Song Of the Day: February 25, 2006
Brooding big UK guitars from 1981, part two. Who in the world was Modern Eon? “Child’s Play” was a source of fascination for me when I first heard it on Philly’s WKDU. I would call the station requesting “I’ll Be the Driver” and the deejays would have no idea what I was talking about. It’s pretentious and overblown as all get-out, and to this day I’m afraid to play it for friends in fear that they’ll never take anything I say seriously ever again. The album from which it hails is dreadful. But the tune has so much I love about 1981. With production from Hugh Jones (could there be a bigger snare sound?), it’s got the latest in primitive synth technology, Cocteau Twins/Comsat Angels guitar flourishes, conforms to my theory of the 1981 proper approach to sax solo, has great hooks, and very dippy epic druggy magical lyrics sung by an unusual (some would say ridiculous) sounding vocalist who nevertheless seems completely invested in whatever the hell it is that he’s singing about. Kind of the UK equivalent to the Three O’Clock’s Michael Quercio.
Andrew Chalfen
8 Comments:
He sounds like a raspy Paul Young and that sax solo is so simply red. If you are going to play this song for anyone, play it for a chick. However, if you are like me married with kids-- play it for them.
i have this modern eon 7 inch...fantastic! neri rosa www.ultimovolume.com.br - brazil
thank god for 80's music...
Andrew, we need to talk.
I disagree that the lp is dreadful, it improves on the single I think...maybe give it another spin or two...
Yesyesyes! 60's Jazz, 70's Folk and 80's Pop...that is the STUFF!
This is great stuff that I did not know about! Thanks!
Now check out my imaginary record label at www.co-existence.blogspot.com
Bought this at the time cos John Peel played it. Loved it then, love it still. There was a band of similar ilk called Modern English who were even better.
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