MOR songs for sale

Press, 10 February 1983, Page 14

MOR songs for sale

VIC GODARD and the SUBWAY SECT "Songs For Sale" (Ritygram LP8549): CHINA CRISIS “Difficult Shapes and Passive Rhvthms (RTC V 2343); DIONNE WARWICKE “20 Goiden Hits" (Music World EMSIO99) Here are three records, newly released. One is Middle Of the Road without the songs; and another is MOR with the songs; the third is MOR with THE songs. But first . . . Vic Godard was a punk. The original Subway Sect wtre four angry youths, now Vic is the Dean Martin of the 19305. What happened? He derided that rock ’n’ roll was not for him. Punk was good because it was “against rock,” or so he says now. Whatever, Vic Godard does not like any music after 1955, except, presumably, his own. His last album, “What’s The Matter Boy” indicated tbc drift. The Subway sect produced a classic punk single, "Ambition,” but the fire melted into sidewalkcaffe stuff like “Split Up The Maney” and “Make Me Sad,” from that fine album. Find it if you can. These days, the (second) Sect back Vic on his cocktailpiano frolics. His nibs croons hist way through 13 bright, breezy songs, and they are the crux of the matter.

"Songs For Sale” is an apt title, they are beautiful little numbers. Almost craftsmanship this time, Vic. Just to show his “roots,” he throws in Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale,” but there are many fine compositions of his own. More favourites are emerging the more I listen. So far, “No Style” is winner, owing to a delightful chorus. He really can sing. Be patient, eventually you will be grateful for this album.

The backing comprises brushed drums, piano, and gentle guitar. The light touch has been successfully achieved. No doubt hundreds of crooners have made better albums than this, but the transformation is the reason for my attention to this record. Suggested headline — “Punk Makes Perfect Dinner Album.”

“Songs For Sale” is MOR with the songs.

After several listens to a fine 45 called “African and White,” I awaited the China Crisis album with due optimism. However, I shall write it off within the next few sentences.

That single is mercifully included, the One Good Track. Try and get your play record button around it soon. But “Difficult Shapes” has no substance otherwise. The

music is tailor-made for a futurist supermarket.

China Crisis are one of the feared “new Liverpool group” breed, but I would guess that they may not get much further if they make more listless records like this. If RTC really believes this to be the second “NewGold Dream,” as someone from the company reportedly said, well, I don’t knowhow to tell them. As Vic Godard sang, "no style.” Or perhaps, synthesiser style, but nothing else. Search for “African and White” among the import singles. “Difficult Shapes and Passive Rhythms” is MOR without the songs. The Dionne W'arwicke album is another package of her great colloborations with Burt Bacharach and Hal David. As the title says,2o golden hits. “Walk On- By,” “You’ll Never Get To Heaven,” and so on at 56.99, it is a better buy than Vic Godard and China Crisis combinded.

When the songs are that good, it is easy to join the nostalgia trend. Scanning the album racks, I can’t see anything to look forward to just yet. “20 Golden Hits” is MOR with THE songs. DAVID SWIFT.