I got something today that was good enough to exorcise the 10CC collection
from my CD player: Heartache Avenue-The Very Best Of The Maisonettes, on
Cherry Red Records.

I know there are a few Maisonettes fans among Auditeers, but for those of
you who haven't heard of them, a little background: The Maisonettes were
from the UK, and featured ex-City Boy songwriter and vocalist Lol Mason
(Maisonettes was derived from Mason's name).  They released a handful of
singles and an album in the early 80s, and the single "Heartache Avenue"
reached #7 on the British charts.

The CD contains pretty much everything the band recorded, including the
Maisonettes For Sale album (which is one of my favorites of all time) and
the a and b sides that weren't on the album.  Their sound is difficult to
describe by using reference points.  Many of the tunes are really catchy,
lively pop spiked by female background vocals not unlike those in The
Pursuit Of Happiness songs.  Some of the songs have a real dark side,
though, but the melodies are unfailingly striking and often heart-tugging.
Songs like "Where I Stand", "Nightmares", "This Affair", and "Sticks And
Stones" are among the most timeless ever, IMHO.

This is the first Maisonettes collection that has the band's entire output.
I can't recommend it enough.

Let's hear from other Maisonettes fans out there!

I just realized: my last two posts were about bands with lead singers named
Lol!  All I can say is "LOL"!
--
Pop Rules!!!!!
Take Care,
David