SHAKE SUMMATION

Rip It Up, Issue 122, 1 September 1987, Page 42

SHAKE SUMMATION

Various Artists ‘Pagan Shakedown’ (Pagan 12”) A superb concept, showcasing six talented new acts. The Lonesome Cowboy’s ‘Tonight’ is a punchy opener, a memorable pop song with excellent full production and full, rich vocals by Chris Cooke. Simplicity is the key to radio pop. The Morloch’s ‘Psychedelic Dream’ goes downbeat, an eerie tune that would captivate but

for the moody vocal. Kicks into life halfway through like a Simple Minds song. The Rhythm Cage’s ‘Freeze City’ is the EP standout, with a great start that holds you immediately. Sad haunting sax, clear drums (no psychedelic mush) and a powerful anguished vocal that takes off at takes hold: David Parker is a real find. Believable. The War Brides’ ‘Total War’ could be from a gothic horror, it’s a vehicle for Liz Diamond’s strongest vocal, which wouldn’t be out of place fronting a metal band. But no: the background is funky bass, catchy programming and terrifying choral vocals. Impressive, but not endearing. Dark Star’s ‘Fighting’ is also program based, but scratch rhythms give me indigestion. Kathleen Anderson’s warm, virtuoso vocal balances the detached cool of Kelly Rogers, she takes off at the end. Dean Heazlewood’s ‘Cat & Mouse’ is a witty tapalong guitar instrumental with intertwining, humdickin’ pickin’ — Peter Posa goes 80s. A nice humorous touch to end a colourful, varied, consistent EP. Pagan continues to show what NZ pop is capable of, if only the climate was right. Three cheers. CB Tex Pistol ‘The Game of Love’ (Pagan 12”) Hey I like it! A groovy remake of the Mindbenders’ hit. Lots of nice modern touches that don’t spoil the basic feel of a good song. Deserves lots of radio play to help break it. The flipside is even better, a western swing instrumental called ‘Boot Heel Drag’ with great honkytonk piano from Wayne

Mason, and a nifty rockabilly original called ‘WII to Whangaroa Bay.’ In fact I like this side better, but I’m a hillbilly cat at heart. Kerry Buchanan Crowded House ‘ Now We’re Getting Somewhere’ (Capitol 7”) And the hits just keep on coming — at this rate, there’ll be a live box set by Christmas. Pumped out by acoustic guitars, this is the history of preRevolver Beatles in three minutes, roots heaven. While no nightmare, ‘Recurring Dream’ is one of those ones you can’t remember afterwards. Hot Cafe ‘Dancing Chicken’ (CBS 7”) Wellington cafe perrenials give their infectious Django Rheinhardt sound to a nutty Fane Flaws number, with an appropriately 30s sound by Nigel Stone. ‘22’ by Martin Elepans is an impressive acoustic workout, giving the guitars and fiddle plenty of scope, though held back by simple rhythm section; like chase music for a French silent movie. Chris Thompson ‘ Fight the Power’ (WE A 7’ ’) “All star" Auckland crew make US stadium rock for Leading Edge soundtrack, where it probably sits comfortably. Well, I suppose it proves wecandoitas good as anyone. ‘ Kea ’ s