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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | "Billy G. Spradlin" <bgspradlin@cablelynx.com> |
| Subject | Re: SMITHEREENS |
| Date | Wed, 09 Feb 2005 20:43:13 -0600 |
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I remember being at a record store in 1986 and picking up the cassette of
"Especally For You", needed to buy something new. I had seen "Behind The Wall
Of Sleep" on MTV and thought the LP might be good. I about wore out the tape
that winter, then bought on LP, then the original Engima CD and then the
Capitol reissue CD with the extra bonus track.
"Especally" is a true landmark LP in Power Pop, for its no compromise attitude
and production. Except for the Raspberries and Cheap Trick most Power Pop
bands
were pretty timid when it came to recording loud in the studio. Guitars were
turned down and vocals cranked up (think "In Color"). Thats why a lot of
younger listeners think most 70's bands sound "wimpy".
The Reens and producer Don Dixon had the foresight and balls to really crank
the guitars and play as hard as they can. The College-AOR success of
"Especally" freed Power Pop from the Knack-ish "Skinny Tie" reputation it had
in the early 80's. Any band that plays loud Power Pop should tip thier
ballcaps
to these guys.
Billy G. Spradlin
http://listen.to/jangleradio
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