SINGLES BAR

Rip It Up, Issue 133, 1 August 1988, Page 38

SINGLES BAR

by

Kerry Buchanan

Brian Setzer ‘When the Sky Comes Tumbling Down’ (EMI) Sure it’s middle of the road and perfect AOR radio fodder, but who cares, it sounds good to me. Perhaps the most commercial track from the album, which features more rootsy stuff. Good to see Setzer has kept those Bob Roberts tattoos intact. One good artist deserves another. Hothouse Flowers ‘Don’t Go’ (London 12”) Sounds like Van Morrison before he entered the mystic. Another rock song with utmost class, and a refreshing sense of the past used to great effect. . Derek B ‘We’ve Got the Juice’ (Polygram 7” & 12” import) “Like a 852 we're gonna drop on you,” sez Mr B on a remix of ‘Powermove’ on the flipside of this dangerous single. Perhaps the perfect “single” maker in hip hop, pop music with that edge. This is a remix — with JB sampled from Live at the Apollo—and eats the one on the album. Hot wax. Jam this Record ‘Jam this Record’ (Festival 1 2” & tape) Not so hot, which is a shame. From the same style school that brought you ‘Pump Up the Volume7‘Beat Dis', which cuts up Indeep's ‘A DJ Saved My Life' and what sounds like a Def Jam promo video, plus a few other bits and pieces. It’s not bad in the rhythm department, but tends to get stuck in a groove too early on.

Patti Smith ’ ‘People Have the Power’ (Arista 7” & 12”) Horses this ain’t. This seems to be the new Patti Smith, mellowed with time and lyrics out of an old Values Party campaign. The earth did not move. Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson ‘Get it Girl’ (Motown 7” & 12”) In showbiz there is a dictum: “when in doubt, do a duet.’ So the boys got together and created something completely forgettable. Unlike, say, Stevie’s duet with, Julio Iglesias, which was at least frightening. Taken from the Characters album, not exactly vintage Wonder. Aswad ‘Give a Little Love’ (Festival 7” & 12”) Another lovers rock number, but lacking the feel of ‘Don’t Turn Around,’ one of the singles of the year for sure. But as always, the beat takes you away for a fun time and you end up singing the thing. Check out the hip hop mix of the dub on the flip, good stuff. Ardijah ‘Watchin’ U’ (WEA7”) Not on the album and essential listening. New. Zealander’s aren’t well known for their ability to create perfect pop, but this is close to perfection. Just love the melody. Flip it over for a party down version of Stargard’s ‘Which Way is Up.’ The Cookie Crew ‘Females’ (Rhythm King 7” & 12”) The vocal group from Rok Da House with a very funky feminist essay. The rap is a bit shrill, but the beats hold together in usual London good groove style. Like the Godfather mix on side two. As with Derek B, hip hop with a pop sensibility.

Kerry Buchanan