MUSIC WEEK AUGUST 24 1985

j Chart newcomers mflncau irresistible force for any rock fan. 1 : Trapped. At London's Embassy Club they put | (MCA 997): US origin. Entered Fairport on a show that proved that they can I chart, August 10, 1985. New reproduce the ZZ Top sound at will I York music business insider, Convention and demonstrated that when it comes who originally broke through Phatofit hits? THE FOUL August weather did not to repartee with the audience these though, they reckon to have writ- deter thousands of the faithful de- men are sharp enough to cut glass. | in the city's clubs with a por- HEARD OF Menudo? The Puerto scending on the Oxfordshire village of Their music is a 50-50 mix or origin- ■ tastudio demo version of this Rican group whose members are ten their first hits in the shape of Cropredy for Fairport Convention's al songs and cover versions — includ- I tune, and the help of numer- turfed out when they come of age songs such as King Of Love, annual reunion concerts. ing Legs, Sharp Dressed Man and r-j* ous contacts in the clubs and to be replaced by other more Goodbye and their bid for next Fairport, in various permutations, Gimme All Your Lovin' — and the ' radio stations. The number junior pretty faces, thus ensuring Christmas' chart, A Christmas headlined on both nights and with band are currently deciding whether 4 has now been re-recorded an eternal Peter Pan state in Kiss. their combined skills and talents — to press for a UK recording contract. and is standing proud on its which individual egos bow down "Stars On 45 briefly skimmed plus sense of fun — proved why they But, whatever they put on vinyl cannot | own merits. to the greater god: huge com- the surface of this concept, but it are still the folk rock band of the past possibly reflect a fraction of the mercial success. Well now there's was a one-off and the songs were two decades. atmosphere, energy or lunacy that I i The quality of sound was better than The Beards create on stage. a slightly different UK slant on just covers as opposed to being in recent years, and the band seemed The identities of this quartet are the concept. freshly created," says Byart. generally more rehearsed and something they keep very much to Dady are a South London band Dady himself adds: "First and together. Cathy Lesurf was far more themselves although they are formed with the express inten- foremost we put the song in our confident than in recent outings and obviously men who have been in tion of writing "good commercial favour by creating a 'main theme' her efforts added much atmosphere to music long enough to know exactly Action pact pop songs" that recapture the and thereafter we work out the the occasion. how to sing a joke, how long it should SOHO CLUB Le Beat Route has sounds of famous artists from most commercial dance beat The music covered the Fairport go on and how not to cause offence. yesteryear such as The Beatles, there is. It will be tailor-made for spectrum. The old favourites — Walk JEFF CLARK-MEADS amended the membership A While etc — received the warmest arrangements for its Monday The Rolling Stores, Roxy Music. T the consumer. No two perform- appreciation, but tracks from the night talent showcase. Action Rex and a whole host of others, ances will be alike. Therefore, un- recently-released Woodworm LP, Preview, so that now having paid for which the group then dress up like the consistent pattern of ma- Gladys Leap, managed to hold their Makin' Time the admission for one evening, to visually portray the particular jor artists, each time we are own among the "classics". IT REMAINS a mystery as to why any artists they are apeing. placed in the public eye we will band attempting to play revivalist visitors will be given a card entitl- It was good to see Trevor Lucas and music almost always attracts an audi- ing them to attend all future Ac- The idea for the band occurred portray a different style and im- Jerry Donahue back on parade, and to ence liable to spill into senseless tion Previews free. The club to former Marvin Gaye publicist age." hear Simon Nicol in such brilliant forays of violence. The early days of hopes that this will build up a Gloria Byart at the beginning of The band will be playing live in form. Meanwhile, all credit to Dave Two-Tone were peppered by scuffles, large audience for the showcase- the year, but the band — taking early September, when they will Pegg for organising another success- with Madness and Specials gigs being nights, allowing them to review their name from singer/chief be hoping to secure a major deal. ful event, and to Wadworth's Brewery best avoided. the payment policy for bands. Steven Dady — have for providing the refreshment. So half a decade later and still no- • Le Beat Route, 17 Greek only been together a matter of a • Contact: Gloria Byart on 01- JIM EVANS one seems to have learned the lesson, couple of months. Already, 302 0678. the latest victims being the very fine Street, London W1. Makin' Time, playing as their debut THE SWINGING LAURELS have expanded, Red Beards Stiff LP suggests, Rhythm And Soul. changed their name to Happy House (left), and Appearing at their local, a pub in re-entered the pop fray with renewed vigour and From Texas Willenhall, just outside Wolverhamp- LIKE STANDING in a lift with a mug- ton, Makin' Time, an almost ludicrous- the avowed intent of securing a good manager as a ger, the Red Beards From Texas hit ly young band, demonstrated an affec- prelude to publishing and recording deals. you on every level. This brilliant ZZ tionate grip of the basics of Sixties In their previous incarnation, the Leicester band Top-parodying band are one of the pop and soul. But circumstances total- played brass with The Fun Boy Three, supported very few who can persuade your ly unconnected to the band conspired Culture Club on a couple of UK tours, got lost sense of humour to get up and dance. to provide a rather ugly atmosphere somewhere in a WEA shake-up, and still managed Wearing cricket pads and hiding be- with predictable scurries breaking out. to release such fine pop singles as Peace Of Mind, hind huge false beards, they would be That the band dealt marvellously Pf clowns if it wasn't for the fact that with this is a rather perverse testa- Rodeo and Lonely Boy. They are currently setting behind the masquerade are four very, ment to their maturity. Makin' Time up a couple of London showcase gigs. very competent musicians. And that's drew on a familiar heritage of bouncy • Contact: John Barrow, The Happy House, Happy where the secret of their success lies: farfisa, strident chords, chanted chor- House Studio, Corner of Almond Road & Welford visually, they make you howl with ■ uses and the magical middle eights. It Road, Leicester LE2 6BE. Tel: 0533 550219. laughter while musically they're an DUNCAN HOLLAND

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