Reviewed by Julia Talbot
Released: 1981 Climax Blues Band Lucky For Some Genre: Huey Lewis’s Younger Brother/Yacht Rock Inspired Rating: 2 out of 5 Highlights: (it’s not bad … it’s just not particularly compelling) Is it pop or is it rock? Hard to tell. That this band is from Stafford England is not the first thing I thought as they have a fairly mainstream (if not California) sound. Wait, these people bounce through genres like a 7th grader goes through blue mascara. That being said, points for musicianship and for still being together in some way, shape or form – which I think the are. This band isn’t bad, its mostly just dated. On the other hand they were on the soundtrack to “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” which I liked, so maybe they are just not my jam. Their lyrics are pretty amusing in a very mainstream 80’s sensibilities way. Here’s a quick guide: Victim – The refrain is “I’m a victim and I’m taking the easy way out”. Nuff said. Probably not bad advice, but who really ever relishes being the victim? That seems questionable. Cuttin’ Up Rough – Talking Heads referential hook. Shake It Lucy – Bored Led Zeppelin. Oceans Apart – Soulful electronic piano. This would be great filler for a tv show montage where the male lead is missing their girlfriend and making dinner alone but hasn’t yet released that they need to GET ON A PLANE or PICK UP THE PHONE and make a goddamn effort. Which is to say it’s a little sorry for itself. Breakdown - Ballad-y love song. But then weirdly pop-y given the song’s topic. Like it’s very upbeat for a song about a “breakdown”. Ironic before such things were normal? Darlin’ – Journey did this type of sensitive anthem shit more effectively. “Believe me, its lonely playing in a rock and roll band”. Well, points for honesty, I guess. This Time You’re The Singer – Aren’t I the singer all the time? Is this some nightmare where the band changes instruments to win something and everyone learns a great lesson about … something ... and is closer and etc …? Oh, and the drummer’s parents DON’T get divorced and the puppy is found and it has siblings so everyone gets a puppy. Last Chance Saloon – Another sensitive song that somehow sounds vaguely threatening. Not sure what movie scene I’d assign to this. Maybe this is where the character realizes that no one is going to save him from himself except him and that he needs to stop gambling/sell the bar/stop drinking and patch things up with his ex-wife and son. Definitely one of those movies where the main character behaves unbelievably badly and then someone redeems himself and is miraculously forgiven by his loved ones. Total prodigal son storyline. He definitely sells the motorcycle but doesn’t use the money to pay the back child support or get the neck tattoo lasered. I mean, he is still a little rough/wild. They’d Never Believe Us – Not sure what movie scene I’d go with for this. Maybe some thing with an alien walking off into the sunset – where you know that the fantastic adventure is done and gotten away with and now everyone is just going back to some unknown, but more sedate future. Mac and cheese and Family Ties reruns anyone?
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