The 70's was (in it's way) quite a diverse decade in music. hard rock came into fashion with groups such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and AC/DC. Classic rock hit huge with Boston, Styx and Fleetwood Mac. Punk, glam rock, country, disco, pop, adult contemporary and singer-songwriters all soared to the top of the charts in the 70's.
This series focuses on the (somewhat) guilty pleasures of the 1970's. I say "somewhat" because each person's idea of a "guilty pleasure" is different.
Chart Positions: U.S. #1, UK #1, Canada #1, Holland #1, France #1, Germany #1, Austria #1, Australia #1, Switzerland #2, South Africa #2
Certifications: U.S. - Gold
Sales:Worldwide 11 million
Trivia:"Kung Fu Fighting" was originally recorded to be a b-side to "I Want to Give You My Everything". They spent two hours recording the a-side and only ten minutes on the b-side. When both songs were played for the executives at Pye Records, it was suggested that Kung Fu Fighting should be released as the a-side.
Record Label: Midland International (distributed by RCA)
Chart Positions: U.S. #11, Canada
#1, France #4, Italy #8, New Zealand #6, Spain #2
Sales: Worldwide 2 million
Trivia: "Doctor's Orders" was produced by Meco, the American producer/musician who is best known for his 1977 space disco version of the Star Wars Theme. Although due to contractual complication Midland International VicePresident, Ed O'Loughlin is credited as the song's producer.
Chart Positions: Germany #1, UK 33, South Africa #3, U.S. #17
Sales:Worldwide 1 million
Trivia:"Jeans On" originally appeared as a television advertising jingle for Brutus Jeans
(the words used in the jingle - "I pull my Brutus jeans on" - were
replaced with "I pull my old blue jeans on" for the single release).
Trivia:"Popsicle Toes" is one of the greatest innuendo songs ever recorded. The song was recorded with some of the finest jazz musicians of the 70's (and of all-time). Including Wilton Felder on bass, Larry Carlton on guitar and Joe Sample on keyboards.
Trivia:The "backup
group" Martin used for "King Tut" was credited as The Toot Uncommons
(Tutankhamen), but was really The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The NGDB is best remembered for their hits "Mr. Bojangles" (1970), "An American Dream" (1979) and "Make A Little Magic (1980).
Trivia:To date Meco's "Star Wars/Cantina Band" is the biggest selling instrumental single in the history of recorded music. It is the only single to be certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of more than two million copies.
The Poppy Family - Which Way You Goin' Billy? (1970)
Trivia:The Poppy Family was a duo comprised of Terry and Susan Jacks (a husband and wife duo).Terry and Susan divorced in 1973 and a few months later Terry released his first solo single "Seasons In The Sun" which reached #1 in the U.S., UK and Canada and has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
Trivia:Meri Wilson earned a masters degree in music theory from Georgia State University. for a short while she worked as a model before becoming a singer specializing in double entendre novelty songs. In the 1990's she worked as the director of elementary education in Georgia. She also recorded other novelty songs including "Dick the DJ", "Peter The Meter Reader" and her last release in 2001"The Internet Man" (an update of "Telephone Man". Sadly, Meri Wilson died on December 28, 2002 in a car accident on Georgia State Route 377.
Some of the albums in this post have already been featured in other posts on this blog. This is from a document I recently found on my previous computer (Sony Vaio). I transferred the doc to my current computer and decided to use it on this blog. I wrote this about 2 years ago for an old facebook page but never put it up. This is a recollection of my memories of these albums. This is more personal instead of fact filled.
Adrian Belew - Lone Rhino (1982) - (Yep, I know I just did a comprehensive review of Belew's music on this blog... but what can I say).I first recognized
Adrian Belew in 1981 on Tom Tom Club’s classic debut album. I was mesmerized
with Belew trippy guitar work on song such as “L’Elephant”, “On, On, On, On”
and of course “Genius Of Love”. Shorty after that discovery I paid more
attention to his work on Talking Heads’ albums “Remain In Light” and “Fear Of
Music” which I bought a few years prior. It was only natural that when Belew
released his debut solo album that I buy it. Fortunately his debut was outstanding. “Big Electric Cat” is one of those
songs I still play to this day. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002HM6AQW/ref=nosim/populasongsmu-20
Bjork - Homogenic (1997) - With this album Bjork
became one of my favorites. I love the songs “Hunter” , “All Is Full Of Love” and
“All Neon Like”. “Homogenic is one of modern rock’s leading edge album’s of the
90’s which has helped to shape todays sound in music. This album can require a
bit of getting used to, especially if you are not familiar with Bjork. But once
you get the meaning and feel the feel of “Homogenic” you will be gripped.
The following is part of a review I
found on amazon.com:
For starters, "Homogenic" is the complete
opposite of the Euro-friendly, house-filled "Debut," which found
Bjork bringing fire on the dancefloor at four in the morning. Instead, we find
her as the hunter, looking for the next kill, or as the screaming numbed soul
excusing herself for being about to explode. Complete with wavy beats and
minimalist industrial crunch fading in and out throughout the whole album, this
is a difficult heart-renching listen that's filled with everything that is
Bjork: beauty, love, despair, loneliness, and finally defeat with hope.
Blondie - Eat To The Beat (1979) - In early 1979 I
bought Blondie’s “Parallel Lines” and just loved that album. Debbie Harry
became a quick favorite. When “Eat To The Beat” came out I was first in line to
buy it. I played both albums countless times, but it was “Eat To The Beat”
which became my favorite Blondie album. I equate this album with my youth… so
many great memories. “Die Young Stay Pretty” and “Accidents Never Happen” were
my favorites back and still are today.
David Bowie - Scary Monsters (1980) - There are other
Bowie albums which are considered classics, but this is the Bowie album which
really caught my attention. I first bought it because for the song “Ashes To
Ashes”, which was a fantastic sequel to “Space Oddity”. But than the album includes classic
Bowie such as “Fashion”, “Up The Hill Backwards” and my favorite “Scary
Monsters”. This was Bowie successfully moving into a new wave sort of techno
punkish sound.
Brian Eno – Here Come The Warm Jets (1974) - I had
heard about Brian Eno for since the mid 1970’s but never really ventured into
his music until around 1983. At that point I had several Talking Heads, David
Bowie, Roxy Music and other albums he worked on. Finally in ‘83 I bought some
of his classic albums from the 70’s and wondered why I didn’t latch on to him
sooner. I began with “Here come The Warm Jets” and soon after purchased all of
Eno’s pop and rock releases (at the time). Eno completely appeals to the
oddball yet dark side of me.
Jimi Hendrix - Axis: Bold As Love (1967) - This one
has a fantastic sense of color and artistry along with some totally awesome
guitar, bass and drum work. This is one of those albums that not only grows on
you but pretty much becomes an extension of yourself for a while. There are so
many levels of emotions expressed in different ways (primarily through
Hendrix’s inspiring guitar work. Each song has a depth that only escalates with
each song until we reach the penultimate “Bold As Love”, with this song the
colors of the spectrum come alive with every emotion experienced throughout the
album. Emotions of confusion, sadness and even jealousy. “If you love rock and
you don’t own this album, you gotta go ahead and get it. It is worth owning.
The Kinks - Low Budget (1979) Originally, I bought
this one for the song “(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman”. After a few listens
it ends up the entire album was great from beginning to end. My favorite song
from the album is “Moving Pictures” with a cool upbeat new wave feel the song
fit well with others like The Cars and Gary Numan.
Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother (1970) - This one
caught the dark side of my emotions. It has an acoustic nature with an
understated atmosphere of electronic emotion. Roger Waters’ “If” and David
Gilmour’s “Fat Old Sun” are amongst the most beautiful and deep reaching songs
Pink Floyd ever recorded. This album is specifically important in my life. I
bought it back in 1982 and it became part of my life. It was like another limb,
part of my own body. When I listened to this album not only did I hear
fantastic music, but I also able to see the colors of the emotions from this
album in my mind. I could feel this music in my bones.
Renaissance - Camera Camera (1981) – “Camera Camera”,
appeals to a level of superficiality we all have hidden in ourselves. Throughout
the 1970’s Renaissance gained acclaim for their symphonic prog rock stylings.
“Camera Camera” found them exploring a harder edged new wave style, which at
some points had similarities to Lene Lovich, while still maintaining a hint of
their earlier prog rock days. Surrounded with excellent musicianship Annie
Haslam’s lead vocal is as always out of this world fantastic. I practically
played the grooves off of this album and especially hooked on “Tyrant-Tula”,
“Ukraine Ways” and the title track “Camera, Camera”.
Roxy Music - For Your Pleasure (1973) - This wasn’t
the first album I owned by Roxy Music and it’s not the album that got me hooked
on them. I discovered Roxy Music in 1979 with the album “Manifesto”, I loved
the album cover and the new wave-dance sound was excellent. It is with
“Manifesto”, that Roxy Music became a staple in my music listening life. But
it’s “For Your Pleasure” that made the biggest impression on me. I first bought
“For Your Pleasure” in 1982. The first thing to strike me was the dark album
cover. It somewhat fit with my persona at the time. The music blew me away. The
album was 9 years old when I bought it, but was still relevant to a certain
culture of music listeners of the time. On the technical side of music (in
1973) FYP was light years ahead of their contemporaries. With it’s strangely charming
yet dark and eerie songs, the album appeals to my ghoulish side. I must have
played “In Every Dream Home A Heartache” at least 10,000 between 1983 through
88. It is through Roxy Music that I discovered Brian Eno.
Adrian Belew has gone on to become a legend of sorts in the world of rock music including; alt-rock, modern rock, new wave, classic rock and prog rock. He is highly influential within the rock music inner circle, yet to the general public his name is virtually unknown. Despite this he has had his share of major/minor successes which have afforded him the ability to continue recording and releasing music for over 30 years now.
Wikipedia describes Belew as follows: Adrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is perhaps best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock group King Crimson (which he has fronted since 1981) and for his unusual impressionistic approach to guitar playing (involving arresting yet frequently melodic sounds more akin to animals and machines than to standard instrumental tones).
His career began in 1977 (he was 27 years old) when Frank Zappa discovered him while he was playing a gig with his cover band named Sweetheart. Shortly Belew began touring with Zappa and appeared on his 1979 album "Shiek Yerbouti". He also appeared in Zappa's 1979 concert film "Baby Snakes". From there Belew's career blossomed until he became a leading man in the world of rock guitar genius.
Let's follow Belew's career. The following albums are highlights in Adrian Belew's career. These are not all the albums he's worked on. The solo albums listed here are not the only ones he's released but a few that have really made an impression. To date Belew has released 16 studio albums and 6 albums with King Crimson.
This is where it all began for Adrian Belew.
Frank Zappa first noticed Belew in 1977 and by 1979 appeared on a Frank Zappa album. But it wasn't just any Frank Zappa album, it was "Sheik Yerbouti", Zappa's best selling album in his entire career. This album represented a new )sort of) beginning for Zappa in that it was the first release on his own Zappa Records.The album even brought Zappa his first Grammy nominations for the songs "Dancin' Fool (Rock Male Artist) and Rat Tomango (Rock Instrumental). Adrian Belew features prominently in this album as his named was listed 2nd in the credits. Belew played rhythm guitar to Zappa's lead guitar. He also sang lead vocals on three tracks including "City Of Tiny Lites", "Jones Crusher" and most notably his Bob Dylan impression on "flakes". It's easy to say Adrian Belew was on his way to bigger and better things. But how could it get any better than Frank Zappa?
Album Chart Stats: U.S. #21, UK #32, Norway #5, Sweden #4, Austria #6 Singles Chart Stats:"Dancin" Fool" U.S. #45, "Bobby Brown Goes Down" Germany #4, Switzerland #5, Austria #2, Norway #1, Sweden #1
City Of Tiny Lights (Frank Zappa band w/ Adrian Belew on lead vocals)
1979
David Bowie - Lodger (1979)
Bowie was so impressed with Belew after seeing him on tour with Zappa that he poached him for his album "Lodger". this is the first and only very few instance of both Adrian Belew and Brian Eno on the same work. It is here where Belew was introduced to Robert Fripp who later invited Belew to join King Crimson.
Adrian Belew plays some incredible guitar all over "Lodger". Belew's lead guitar work especially shines in "Boys Keep Swinging" in which his animalistic emotions take charge in the tones and groans of his guitar. In "Look Back In Anger" Belew comes in with fierce energy and sets the song afire. "Red Sails" brings us Belew's glory, his guitar work screams with a chaotic beauty that travels mysteriously into the avante-gard while maintaining a sense of melody. Album Chart Stats: U.S. #20, UK #4, Norway #11, Australia #11, Austria #13, New Zealand #3, Sweden #9 Singles Chart Stats: "Boys Keep Swinging" UK #7, Ireland #19. "DJ" UK #29.
Belew's next stop was with Talking Heads. "Remain In Light" represents Talking Heads at their highest artist peak along with Adrian Belew's synthesized guitar solos and all produced by musical genius. It was a triple attack on the senses. Belew took the guitar to places even Jimi Hendrix had not discovered.
It was upon the request of David Byrne, Jerry Harrison and Brian Eno that Adrian Belew joined the band in recording this album. Recording of the album was sagging until Belew was brought in. His eclecticism and energy brought a renewed verve and interest in the recording sessions for the album.
belew's influnece is found on every song in the album and most prominently in "The Great Curve" which includes Belew's extended guitar solos.
Album Chart Stats: U.S. #19, UK #21, Australia #25, New Zealand #8, Norway #26, Sweden #28
Certified Gold in U.S. and Canada, Certified Silver in UK Singles Chart Stats:"Once In A Lifetime" U.S. #103, UK #14Australia #23, Canada #28, Ireland #16, Netherlands #24. "Houses In Motion" #50 UK, #26 Ireland
The Talking Heads - The Great Curve
Tina Weymouth and Adrian Belew
1981
Tom Tom Club (1981) CLICK HERE
Belew's next turn was with Talking Heads off shoot band Tom Tom Club. The group includes Talking Heads husband and wife team Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth along with Adrian Belew and Tina Weymouth's sisters (Lani, Laura and Loric).
This time around Belew's guitar work was featured heavily throughout the entire album. He took his guitar in several directions, most of which emulated animal sounds or (if possible) animal emotions. In "As Above So Below" Belew give a mystery filled performance giving the emotion of a lonely rhinoceros. In "Booming and Zooming" his guitar portrays an understated sense of bounce, it's a booming and zooming in the confines of electric synthesis. Best of all is bold and brave elephant speak on "L' Elephant.
This album became a highlight in music of 1981. The single "Genius Of Love" became one of the most played club hits of 1981 and 1982 as well as going on to become a dance club classic.
Album Chart Stats: U.S. #23, UK #78, New Zealand #18 Singles Chart Stats:"Wordy Rappinghood" UK #7, New Zealand #35. "Genius Of Love" U.S. #31, UK #65, New Zealand #28.
Just when you think it couldn't get any better Belew outdoes himself with King Crimson. This time getting top bill as lead vocalist and guitarist, as well as co-writing all the songs."Discipline" was a gateway album for King Crimson having blended the current day New Wave sounds with the dark heavier sounds of 1970's prog rock. The result was one of King Crimson's most adventurous and complex albums at the time.
The song "Indiscipline" was based on a letter written by Belew to his then wife Margaret concerning a sculpture she had made. With "Elephant Talk", Belew again displays his interest in the animal and gives a totally awesome futuristic guitar performance. Belew seemed to have a liking to Elephants. Album Chart Stats: U.S. #45, UK #41, Canada #18, Sweden #37
Finally after three years of working with the best of the best in alternative rock and having contributed to five iconic albums, Belew decided to go solo. He released his first of 16 studio album (with his most recent being 2009's "e") in 1982.For those anticipating this release it was everything they waited for and more.
In researching this album I came about Ted Mills' review on the album at AllMusic. His review was so spot on that I decided to share it in it's entirety.
Here's the review: The first solo album from monster alternative guitarist Belew comes in the middle of Robert Fripp's early-'80s reformulation of King Crimson, so it's no surprise that many a Crimson-esque herky-jerky guitar run and melody line pops up among Belew's other trademark sound, that of the animal-turned-guitar wail. Songs similarly explore Belew's fascination with raw animal nature: "Big Electric Cat" (the album's obvious single) is exactly that, howling five-stringed felines over a propulsive Afro-funk beat, and "Animal Grace" is its less frazzled companion. But Belew can also be gentle, exploring guitar synth ambience on "Naive Guitar" and even performing a duet with his four-year-old daughter Audie Belew, who plays acoustic piano on "The Final Rhino."
Album chart Stats: Sadly none of his albums have made it on to any charts.
Over the next few years Adrian Belew remained extremely busy touring with King Crimson as well as touring for his solo material. When he wasn't on the road he was busy recording. In the next few years he recorded 2 more solo albums and 2 King Crimson albums. As well as contributing to half a dozen other albums (some of which will be listed at the end of this article).
Now we take a stop at Belew's next super project. In 1985 Belew formed a power pop group named The Bears. The Bears consist of Adrian Belew, Chris Arduser, Rob Fetters and Bob Nyswonger.In 1987 they released the first of 4 studio albums.
The sound of the Bears was more devoted to pop chords and melodies than any of Adrian Belew's bands. They gave a modern spin to the Beatles' melodic moments. The album is filled with well-defined guitar driven pop gems. Belew and Fetters share the lead vocal duties, and their vocal harmonizing is up to the standards set by Lennon and McCartney, yet maintaining their own unique flare.
Within the music you can hear the joy and excitement of these band members as they performed together. It's evident that shared comrade was present during the recording of the album, which makes this all the more an enjoyable listen.
Between The Bears debut album and the next album in this feature Belew released another ten albums between his solo work, King Crimson and The Bears.
As well as working on and contributing to an additional half dozen or so other albums (some of which will be listed at the end of this article). Belew just never stopped, he has continuously worked on recording music for 35 years.
In 1998 came one of Belew's most innovative collaborative works...
"innovative", "out of this world", "spacey", "eclectic", "atmospheric"...
With Robert Fripp and Trey Gunn on guitars and Adrian Belew on V-Drums, this league of gentlemen creates an indisputable classic with "Space Groove". Purely instrumental there are thrill-filled challenges for the listener around every corner. Belew's electronic v-drums capture the bass and beat of the music which borderlines experimental prog and improvisational jazz. Needless the say this album isn't for everyone - but for those who enjoy this sort of atmospheric sound it is an extremely enjoyable listen.
The following are links to a few other highlights in Adrian Belew's repertoire
Meco - Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (1977)
The Poppy Family - Which Way You Goin' Billy? (1970)
Meri Wilson - Telephone Man (1977)
