Singles Bar

Rip It Up, Issue 95, 1 June 1985, Page 32

Singles Bar

Luther Vandross Till My baby Comes Home 12” (Epic) There seems little point to me in reviewing an artist who appears without fault. Though one of the strongest influences in the black music world, Luther is only now receiving the commercial success he deserves. On this, his debut single from a new album, he is never better. Not only that, he’s got a whole album full of the stuff. Cashmere Can I 12” (4th & Broadway) Peter doesn’t like this one, but I think it will grow on him. A NZ debut for the Washington-based Go-Goers. Though not particularly indicative of the label’s sound, Cashmere’s groove is funky ’nuff to get away with sudden changes of pace. Not recommended for people who have recently had operations. Rockmelons Time Out (For Serious Fun) (Interfusion) Rockmelons are an Australian band who enjoy a certain reputation amongst the stiletto set. 'Time Out' is a disco-reggae-pop

(producer/engineer/performer/coauthor) cannot save an album bereft of songs. Sorry guys, you’ve come too far to get away with an album of musical exercises and sounds. Best tracks ‘Piece By Piece’ and 'Come As You Are: For the dedicated only. SGE Various Artists We Are The World (CBS) Apart from a laudable sense of charity, are there good musical reasons for purchasing this album

tune that is catchy and short enough to score with a fickle end of the record buying public. Not bad at all. Kirsty McColl A New England (Stiff) When Billy Bragg wrote this song I’m sure he never envisaged it sounding like this. A nice song ruined by a poor arrangement and a boring old Steve Lillywhite production. Rick James Can't Stop (Gordy) I really enjoy Rick James but I think he missed the groove boat entirely with this pompous platter. It seems he gives his best tunes to other people these days. The Bobby Bland style ballad on the Bside is worth a listen though. Alison Moyet That Ole Devil Called Love 12" (CBS) I know this is already riding high, but I just wanted to say how much I admire her for having the gumption to release a jazz record on a pop market. Check out the flip side for a great stomp very much in the Kane Gang vein. Mark Phillips

particularly if you’re one of the umpteen thousand who’ve already implanted the single at number one for a zillion weeks? Well, yes and no. The nine other tracks are at least all previously unreleased, but they also vary considerably. One is downright terrible Chicago anyone? while a few others are slightly better than feared but little more than inoffensive. These include Steve Perry, the Pointer Sisters and the Canadian response to USA For Africa. (Neil and Joni get barely one line apiece!) On the other hand two tracks are reasonably intriguing: Huey Lewis and the News tear one off in concert while Tina Turner takes on a Motels song. But best of all is Springsteen’s electrifying performance of Jimmy Cliff’s 'Trapped’, which is quite simply essential for any fan of the man. Good enough? PT