Classic Rock Bottom

 

 

Released in 1979, "Remote Control" is the fourth album studio from The Tubes, coming before they hit it kind of big with "The Completion Backwards Principle" and then followed by the album where they really hit it big, "Outside Inside" and then losing it with "Love Bomb" (which I like) and then disappearing and coming back with "Genius Of America" which only a few bought (me included) which is a shame since it's a great album.

 

The earlier Tubes' albums were a bit on the weird side, not really accessible to the normal public. However, there were some glimpses of "normal" songs on their earlier output ("White Punks On Dope" comes to mind), but their live shows were supposedly a sight to behold. Check online for writeups on the early Tubes live shows and you'll see what I mean. 

 

It seems with this album they went a more commercial route. Really no "weirdness" here.

 

Produced by Todd Rundgren (Scott, remember I mentioned something about this awhile back?), this is a concept album about some guys addiction to television. Guess you could kind of figure that out with the album cover?   

 

The Rundgren stamp is very noticeable, some of the songs sound like Utopia/Rundgren with the rest sounding like The Tubes. But, all in all, it's a Tubes album!

 

 

Remote Control

 

1. Turn Me On*

2. TV Is King*

3. Prime Time*

4. I Want It All Now

5. No Way Out

6. Getoverture*

7. No Mercy*

8. Only The Strong Survive*

9. Be Mine Tonight 

10. Love's A Mystery (I Don't Understand)*

11. Telecide*

 

 

Availability: OOP, but her's where it gets interesting. The original CD is around for about $100. The "remaster" that came out about 3 years ago is going for around $35. However, stay away from this remaster, put out by American Beat because it sounds horrible (supposedly the original CD sounds better). If you do want this album, hunt down the two disc compilation titled "Going Down". It's a greatest hits package from their A&M years with the complete "Remote Control" album on disc two and it sounds very good. This comp goes for around $20 and it too is OOP.

 

MSoTW: Nobody guessed last week's song which was by Wishbone Ash. For that, everyone is going to be punished. Take a guess where the link is to listen to "Remote Control"? That'll learn you but good! This week's track is from a band that had a pretty big hit in the 80's, go ahead and try to figure it out.   

 

 

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I found the link, jack...and I'm gonna listen as soon as Trial By Fire finishes up!!!
Wasn't hidden well enough?
I remember the Utopia post and the Rundgren conversation quite well. What I did forget was to go out and check out some of the Utopia catalog. Put that back on my list ...

I love The Tubes and have heard this, but I don't own it and it has been a long long time. Too long. This is sounding really very good! Prime Time is awesome! That's the one that sounds most Rungren-esque to me. I always found the tubes to be very witty and clever while others never seemed to take them seriously. By far Outside Inside is my favorite though, I cant think of a bad tune on that disc.

On the MSOTW, no idea again! Not sure I place the voice but the guitar style seems familiar, any clues before I resort to my super google like powers?
Kilts?
Best guess for MSOTW... Geordie.

If thats not right I have no clue what so ever....
You have no clue.
I don't know the mystery song, and it's getting quite embarrasing...not really, or maybe it is....I'm not sure...

This was a fun album to listen to. The Completion Backward Principle is the only Tubes album I'm somewhat familiar with, but it's been a long time since I've heard that one. I'd say my favorite here is Only The Strong Survive.

Slightly off topic, Jon, do you have some Saga (other than Worlds Apart) that could possibly make an appearance in this forum? And I may have asked this before, sorry if I have.
I have "Trust" and "10,000 Days" but they've both come out wthin the last 5 years or so. Also have a greatest hits CD.
I wouldn't mind hearing 10,000 Days...
I can help too if you'd like. I have...

Saga
Images at Twilight
Full Circle
House of Cards
The Human Condition

I have Generation 13 but I don't see it ripped and I think one of my sons took it... Need to get that one back!
Really, any of those would be cool and appreciated.

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