Any mention of the eighties might fill you with dread as a period that begat some awful, awful music but don't confuse those syn-drummed times with this THE 80's.
Originally self-released on CD in 1990, THE 80'S collects ten tracks recorded from 1984 to 1989 by accordion-pop anti-diva Angel Corpus Christi. This Gulcher reissue comes in a brand new package with hot Angel pix of 80's vintage. Four of the selections from THE 80'S originally appeared on I LOVE NEW YORK, a 12-inch released in 1985: Bernard Herrmann's theme for Martin Scorsese's TAXI DRIVER, complete with Travis Bickel's inner thoughts spoken by Angel; Richard Hell's "Blank Generation," featuring a rippin' solo from MX-80 guitarist Bruce Anderson; a groovy cover of Suicide's "Dream Baby Dream," with Alan Vega sharing the vocals; and Lou Reed's "The Day John Kennedy Died." Songwriter Don Ciccone's "Never Too Late For Linda" was originally released on Angel's 1986 WAKE UP AND CRY 12-inch. From the same period is another of his compositions, "King Of Los Alamos." Ciccone plays guitar on both as well as "Way Out West," a moody pop/rock ballad written by Angel and hubby/MX-80 singer Rich Stim. "John Cassavetes" is Angel's loving tribute to a deceased hero, a real gem that should've been a big indie-rock hit 14 years ago. Rich Stim's "Hell" sounds like it could've been an MX-80 song, with all the deadpan humor of their best "funny" stuff. And Angel adds her accordion-rock vision to a cover of the Alice Cooper anthem "18." MX-80 drummer Dave Mahoney plays on three of the tracks, and Rich Stim appears throughout playing guitar, bass, horn, etc. Besides accordion, Angel plays bass and keyboards. Plus contributions from Dean Leto and Dave Wellhausen. (Eddie Flowers/Slippy Town)
"Maybe the most brilliant female pop/rock artist in America, just because she has the guts and brains to break free so simply and completely." (Sounds/UK)
"THE 80'S is easy-on-the-ear, low-tech art rock that's a cross
between Nico and Jonathan Richman. This gal manages to melt your heart." (New Musical Express/UK)
"One of the most finely realized records heard all year." (Melody Maker/UK)
"One of the most powerfully alienated tracks." (Spin Magazine on "Theme From Taxi Driver")
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