Jacques from West Orange NJ?

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Monday, 22 March 2004 23:30 (twenty years ago) link

Hey Dan,

It sure as heck is Ben St. Jacques from West Orange, NJ. Your name came up in conversation with some other West Orange-ites, recently. So I googled your name and found this thread. I figured if it was you, then you would respond, which you did. How's it going?

Ben

Ben St. Jacques, Tuesday, 23 March 2004 14:48 (twenty years ago) link

Amon Duul II's Viva la Trance? (Haven't heard it in a while.)

Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 6 April 2004 06:28 (twenty years ago) link

i can't believe no one's mentioned SPARKS yet!!! they are the epitome of smart-glam (at least halfnelson/sparks, woofer in tweeter's clothing, and kimono my house)....it just doesn't get better than "amateur hour" or "nothing's sacred" for me...
i can't imagine you're not familiar with this though, perhaps it's not your cup of meat.

naturemorte, Tuesday, 6 April 2004 08:18 (twenty years ago) link

My stereotypical recommendation: Simple Minds Reel To Real Cacophony, specifically for "Premonition", "Changeling" and "Calling Your Name".

Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Wednesday, 7 April 2004 00:12 (twenty years ago) link

Naturemorte, Sparks was indeed mentioned a few times. Use your find function. ;-)

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 7 April 2004 00:20 (twenty years ago) link

i can't believe no one's mentioned SPARKS yet!!!

xpost, but did you READ the thread?

stockholm cindy (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 7 April 2004 00:24 (twenty years ago) link

you know who I like?


sparks.

just teasing, yes definately and I'd say much of the new wave material fits this as well, I could(and may...) devote a thread to big synth smart arty new wave, just to toss out some stuff:

Angst era Sparks, Cowboys International, Devo, Europeans(c'mon, who's got that single, I can't be the only one who likes it) The Cars, Magazine, more Ultravox, Alice Coopers' Clones etc

Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Wednesday, 7 April 2004 00:48 (twenty years ago) link

As it is, I'm seeing Sparks this Saturday anyway, so rah!

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 7 April 2004 00:51 (twenty years ago) link

...which might not be what you're looking for, but it is fucking great

o shit the sheriff (NickB), Wednesday, 9 November 2022 23:49 (one year ago) link

PXR5 is a good album!

Be Bop Deluxe have been mentioned but Bill Nelson's Red Noise - Sound-On-Sound might fit here? I love that album.

even the birds in the trees seemed to whisper "get fucked" (bovarism), Wednesday, 9 November 2022 23:54 (one year ago) link

Great thread. Dave Brock's solo lp 'Earthed to the Ground' from 1984:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EvGc61PUlo

I wish this track went on for a whole side:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT2ZkUS4gio

nerve_pylon, Wednesday, 9 November 2022 23:57 (one year ago) link

and scott metioned the hawklords album at the start of the thread but this song in particular is well worth checking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuSE9vFlyMQ
Hawklords - 25 Years

o shit the sheriff (NickB), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:07 (one year ago) link

that whole album is worth checking out

I was at a gig last Friday, never heard the headline band before and I said to my friend, I liked the last song when it went all Hawkwind at the end. he just looked at me blankly. not sure if that was because he didn't know who Hawkwind were or if they actually didn't sound like Hawkwind at the end at all

even the birds in the trees seemed to whisper "get fucked" (bovarism), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:12 (one year ago) link

oh! very relevant to this thread, Deaf School are playing in Brighton on Friday

even the birds in the trees seemed to whisper "get fucked" (bovarism), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:13 (one year ago) link

sorry actually next Friday

even the birds in the trees seemed to whisper "get fucked" (bovarism), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:13 (one year ago) link

dont really know much about deaf school other than the fact that clive langer was in them

o shit the sheriff (NickB), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:20 (one year ago) link

no idea who's in them now, but their first 2 albums are both good and in this area

even the birds in the trees seemed to whisper "get fucked" (bovarism), Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:21 (one year ago) link

I love Langer, esp his ep and love Deaf School, kind of musical theater Roxy Music with a cast of characters. Was talking somewhere about this whole genre on one of the DIY poll threads. The Yachts. Sailor. Metro. Some good bands and songs but kinda fell through the cracks and wiped away by punk and new wave, though some members reinvented themselves there of course.

dan selzer, Thursday, 10 November 2022 00:43 (one year ago) link

very tangentially related self-promo...was on The Lot radio a few weeks back with nothing but late 70s/early 80s 7"s and while it's mostly post-punk/punk type stuff there's some arty power pop and stuff that crosses over with this thread in there as well. Worth a listen in any case. https://soundcloud.com/thelotradio/superimpositions-special-guest-dan-selzer-the-lot-radio-10-24-2022

dan selzer, Thursday, 10 November 2022 17:54 (one year ago) link

Boy does "25 Years" sound like an early Ultravox! ripoff. But then John Foxx was deeply influenced by Hawkwind so chicken-egg-etc.

Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 10 November 2022 19:30 (one year ago) link


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