The band that makes The Outfield sound edgy
(From the LP Life Part II, Epic Records 1984)
I don’t believe in the concept of guilty pleasures. But if I did, this song would be one. For one thing, most of this album is just appallingly awful, but it’s also kind of fascinating in a really perverse way. For one thing, much as I discussed on the topic of the Monroes’ “What Do All the People Know” back on Little Hits 1.0, this album cover is a study in deeply uncomfortable band photos. Check out the dude in the lower right corner — while most of the guys have a look of “Can you believe they’re making me wear this shit?,” he genuinely looks like he’s about to cry! Musically, the song is new wave-influenced and synth-heavy, but it’s in an extremely mainstream ’80s pop/rock style. The lyrics, by lead singer Julian Raymond, are a pseudo-heavy joke, but it’s got an oddly appealing and memorable chorus, which is probably why I heard this song a few times on KTXT, Lubbock’s college station, circa 1985. (I’m pretty sure the promo copy of the LP that I own, which I bought at Ralph’s Records a few years later for 50 cents, is the very same one they had at the station.)
For years, I’ve been thinking that these guys looked like one of those bands that changed their clothes, band name and musical style to suit whatever was fashionable at the time. I’m tickled to report that a quick Google just now proved me exactly right! Less than three years after this 1984 new wave-influenced record, Bang-Bang transmogrified into the Sunset Strip hair farmers Dear Mr. President, who later changed their name to Flesh and Blood. Raymond is now apparently a producer and A&R man of some prominence, working with dull one-hit wonders Fastball among others.
–Stewart Mason
Anonymous said,
April 15, 2007 @ 9:29 pm
I, too, have a promo copy which I pulled out just last week to listen to “This is Love” to determine whether I should trash the album after 23 years or keep it to remind to download that specific song. I plead guilty to actually liking “This is Love” enough to keep the LP around for awhile longer until I can locate a digital copy of the song on iTunes or somewhere else. It is pure schmalzt, though.
tamyra said,
May 1, 2007 @ 7:32 am
There used to be a local station here in Lawrence that played a lot of obscure music–and Bang Bang actually had a video on that station! Yes, they were cheesy…but there are a couple of good tunes on that record.
arturo said,
May 12, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
hi, i love to remember this kind of songs i used to listen on the radio here in mexico and this song “world club” was one of my favorites. actualy i have one copy of full album “life, part 2″ taken from my losen LP but sounds teriffic, tell me please where i can find only the song worl club
Anonymous said,
September 3, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Someone finally came up with a digital rip!
http://bornagain80s.buygoo.net/Full-80-s-Albums-f7/REQ-Bang-Bang-Life-part-II-t1503.htm
Greg said,
April 4, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Nice link. The blog is restricted from new members! “Lovers talking, pass me by!”
pauljohn said,
July 23, 2008 @ 4:35 am
for me the outfield band is very nice song and i like it to hear the songs especially ….your love and all the love……
arturo said,
September 4, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Hi!, i’m arturo again
i like to tank to anonymous user who set the link to be able to download
the full album.
I apreciate so much, tanks, have fun
Artureishon said,
October 26, 2009 @ 12:34 am
this is an extraordinary album coming out of golden 80s, and we can get it on the net with an exelent digital sound!