Splurged on a bunch of (2o-cent) cassettes recently. Here are some reviews:
Kim Mitchell: Shakin’ Like a Human Being (1986)
Yes, you read right. And there may be a sense of shame in digging up old Canadian content, but let’s not forget how (ahem) important Kim Mitchell was to the whole scene. He was banging out hits and Gold records with Max Webster in the’70s, and his reach and radio play snowballed once he went solo. Yes, “Patio Lanterns” is an easy target for haters, but it has that kind of lazy, no-fuss playability that disc jockeys drooled over. It’s funny, though, ‘cause you listen to the rest of the record and much of it not only rocks harder, but is better. It’s surprisingly that a song such as “City Girl” didn’t grab some airplay. “Easy to Tame” is another one of those radio-friendly ditties that hits the air from time to time, possibly by DJ’s looking for one of those prized “deep cuts” (“Alanna Loves Me” also falls into this category). What we get with Shakin’ Like a Human Being is a long-haired, OPP ball-capped regular guy playing good old, no-fuss, rock and roll. It’s a no-brainer that this is the fare beer-drinking, blue collar working stiffs lap up, or at least did. It’s a surprisingly better than expected as a full-length record that built on the foundation of success laid down by “Go For a Soda” with an ear for more radio play along those lines. And for that, it didn’t disappoint.
Bruce Springsteen: Human Touch (1992)
The Boss is somewhat of a hero blue-collar hero for the working class, or at least that was the title he was going for, perhaps. I do think Springsteen is one of the better rock singer/songwriters to emerge from the late ’70s and survive the ’80s, probably second to Dylan and right in the mix with the enigmatic Bowie. Springsteen has never, ever really reinvented himself, but Human Touch is almost a departure from roots rock to pure pop. Not that the previous studio record Tunnel of Love didn’t trend toward radio-friendly tunes. But this record was even more pronounced in its intent, and sadly, missed the mark badly. I do have a passing interest in 57 Channels (And Nothin’ On), a sad social commentary of our times. However, Human Touch is mostly forgettable and never nearly as immediate or compelling as Darkness on the Edge of Town or some of Bruce’s other work .
The Alan Parsons Project: I Robot (1977)
I’ve always liked this Alan Parsons Project release, which is probably the best effort by Parsons and Eric Woolfson (although Eve is pretty good too). I Robot appeals to fans of Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi trilogy given its themes, which may alienate the average listener. But its progressive rock overtones are rather enjoyable, making it rather listenable some 25+ years after its release. Good stuff.
Chris Isaak: Heart Shaped World (1989)
There’s something special about Chris Isaak’s musical ability, which immediately draws comparisons to Roy Orbison’s mournful crooning and masterful balladry. Isaak’s knack for late ’60s era rockabilly is quite enjoyable, and his Orbison-flavoured vocals landed him an unlikely hit with “Wicked Game.” The rest of the record follows suit, with Isaak’s crooning in full flight. Rather listenable and refreshing given the state of pop music at the end of the ’80s.
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