When Peter Noone, a top-selling artist who is and was Herman's Hermits released this disc in 1980 on Beach Boy Bruce Johnston's CBS distributed label and toured behind it, the five-piece band had to live in the shadow of the successful pop band that the lead singer was known for.
Noone has said that Boston was one of the best stops on the tour -- perhaps because the fans in that city were hip to what Peter was doing: rocking out. There is an Elvis Costello cover, "Green Shirt," but it is the tunes written or co-written by Peter Noone that are strking. "She Was Something Else" is a modern-day Herman Hermits tune -- with a hook that won't quit. The music has gotten better with age!
With two copies of the vinyl on file, it is the compact disc which has really turned this writer on to the music. It was ahead of its time. "I'll Be Taking Her Out Tonight" has that Go Go's/Costello/ Joe Jackson keyboards and edge. Had CBS put out four or five discs by the Tremblers the band may have been enormous.
Noone is a consummate showman whose work onstage The Pirates of Penzance or on his ever-present Teen Idols Tour proves he can't sit still anyway -- it was probably his incessant touring that got Sony to re-release this on CD. The song lyrics, originally printed on the vinyl sleeve, are missing here. There is only the reproduction of the front and back cover, with empty pages in the gatefold. (Joe Viglione, allmusic.com)
Noone has shown with this project again what a great pop man he is. Big hooks, very relaxed arrangements and a wonderfully flowing beat for your dancing shoes make this album a small pop masterpiece without having to make big gestures. Great. Enjoy.(Frank)
Flac (zippy) Flac (M)
hi frank just wondered if you had freedie and dreamers 2 on 1 cd you were made for me and king freddie and vhis dreaming knights on rock in beat records. cheers
ReplyDeleteHello Dave,
Deletei am sorry but i don't have that pair.
Best,
Frank
Looks interesting, will give a listen. Always liked Peter Noone.
ReplyDeleteCheers.