Singles Bar

Rip It Up, Issue 100, 1 November 1985, Page 20

Singles Bar

Grace Jones Slave to the Rhythm (Manhattan) 12” Ms Jones appears on the cover screaming, broken glass flying. But the grooves on this 12" aren't designed to be bone-crunching, there's more to rhythm than a big bang. Trevor Horn traps Grace in a subtle mix of Chic rhythm guitar, understated Go-Go drums and cascades of violins. A great record and I can’t wait for the album. The Clash

This Is England (CBS) 12” Well I wasn't expecting 'Garageland' or even ‘London's

Calling; but this is just terrible. Sort of like one of those tracks on Sandinista you never got around to playing. Joe Strummer and co. attempts at social commentary make Peter and the Test Tube Babies sound like Dylan and the whole thing is wrapped around second hand rhythms and a football supporters’ chant. I think the team's losing. Talking Heads

Road To Nowhere (EMI) 12” Byrne has a nice line on nihilism with this jivy little march tune. The choir at the beginning is a nice touch, leading into a great bass and drum rhythm. A rousing anthem that even Sam Beckett would be proud of. Ready For the World Oh Sheila (MCA) 12” First time I heard this on the radio I thought it was Prince and you will too. But no, it’s a band with a name that only Americans could ever think of, and a riff lifted off Prince's Controversy album. This has already been number one in the US and is bound to be big down here. Expect to get sick of hearing it by Christmas. Prince

Pop Life (Warner Bros) 12" A fairly bitter survey of Prince's private world, more psychedelic angst with a beat. Not that I don't like it, but I preferred Prince in simpler, sexier times. All of his 12” s are worth buying for the flip here we have a "fresh” dance mix of 'Smile', with lots of rhythmic action.

The Damned Is It A Dream (MCA) I lost sight of the boys after 'New Rose' (those many years ago!) but others still love them. Troy thinks this is "accessible but essential. 'ls It A Dream’ is lightweight pop, but the live version of 'Street Of Dreams' is a powerful, dark Black Album-type anthem” and he should know. Red Box

Lean On Me (Sire) 12” The 80s equivalent of bubblegum music seems to be young men looking meaningful and saying nothing. In this case, Red Box want us to say "ah-li-ayo” a lot. By the way, I heard this six times on one radio station the DJ thought it was brilliant. A Ha Take On Me (Warner Bros) Number one in the US and destined to be huge and gee whizz it’s real cute too. It’s amazing how these boys have such high voices it must be some form of surgery. Kerry Buchanan