Broken Toy Shop

E

Polydor

On his second album of delightful pop E, that loveable and dysfunctional tunesmith, becomes a man. The fourteen songs, an autobiographical narrative of the trials and tribulations that can occur in (or out of) serious relationships, are performed with such melodious ease you'd almost never know his heart was broken. (SC)

 

No Strings

Sheena Easton

MCA

Why would a gawd-awful pop vocalist record an album of lush ballads that were written before she was born? I'll tell you. It's a last ditch attempt to sell product. Her breast implants certainly didn't help, even if she flaunts them at every available opportunity. Let's face it, she has no talent. (BB)

 

What Comes Naturally

Sheena Easton

MCA

Like a chameleon from hell she's back with another album of unbearable, "dance" tunes. A showcase of nauseant ineptitude, comparatively ,Paula Abdul would seem like Sarah Vaughn. Banal and inane lyrics set to an unimagianative clone of today's hot dance beat. Avoid. (SC)

 

Delta Bluesman

Honeyboy Edwards

Earwig

Half of the twenty-seven tracks of this retrospective were recorded by Alan Lomax for the Library Of Congress in 1942. The original metal masters were used for the transfer to the digital format. The remaining cuts were re-recorded last year in London and Chicago. A must for any blues fan. (SC)

 

One Day Closer

Jonathan Edwards

Rising Records

With his first release in five years, Edwards returns with an album of twelve warm, romantic tunes propelled by his distinctive voice and performing style. After experiments in bluegrass and country, this is a welcome return to the sound of his (out of print) mid '70s lps,Sailboat and Rocking Chair. (SC)

 

Soul Embrace

Richard Elliot

Manhattan

Scottish-born sax/keyboard player who writes subdued melodies that drift from the speakers with a warm glow. This is his seventh album and it's a long one. Fifteen tracks lasting just over sixty-four minutes. Ten originals and five covers, including a lovely rendition of the 10CC classic,"I'm Not In Love." (CS)

 

Trouble Time

Tinsley Ellis

Alligator

His guitar playing is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Vocally he sounds like a young B.B. King. With these qualities you just know that the good times will follow. This is his fourth release and I don't know about you, but I'm gonna go find the other three, and quick.(SC)

 

Engine Alley

Engine Alley

Mother/Island Records

The debut effort from this Dublin pop quintet is a charming conglomeration of twelve tunes that mirror the band's varied musical influences. (The Clash, The Jam, The Beatles, Big Star and perhaps early Sparks.) Vocalist Canice Kenealy sounds familiar, in an odd sort of way, which serves to add to their appeal. (SC)

 

Nerve Net

Brian Eno

Opal

Quoted from bio info:"This record is: Like paella, a self-contradictory mess, off balance, unlocked, dissonant, frenetic, evanescent, overheated, Godless, clockless, reckless, squelchy, unamerican, technically naive, far too vague, derivative of everything, post cool, post root, crunchy, bluff, post world, too much, not enough, revisionist, shamelessly exhibitionist, untailored, uncentered, clearly the work of a mind in distress, where-am-I-music." I couldn't have said it any better. (SC)

 

Shepherd Moons

Enya

Reprise

Mmmm. I don't know about you, but I avoid driving when listening to her. Otherwise I'd be making an intimate acquaintance with a tree or telephone pole. Mesmerizing, peaceful and enveloping are three of many words used to describe Enya. Hauntingly delicate. Buy all three and make a bedtime tape. (SC)

 

Chorus

Erasure

Sire

Vince Clarke the mastermind behind Yazoo and Depeche Mode strikes again with the fifth album from his most recent incarnation. Synth-Pop taken to an extreme. Similar to over synthesized 10cc but lacking clever lyrical twists. Top 10 in Europe this one could break them in the States. Pleasantly homogenized. (SC)

 

Retro Blues Express

Craig Erickson

Blues Bureau

By the way... Do you like electric blues? (reference - Gary Moore) If so, you'll love this guy. Ten cuts/53 minutes of original scorching slide and blues guitar tunes that'll have you begging for more. He ain't messing around for sure. Stuff on this label is hard to find, so you'll have to ask for it. (CS)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

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