Rock retreat in 1986

Press, 24 December 1986, Page 12

Rock retreat in 1986

By

NEVIN TOPP

Having been away for four months, the musical year went by quicker than for most — hence the eight month review.

But the four months were not totally wasted. Managed to get a taste of The Fall and The Woodentops, catch J. J. Cale (but missed John Hammond on the same bill). Also missed Van Morrison, Joan Armatrading, Jackson Browne, and Curtis Mayfield, which was annoying. And don’t complain about ticket prices. Elvis Costello, with the Confederates, or the Attractions (depending on which evening you went) cost SUS3O (about SNZ6O) in New York. The year was marked by a retreat to mediocrity in rock music, although New Zealand music continued to advance, attracting much attention in Britain. Commercially, the advent of FM did nothing — same songs, different modulations, predictable. The two Christchurch FM commercial stations, chasing the same market group, could be called Tweedledum and Tweedledee, although it’s not Alice in Wonderland. Radio U continues to get top marks for all the music that it plays (rock, jazz, blues and classical). It is FM at its best and it is hoped that the reception can be improved next year. Having missed much of the action on the concert circuit, it was left to Dire Straits to make my night. Having touched the hallowed turf of Lancaster Park, it wasn’t the most memorable musical test match. Managed to miss much of the closure of “Radio With Pictures” and /‘Ready To Roll,” so can’t judge the effect. It was good to be able to return and find the shows had started running though. But the dye ran on “True Colours.” Slick Dick Driver seems to have settled down in what is visually a tough job, but let’s hope for a bit more

individuality and less contrivance. In New Zealand music, Flying Nun continued to make its mark. The Chills continue to show exceptional talent — take a listen to “(I Love My) Leather Jacket.” The Jean-Paul Sartre album was top notch (heard it in London!). And Dave Dobbyn has not lost his talent either — and fancy, a spot on “Entertainment This Week” along with the Wizard from Oz. Big events to come. David Byrne’s “True Stories.” The film spawned a “Time” magazine cover story in the United States, so hold your breath for the movie. Also make sure of a trip to the jazz film, "Round Midnight,” if it comes. Marvellous cinema and music.

Boys’ Own Paper award goes to Elvis Costello for his “King Of America” album. I’m not much of a singles man but RunDMC’s “Walk This Way” is not bad, and George Clinton’s “Do Fries Go With That Shake?” is both a good song and a video. Another decent video is “Sledgehammer,” starring Peter Gabriel.

Best albums: Costello, “King Of America” (FBeat); Dexy’s Midnight Runners, “Don’t Stand Me Down" (Mercury); Tom Waits, “Rain Dogs” (Island); Suzanne Vega, “Suzanne Vega” (A and M); Peter Gabriel, “So” (Charisma); Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls, “Gossip” (Mushroom); Talking Heads, "True Stories” (EMI); The Untouchables, “Wild Child” (Stiff); Martin Curtis “Back From The Hills” (Cityfolk); Grace Jones, “Inside Story” (Manhattan). Best N.Z. records: JeanPaul Sartre Experience album, closely followed by The Chills new single, “Leather Jacket.” “Slice of Heaven,” with Dobbyn and Herbs shows just how talented the DD Smash man is. Folk singer, Martin Curtis, is worth a listen.

Soundtracks, live albums: Talking Heads,

“True Stories”’; “John Lennon Live In New York City”; Ry Cooder’s “Alamo Bay” soundtrack. Also El Supremo, himself, Bruce Springsteen, “Live 1975/ 85.” Write offs: Thompson

Twins “Here’s To Future Days”; Icehouse “Measure For Measure”; Patti LaBelle, “Winner In You”; and Paul Hardcastle’s self-titled LP. Also ditched heavily was Neil Young’s “Landing On Water.”