Haircut One Hundred — Love Plus One

• Artist: Haircut One Hundred
• Title: Love Plus One
• Year: 1982
• Format: Vinyl 7 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: “Not when it came out”
• Keeper: Yes

There must be a story behind the name “Haircut One Hundred.” All I remember is that these fellows were clean-cut, preppy even, and they seemed very happy to be playing music. At least that’s how it appeared in the video for this single, “Love Plus One.” This is very solid, sophisticated pop. It sounds like they used one of almost every possible instrument on this song and the flipside, “Marine Boy.” Maybe I’m being stingy with my rating of “6.” Mary wouldn’t give me a number.

ABC — Be Near Me

• Artist: ABC
• Title: Be Near Me
• Year: 1985
• Format: Vinyl 7 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1985 – She bought it when was working at Tower Records in DC.
• Keeper: Yes

This is a second first for the record collection log. Last night was the first “various artists” record and today I’m logging the first 7 inch. Turns out it’s actually a twin pack. ABC, the greatest pop band ever, put out a specially packaged single of “Be Near Me” with “A To Z” on the flip. The package also included a single with remixes of “Poison Arrow” and “Look of Love” from their first record.

I had just put the needle down on “Be Near Me” when Mary was walking in the house. She was compelled to strike the universal rock and roll pose, one hand pointing to the sky with feet spread apart, because she loves ABC. So much in fact that she was inspired to make herself a blue fake fur jacket similar to the one that what’s-her-face in the band had at the time. If you’re not gonna marry a woman who wears a blue fake fur jacket then who? That’s what mama always said.

Game Theory — The Big Shot Chronicles

• Artist: Game Theory
• Title: The Big Shot Chronicles
• Year: 1986
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1986 – Mary bought it when she was working at Plan 9 Records in Richmond, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

OK, I’m logging Game Theory’s first album second since the their second album was first due to ongoing alphabetizing challenges. Never let the movers move your records. It takes years to undo their mess.

I just can’t get into this band. Lately I’ve been stuck on this Buddy Guy record from the 1960s and I’ve been playing it every day for the last couple weeks. So, I guess I’m not being fair. No buncha white kids playing arty pop can follow that. Anyhow, Mary rates “The Big Shot Chronicles” a 6.

ABC — Beauty Stab

• Artist: ABC
• Title: Beauty Stab
• Year: 1983
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy / Mary
• Acquired: 1983 – Unknown origin.
• Keeper: Yes

“Beauty Stab” is the second album by ABC, and it’s very different than their debut. This is a darker, more rocked out, more arty, and less funky record. It’s also much more guitar-heavy, but with horns and strings still in there. They certainly didn’t repeat themselves. The most under-rated pop band ever.

Game Theory — Lolita Nation

• Artist: Game Theory
• Title: Lolita Nation
• Year: 1987
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 4
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1987 – Mary bought it for herself when she was working at Plan 9 Records in Richmond, VA.
• Keeper: No

OK, I played this one out of order. I played the second one first. Mary says the first is pretty good, but agrees with me that this one needs to go. She rated it only a 2 or 3, but I’m giving it a 4. The whole time I was listening to it I was thinking “this sounds a lot like Let’s Active”, which is not really a bad thing. And surprise, surprise, surprise! It was produced by LA main man Mitch Easter.

It wasn’t really bad, but it’s a freakin’ double album! Double albums in general encourage too much self-indulgence and noodling around, being arty or whatever. Unless you’re the Beastie Boys, Isaac Hayes, Metallica, Outkast, or Led Zeppelin, (and you are not) a double album is just never a good idea. Seriously. Don’t try it. Seriously.

B-52s — Mesopotamia

• Artist: B-52s
• Title: Mesopotamia
• Year: 1981
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1981 – Mary got it at a “cheesy chain record store” in Annandale, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

This one’s for Lee, a.k.a. Danny Ocean.

This is a six song EP and it was produced by David Byrne. Some of it sounds similar to “Remain In Light” era Talking Heads. I think this release was near hitless, though “Nip It In the Bud” may have gotten some play. It’s definitely my favorite track on an otherwise bland release.

ABC — The Lexicon of Love

• Artist: ABC
• Title: The Lexicon of Love
• Year: 1982
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 10
• Owner: Tracy/Mary
• Acquired: 1982 – Not sure where, but I remember my friend Jeff Arthur told me about them.
• Keeper: Yes

This album has been played as many times as anything in our collection. It is absolutely the best pop record I’ve ever heard, and it’s one of my all-time faves, irrespective of genres. And if a natural-born metalhead like me can say that, you know it’s good. Funky and classy at the same time. Super-dance-able, with smart lyrics to boot.

“Poison Arrow” and “The Look of Love” were hits to some degree in the US, but my favorite is “Tears Are Not Enough.”

KC & The Sunshine Band — Part 3

• Artist: KC & The Sunshine Band
• Title: Part 3
• Year: 1976
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1998 ? Used. I think I got it at Record Mart in Alexandria, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

“1-2-3… I’m Your Boogie Man, That’s What I Am, Make You Feel Good, Anyway I Can”

Oh, HELL yes! You’ll be a Boogie Man, Woman, Child, Cat, or Dog too after hearing this record. I’m first and foremost a “Metallist” and if I can admit this record is great, hell, I celebrate its greatness, then anyone can.

There are only eight tracks on this record. They all sound similar, and all are at the offical Disco tempo of 120/bpm. Which is good because they are all perfect. At least half of them were major hits, including “Keep it Comin’ Love”, “Shake Your Booty”, and of course “I’m Your Boogie Man.”

If you don’t find some body part(s) moving when this record is playing you probably should see your doctor. ‘Cuz somethin’s broke!

B-52’s – Party Mix

• Artist: B-52’s
• Title: Party Mix
• Year: 1981
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 5
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1987 ? Mary got it when she was working at Plan-9 Records in Richmond, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

We have some other B-52’s records but this one makes me wish we had more of the early stuff. This one is really just a DJ 12 inch. The highlight for me is when they mix in Private Idaho. Other than that it’s kinda dull.

One of my most vivid music memories is of being in Virginia Beach around 1980 and seeing the new wave kids dancing at the Peppermint Beach Club. At that time the place was sort of an open-air joint. I remember standing in the sun on the boardwalk, hearing Rock Lobster blasting out of the building, while barefoot teenagers were jumping up and down inside. It was like something out of a ’60s beach movie. It was just cool. I gotta get that record!

ABBA – The Magic of ABBA

• Artist: ABBA
• Title: The Magic of ABBA
• Year: 1980
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 2003 ? “Inherited” from Mary’s mother. Her dad gave it to her when her mom wasn’t home.
• Keeper: Yes

A-B-B-A… There was no avoiding this as the first piece to be logged. I can’t say I ever really knew ABBA’s songs until Mary and I went with some friends to see the play Mama Mia. That was probably in 2003. I have to admit that they stick with you once you’re heard them enough. Dig it, dancing queen.