SINGLES BAR

Rip It Up, Issue 120, 1 July 1987, Page 31

SINGLES BAR

Terence Trent D’Arby ‘lf You Let Me Stay’ ' (CBS 7" & 12”) I’'m-a sucker for any song with a spoken intro and this is no exception, and combined with the 60s organ break and James Brown exclamations I'm sold on this one. A real hip-shaker from the angelic looking Mr DArby. The Cult : ; ‘Lil’ Devil’ (Virgin 12”) No mercy shown on this rocker. In the fine tradition of AC/DC, the Cult let the backbeat do the talking. Plus there’s a live verson of ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ and the nonRubin production ‘of ‘Zap City, which just proves how Mr Rick made the Cult def. Ruby Turner ‘'d Rather Go Blind’ (Festival 12”) My fave from the album, and one of the better interpretations of Etta James’ great soul ballad. Intense enough that you believe what she says. Also, a nice shot at Smokey’s ‘Oooh Baby Baby! Paul Johnson ‘When Love Comes Calling’ (CBS 127) Another British soul boy, not as immediate as T T DArby but

perhaps a little deeper. His roots lie in gospel and the London Community Choir, and the sweetness of his voice comes from this training. But this song has more to do with bedrooms than the insides of churches, though | don't think that will put you off. Diana Ross

‘Dirty Looks’' (EMI 7” & 12") It's amazing how younger Miss Ross gets with every album cover. Pity the song isn't up to much: a touch of heavy breathing and a remixed bassline do not automatically spell “hit record.” But check out the album for her version of ‘Mr Lee, real good. ‘ Hot Chocolate ‘Every One’s a Winner’

(EMI 127) Yes, I'm a big fan, but | hope they don't remix every one of their old records, they stand as great soul just as they are. But of course this one is a groove just like ‘Sexy Thing’ ; Miki Howard ‘imagination’ (WEA 7”) In the mould of Whitney and Anita, a lovely ballad that should find someone’s G-spot. I've taken a liking to her debut aloum Come Share My Love, well worth a listen. Chris Isaak ‘You Owe Me Some Kind of Love’ (WEA 7”)

Former male model makes a great psychotic record, simmering with hatred and arrogance.

Sounds neat on a jukebox and puts you in a great mood for the day. One of my favourites. The Stems

‘At First Sight’ (Festival 7”) Strangely described as power pop, but it sounds as if your radio batteries are running down. One of thse dirgey guitar things that Australians seem to specialise in. Hey fellas: next stop Haight-Ashbury! Prince ! ‘lf 1 Was Your Girlfriend’

(Paisley Park 7”) Now this is real power pop, a great bit of princely perversity about sexual roles and being in luv. This sort of slinks around and messes with your mind and body. The B-side has this rhythm thang called ‘Shockadelica’ that really cuts it up. :

Kerry Buchanan