25 Anniversaries Late To The Silver Party

[Yngve J. Chapleen]

     Here we are... at the first milestone of LTTP. A minor success compared to the numbers few others have amassed here, but still, it's a a sign of perseverance, so there is no reason not to celebrate. Welcome to the Party and let's POP that bottle!

     Speaking of which. Classic Rock/Metal/AOR/Blues is fine, but from time to time we need some escapism from the harsh side of the music and just relax in meaningless tunes adored by wider audience (Pop). Now, I'm not ready to go full blown Boney M on you... just yet. Therefore, the Pop MUST have some connection to Rock. Last time the guest was Harold F. because Steve Stevens played guitar on few track. Let's continue along that line.

     Today's Artist of Interest is none other than Thomas Dolby and here is my personal experience with his music. I bought The Golden Age Of Wireless in a week when there wasn't any new Rock album out, otherwise I have no idea why would I expose myself to the ridiculed of the friends who bow to the Gods of Metal. Oh, laugh they did... and I only listened to that LP once. Well, maybe She Blinded Me With Science saw the diamond head dropping on it's grooves once or twice afterwards, but that was it. While Dolby was quite interesting and more sophisticated as a musician than most of his New Wave contemporaries, he still failed to make a lasting impression on me.

     Then rumors started to circle around 1984, that Thomas Dolby influenced Eddie Van Halen to the point where Jump ended up being synth laden. This went down mostly unnoticed, but I got my "the one who laughs last" and "I told you so" moment out of it and we all went on with our lives, as usual.

     It was much later that I started wondering, what happened to Thomas Dolby? I found out, some sort of truth must have been involved in those "Jump" gossips, since Eddie himself played a guitar on Dolby's Astronauts & Heretics album. I had to check it out and the surprise didn't end there. Eddie played guitar on two tracks: "Close But No Cigar" and even provided a blistering solo on "Eastern Bloc" in his trademark style, a practice that was condemned by Alex based on his previous experience. You see, Eddie's brother firmly believes that Van Halen's "1984" album got stuck on the charts at position #2, only because Eddie played his trademark solo on Michael Jackson's Thriller album. Well, he can rest knowing that, despite Dolby coming up with a great album in a Rock and Cajun style, the project made very little splash on the scene.

     EVH wasn't the only notable guest on the album, either. The Rockers were further represented by the Grateful Dead members; Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir in a song "Beauty Of A Dream", that stands out for a live drum performance by David Owens and bass from Leland Sklar (who we know from Barefoot Servants). Jimmy Z put down an interesting sax solo on "That's Why People Fall In Love" and Ofra Haza provided background vocals to the same track. Jon E. Love (Love/Hate) also played guitar on one track. As you can see, the album has quite a bit of Rock connections. 

click on the cover to listen
Thomas Dolby ‎– Astronauts & Heretics

CD ℗ 1992

1. I Love You Goodbye
2. Cruel
3. Silk Pyjamas
4. I Live In A Suitcase
5. Eastern Bloc (Sequel To Europa And The Pirate Twins, 1981)
6. Close But No Cigar
7. That's Why People Fall In Love
8. Neon Sisters
9. Beauty Of A Dream

Finally getting around to listen to, (for the first time) some music I've been putting aside (for years). Including, things from the past I recently discovered, projects I previously had, but replaced with a newly remastered version, or those simple cases, were my last years order didn't arrive on time.

Coming Next Week: Cream Of The Crop + a Trivia Game!!! (The early bird catches the worm)

[Scott]

She Blinded Me With Science was played on MTV like every 4th video it seemed like at least for a year or two.  The first time I heard it I thought it would fade away and never come back.  I still wished it had...

These songs confirm my suspicion, that Dolby hit on something once and that's all he's got.  The first 4 tracks sound like he found a catchy riff and put it on a loop, or better said...  He thought he landed on a catchy riff.

I must admit that EVH playing on these is somewhat of a surprise to me, but it does have the pre-requisite bass line intro to the solo which is still ok in my book, and yes EVH is the most interesting thing here.  Beauty Of A Dream at least sounds genuine and is something of a nice ballad...  That's it for me and this guy...  Nice post though the history lesson and one or two moments that prove them true were the best parts.

[Jon]

I don't have a problem with this at all. I did have a problem with SBMS since they did play it A LOT, but it's now acceptable to me. Also really like Hyperactive, that's a pretty cool song. I don't have this particular album, but do have a greatest hits disc that has a couple of these songs.

I find these songs enjoyable! Scott has such a closed mind when it comes to music that it's sickening. It just makes me sick. Makes me want to blow chunks.

Hey, I used ot hate The Fixx, now I really enjoy them. Also like Howard Jones. So, I don't need to be in a metal mood all the time. I like to broaden my horizons. Those that don't sicken me. So, Scott.

And hey, is EVH can score a porn movie, he can play with anyone he likes even though this came out well before the porn. At least he's broadening his horizons. Unlike Scott.  

[Scott]

If you re-read my post with an Australian accent you'll see that I'm right...

[Jon]

Why Australian?

[Scott]

Everybody knows when you speak with an Australian accent its more authoritative and therefore believable.  In fact, I'm going to type all my responses with an Australian accent from now on!