SINGLES

Rip It Up, Issue 15, 1 September 1978, Page 18

SINGLES

Duncan Campbell

Best news in the singles market this month is provided by a re-issue. Island, in their infinite wisdom, hath said to the Melodians: “Go forth, and sing ye one more time thy “Rivers Of Babylon”, which thou didst, after all, do first.” And so we have another chance to hear an immortal song the way it should be done. Taken from the soundtrack of The Harder They Come, it is backed by Jimmy Cliff’s gospel-tinged ballad "Many Rivers To Cross” and is thus very good value. The Boney M backlash begins here. . ■ . Second-best news is Bruce Springsteen’s “Prove It All Night” (CBS), which escaped last month’s batch and is already making its presence felt. All I wish to do here is to command people to repeat.after, me: “I will buy Bruce’s new album ... I will buy Bruce’s new album . . ” ' British band Squeeze give the most pleas-

ant surprise of the month with “Take Me, I’m Yours” (A&M). One of those quirky little minor-key melodies, a bouncy beat with a clever little synthesiser line and smart lyrics; sort of like 10cc on acid. Coming from a radio speaker, it can only do good. REO Speedwagon have been knocking around the American gig circuit so long they’ve probably forgotten where home is. They’ve yet to crack the big time, despite a solid following in the Midwest, where they go for heavy metal histrionics. Their new single, "Roll With The Changes", won’t do much for

them either. Plenty of attack but very little substance. Thin Lizzy walk all over them with a sizzling version of Bob Seger's “Rosalie” (Vertigo). Taken from their forthcoming live album, it’s guaranteed to destroy stereos and wake up neighbours everywhere. One of Ireland’s better products. For those still unexposed to the earthy pleasures of lan Dury, “What A Waste” (Vertigo) is as good a place as any to start. Sleazy, cheeky funk as delivered by a master. The flip is the sublime “Sweet Gene Vincent” and it is quite capable of speaking for itself. Local girl Sharon O'Neill makes a strong debut and lives up to all expectations with "Luck’s On Your Table” (CBS). Though slightly spoilt by indifferent production, Sharon’s voice and the strength of the song carry the day and the future looks bright. Richard Wilde, on the other hand, falls flat on his face as he tries his hand at Spencer Davis' “Gimme Some Lovin' ” (Polydor) and manages to remove everything from the number that made it so exciting in the first place. And the last word goes to “I Think It’s You" by Mother Goose (Mushroom). The word was made popular by The Sex Pistols. Only I said it this time.