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| 2 TIMERS [New York] |
 I thought this band was from UK, but according to an issue of Trouser Press circa 1980, it seems they were a New York-based outfit (their drummer played with Tuff Darts).
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| 20/20 [Los Angeles, California] | |
 20/20 was formed in Hollywood in the summer of 1977. In fact, Steve Allen met Ron Flynt in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the basic tracks of their first single were recorded with Ron on bass and fellow Phil Seymour on drums (they also cut the unreleased "We Can Fly" which appeared later in a new version on the LP "SEX TRAP"). A demo tape was submitted to Gary Sperrazza!'s "Crib Death" column in BOMP mag and was choosen as pick of the month in the Nov. 77 issue. Once in L.A., G. Sperrazza introduced Allen & Flynt to Mike Gallo and at the beginning of `79 Chris Silagyi joined the band.
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Recorded and mixed in three weeks during the summer of `79 at Sound City in Van Nuys, this album carried its own dilemna regarding the early eighties : one of the most succeeded forms of powerpop songwriting vs a "modern" new-wavey production which not delivered the goodies as immediately as it should be (you know, this eternal problem with drums sounding). PUT IT OUT of your mind, the self-titled 20/20 LP remains an essential record and a true powerpop masterpiece! »« Screaming »[ on « The Roots Of Powerpop » (Bomp, 1996)](USA 197?/) |
| The ACTION [Stow, Ohio] | |
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A band from Stow, OH, whose the self produced singles were released on their own Radiogram Records label. Pop-wise they played a tight catchy, controlled brand of Raspberries pop with three singles very much reminiscent of the 'berries-Fresh era. They had easy-going mid-tempos with everything `70s pop-rock could offer at best : clear but sharp guitar sounds, nice intros, breaks, "lala-la" harmonies etc. Very recommended! Brent Warren appeared on the Scott McCarl's CD "Play On..", released in 1997 (he also co-penned a couple of songs).
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"Get back To Me" is excellent, guitar-pop with a knife edge.
It's a pity that their 3rd single was their last because it was undoubtedly their best. Warren made his first appearance as songwriter with "Till I See You" which owed quite a bit to the "new Liverpool" sound and Perkheiser diversified his own craftship into something more instantly catchy and lively. |
| AD'S [New York] |
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| The AGENTS [Lima, Pennsylvania] |
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Sound-wise, the Agents had a clean mod-pop sound, although snappy, in the best guitar-bass-drums simplicity. A good (although a bit predictable) powerpop 7" and a welcome find. |
| The AGENTS (2) [Wisconsin] |
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| Jo ALLEN & THE SHAPES [USA] |
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| AMBULANCE [West Orange, New Jersey] |
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"Hyper, roaring-Rickenbacker powerpop,as if Stiv Bators did early Jam. It's simple and clichéd -- particularly the B-side's refrain of "Goodbye to the `70's" -- but this kind of thing done well can be nearly timeless (...)" [Trouser Press Vol.8#3,May 1981] |
| The APPELS [Austin, Texas] |
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| ARLIS! [Omaha, Nebraska] |
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Arlis! was clearly paying homage to the Raspberries, but he exaggerated his vibrato to the point where it was obviously an overdone attempt to copy Eric Carmen. His songwriting was somewhat not fully achieved, a bit like the rockiest side of second-rate Raspberries ; nevertheless these hard-rockin' pop ditties are worth investigating.
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| ARTISTS! [USA] |
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| The ATLANTICS [Boston, Massachusetts] |
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Demo 7".
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| The `B` GIRLS [Canada] |
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| The BAD BEATS [Long Island, New York] |
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Two Zombies and Knickerbockers covers.
Both sides are Lennon-McCartney covers. |
| The BANDABLES [New York] |
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