Records

Rip It Up, Issue 93, 1 April 1985, Page 26

Records

Ry Cooder Paris, Texas (Warner Bros) Wim Wenders, director of the haunting film Paris, Texas, said in a recent interview that Ry Cooder had told him he believed his (Cooder's) future lay in film soundtracks and he had virtually given up live performances. A blow to those of us who have been uplifted by the man. Paris. Texas allows Cooder and fellow musicians David Lindley and Jim Dickinson to make aural magic with a mixture of Mexican border music, featuring a vocal by the glorious Harry Dean Stanton, and the mysterious bottleneck sounds which culminate in the majestic version of 'Dark Was The Night', which is associated with the Texas religious singer Blind Willie Johnson. Johnson recorded in the 1920 s and much of his work has entered the blues-rock repertoire. George Thorogood KW and the Destroyers Maverick (EMI America) Purists, being purists, neglect the role of George Thorogood in helping kickstart the stalled blues scene. But the infectious frenzy of that first adrenalin rush was George's peak, and he manages to stay more or less at that point. It’s all flat-out music for the feet, virtuosity out of the question, a party in the promise. Thorogood's

music is for having fun to, and he shows a sense of humour in the choice of the title track, a deadpan version of the theme to James Garner’s classic television series. Various Artists KW The Great British Rock Invasion (RCA) I don't believe it, but someone has put together, tastefully, a triple album of British artists from 1963 though to the 80s. From the effervescent (the Beatles' 'I Want To Hold Your Hand) to the melancholy (Fleetwood Mac’s 'Man of the World), every one of the 52 tracks is a gem. ‘Maggie May', 'Something In the Air’, 'Sultans of Swing; 'Black Night’... all classics. The Yardbirds, Small Faces, the Jam, Hendrix, Boomtown rats, Cream ... "Certainly is the Best Of British, old chap!” SGE Neil Young Greatest Hits (Reprise) This 11-track compilation has been released by Young's old label (his best work, however) to coincide with the touring schedule of the artist. Commercialism aside, it's a fine collection. Of course, it’s fun to programme your possible alternatives, but here we have 'Cinnamon Girl', 'Old Man’, 'Comes A Time', ‘Walk On', 'The Loner', ‘Like A Hurricane’, 'Heart Of Gold', 'Southern Man’, 'Down By The River; 'Southern Pacific' and 'Hey Hey, My My’. The epic Decade collection eclipses Greatest Hits, but this is a commendable introduction. KW Julian Cope World Shut Your Mouth (Mercury) A dull rock record littered with pseudo psychedelic touches that are more wet than whimsical. Cope’s first album since the demise of the overrated Teardrop Explodes and this isn't even a singer looking for a band ... if

Cope's vocals were any more strangled he’d be dead. I hear his latest is called Fried, which possibly relates to the condition of his brain. Anyone who comes up with lines like "If I were France and you were Germany / What an alliance that would be," has gotta have something loose somewhere. SPC The Angels TVvo Minute Warning (Mushroom) Jimmy Barnes’ move to the Mushroom label signalled for him a new lease of life but unfortunately the same can’t be said for rock veteran the Angels. At their best (No Exit, Face To Face) the Angels competed with Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil for the Australian rock ‘n’ roll crown. Night Attack and Watch the Red, the last two albums, were mediocre by comparison and Two Minute Warning does nothing to arrest the decline. The problem is that it merely repeats the old riffs we have all come to know. How can you resurrect 'Marseilles? 'Babylon; which borrows heavily from the past, is the best track, but the lasting impression is that the band have seen better days. DP Triumph, Thunder Seven (MCA) It's about time this band received a larger slice of the metal consumer attention in Enzed that the quality of their last half dozen albums warrants. There are few bands this consistent class operating in the heavy metal arena. 'Thunder Seven’ easily maintains the exhilirating blend of instrumental virtuosity, melody and power that has become this band’s trademark. Fans of Rush and Led Zeppelin should find instant satisfaction here for starters, though anyone remotely interested in heavy metal should check it out pronto. CC