SINGLES BAR

Rip It Up, Issue 121, 1 August 1987, Page 42

SINGLES BAR

Sly and Robbie ‘Boops (Here to Go)’ (4th & Broadway 7” & 12”) Ah, ~. perfection . beyond ', mere mortals is achieved on this slice of molten vinyl. A fusion of 70s funk (via Ohio Players' 'Fire'), a contribution to the Jamaican boopsie' craze, mothership connection (via Bootsy Collins), and of course rap music. Too hard to explain, it must be experienced to be understood — this is dangerous stuff. Motley Crue ‘Girls Girls Girls’ (WEA 7”) ' Descartes once said, "I think, therefore I.am,” a statement about consciousness and existence pretty similar to this s philosophical statement from Motley Crue. The leather boys roam Sunset Strip for some "hot mamas" and become one with, the universe. In other words, this “kicks like a bitch." Randy Travis ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ (WEA 7”) This reminds me of Atlantic Starr's ‘Always,’ because it's talking about the same thing, undying love in a

world of confusion. Randy’s got a voice you can believe in and a true blue country backbeat that is emotional but far from sickly. Smokey Robinson ‘Just to See Her’ (RCA 7”) A return to form after the Stevie Wonder disaster. Once again it’s that voice that melts like ice on the Devil’s back. This should be No 1 for weeks, but the world is a dark place. The System ‘Don’t Forget this Groove’ (WEA 7” & 12”) I think you’d describe this as cute, it doesn't have the emotional clout of most soul, and the guys voice doesn’t convince me. But hell, there's nothing wrong with a touch of cufeness now and again. Herb Alpert ‘Diamonds’ (A&M 7” & 12”)

Well Herb doesn’t do a lot here, a few trumpet blasts and it’s all over. But as big boss of the record company Herb got in Jam and Lewis to produce and Janet Jackson to sing. Result: the best Janet Jackson song next to ‘Nasty’ — simply fab. Natalie Cole ’Jump Start’ (EMI 7”&12”)

Ms Cole has had a hard time recently and needs a jump start career-wise. This one should do it, from the coughing iginitlon to the dancefloor power glide this packs a punch. First Circle

‘Working Up a Sweat’ (EM112”) Randy Muller used to be Brass Construction and knows his funk. This was born to raise hell in any disco, that guitar cuts like Nile Rodgers and the bass flows like champagne. There’s magic in this groove. Millie Scott ‘Every Little Bit’ (4th & Broadway 7” & 12”) Female soul artists nearly always have long red fingernails, and Ms Scott sure has long nails. Sociological insights aside, a smooth soul strut from the 'Prisoner of Love’ woman. Jesus and Mary Chain ‘April Skies’ (WEA 7”&12”) Another nice ballad, with lilting melodies and sublimated guitars that turn this into a love song of sorts. A bit MOR for some, but side two continues the homage to Bo Diddley started on the first album. 'Kill Surf City’ sounds downright evil, and 'Who Do You Love’ is a slow grind that’s a delight. Kerry Buchanan