Valentinos and ‘Boodle’

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 18

Valentinos and ‘Boodle’

THE VALENTINOS “Mad Mary” EP (RTC Vile 1). The Valentinos didn’t seem to be having much luck until the release of “Mad Mary,” their first record. But, according to singer Paul Robinson, it has started to sell, and interest is increasing in the band. It was recorded at’Harlequin Studios in Auckland, and the sounds that have, been extracted can sometimes be compared to another recent Harlequin twelve-inch product. the Screaming Mee

Mees’ "See Me Go.” On the title track, there is sufficient fire in the guitar to keep it from being a bit timid, production-wise. I am sure that it would be worth hearing “Mad Mary” live, however. On the flip side, “Looking At You," despite its rather weak chorus lyrics, is an indication of what can happen when the band starts on a better song. Robinson is a good singer, no matter what musicians he's in front of. "Don’t Let Go" continues the "good-without-being-out-

standing” trend. The Valentinos say that this is getting played on Auckland radio. Will * they have that sort of luck here? Consider the track record of other recent local releases. One other point — is that the Wellington entertainer, Carmen, on the picture cover? THE CLEAN “Boodle, Boodle, Boodle” EP (Flying Nun 003). Let me point this thing at you — it’s the second record by The Clean. This five-track

EP that seems destined to go even higher in the charts than the debut, "Tally Ho." Destined, because it’s probably the best single EP by a New Zealand act so far this year.and there’s not long before that award expires. “Boodle” is cheaply produced, or. it sounds cheaply produced. The Clean obviously didn't spend as much time and effort as The Valentinos in the studio, but the result is better. That’s because of that old variable, "feel." This is technically far less superior than the other EP reviewed today, but it sure has a greater effect on the blood pressure. Best of all, it sounds like The Clean live. I doubted if their so-called epic, “Point That Thing Somewhere Else" (or “Don’t Point That thing At Me” — it apparently depends what mood they’re in), could ever be reproduced satisfactorily, but it has been. Five minutes of controlled guitar noise and dead-steady drumming. Bliss! “Billy Two" and "Thumbs Off" are the other two highlights. On the former, a frantically strummed acoustic guitar blisters through the chorus, which is a ■stunner in itself. OK. there may have been doubts about "Tally Ho." but this is the real thing. Buy it. — David Swift