SINGLES

Rip It Up, Issue 27, 1 October 1979, Page 18

SINGLES

GEORGE KAY

The Undertones are being heaped with praise from all sides in Britain and no wonder they sound like Ireland’s answer to the Ramones with a vocalist who warbles not unlike Roger Chapman. A born singles band. Like, their New York counterparts what you want is what you get, hard driving tuneful pop and that’s their timely “Here Comes the Summer”. The two songs on the flip, “One Way Love” and “Top Twenty” are not as infectious but they grow, quickly. Dr Feelgood are the globe’s surest deliverers of R&B and “As Long As the Price Is Right" is the best tonic there is. The Police sound like white reggae exponents as well as being about the only decent trio around these days. "Can’t Stand Losing You”, if you wanna think about it, is rock solid reggae until the chorus comes in. Fine song. Gary Brooker’s “Savannah” and the Tarney/Spencer Band’s “No Time to Lose” fiddle forgetably, and the only disco platter to hand the Addrisi Brother’s “Ghost Dancer” makes a promising start but slides into monotony. Few could complain about the quality of local singles this year. Th’Dudes, Street Talk, Toy Love, Split Enz, Dragon and Citizen Band have easily made the grade. Citizen Band definitely have bright prospects ahead with the fire and raunch of “Rust In My Car” and the flip side, “Dig That Tex", is get-outa-my-way-l’m-comin’-thru frantic rockin out. Don’t resist it.

Still in two minds about the new Dragon. On the one hand they’ve deepened their sound ELO-style on the palatable “Counting Sheep” but, with Marc Hunter’s departure, they’ve lost commercial appeal. Can’t win ’em all.