Let’s dance

Press, 26 July 1984, Page 14

Let’s dance

NONA HENDRYX “The Art Of Defense” (RCA-Vic-tor APLI 4999). Album No. 2 from Nona Hendryx, also co-produced by the übiquitous Material — better known as Bill Laswell and Michael Beinhorn. (In the next few weeks you are going to hear a lot more of Laswell, who has gone on his own, because he has composed the music for the Olympic track events). Hendryx is already an acclaimed singer, having worked with Talking Heads, among other artists, and her first album, “Nona,” was given good reviews. “The Art Of Defense” switches from a synthesizer base to a more direct guitar and driving percussion sound, making it a real dance album. The album’s opening song, “I Sweat (Going Through The Motions),” shows this guitar and percussive effect immediately, a track that is obviously designed for dance exercise classes. It is also the theme of the album, covering up or defending oneself against the world; The side two opening and closing songs, “The Life” and “I Want You,” go for a similar funky style, but the stealer is “Soft Targets,” a neat, soulful ballad, which shows that if more of this style had been done, it

would have lifted the album up. What is disappointing is that the album did not have any sleeve notes to say who played what It is known that Laswell played bass, but other than that who is on the disc is anyone’s guess. TONI BASIL “Toni Basil” (Powderworks P0W6068). Toni Basil, a choreographer, who worked with people like David Bowie, Linda Ronstadt, and Bette Midler, came into contention as a singer when the single, “Mickey,” made it into the charts. Naturally, the video hinged on dancing, but since Radialchoice Records gave her the go ahead in 1980 for “Mickey” and the album, “Word Of Mouth” she has been quiet. Personally, I find nothing as catchy as “Mickey,” on the new album. “Space Walkin’ The Dog” is interesting because of its reggae-tinged style. But “Beat Street” and “Best Performance,” two dance numbers, are not as interesting to listen to. Obviously, the songs are designed for visual rather than aural appeal, and this shows up in the record. It is the case for another video album. — NEVIN TOPP.