The 1981 Listening Post - Tigers (NZ) - Tigers

 Reviewed by Chris Roberts / LISTENING POST DISCOVERY

Released: 1981 Tigers (NZ) Tigers Genre: Pop Rock Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Highlights: Tony Don't Wanna Go Home All Night Let’s Get Started Heart Don’t Stop New Zealand’s short-lived Tigers once opened for Swingers, who are also from New Zealand and also had only one album. You remember Swingers. Their Counting the Beat LP was a Listening Post discovery! Like that fantastic album, Tigers self-titled LP is stacked with hooky, peppy pop rock of the Costello/Rockpile variety. There are many highlights, little-to-no filler, and nothing too dated-sounding. Counting The Beat exudes more youthful spirit and edge, but there’s no reason not to grab this Tiger by the tail! Across all the tracks, Tiger’s Nick Theobald (bass), Barry Saunders (vocals, guitar), Steve Lunn (guitar/sax) and Simon Morris (drums) deliver the goods. For a band that hung out with The Church, it ain’t deep or moody—but there is a hint of that textured depth and sophistication, courtesy of Wayne Mason’s keyboards. (Side note: Mason’s 1970 song “Nature” recorded with his band, The Fourmyula, was voted the #1 on the APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time list. That’s right. Above Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (#2), Split Enz “I Got You” (#11) and Swingers “Counting the Beat!” (#4).) While the best tracks come later on Tiger, the opener “Please Be Mine” is propulsive and satisfying. “Say These Words” picks up the pace (and continues the innocent Valentine’s Day sentiment). “On Any Weekend” shuns sport, Donny & Marie and Mormons in favor of detailing the Chrysler Valiant AP6. “Adults Only” brings some reality into the requisite girly-mag salute. At this point, between the power pop sound and the teen-focused songwriting, Tigers feels fun but a little lightweight. Then we get to the first highlight, “Tony,” with some lyrics about UFOs, Mason’s funky tinkling piano solos, and a disco beat reminded me of Pulp’s dance tracks. Very fun! After “Tony” comes four more highlights in a row. “Don’t Wanna Go Home,” has a great singalong chorus for the stadiums. “All Night” is lovely, bittersweet and Costello adjacent (when it isn’t actively ripping him off). “Let’s Get Started” (second single) has a terrific melody. But my favorite track (third single) is “Heart Don’t Stop,” with Saunders’ shout-along chorus and Lunn’s sweet sax atop Clashy-reggae beats. (Sadly, the risqué single cover generated more hoopla than their music). Victims of their placement at the end, “You Cheated Me” and “Little Misty” are less engaging than what came before but neither is truly disappointing. If you’re streaming Tigers via Apple Music or Spotify, also recommended is the fine bonus track “Red Dress” (Tigers’ first official 7”). If you’re listening on vinyl … name your price, I want it.