Play Meter

MUSIC PROGRAMMING
...... _ By Pat MaHhews
Rock'n' Joel,
Rhythm 'n'Smokey
It seems now that we 're gearing up
into the 1980s, the musical pace is
pfcking up . We're returning to our
rock'n'roll roots . But the rock'n'roll
you may be accustomed to from your
youth has been spiced up and
flavored . "Textured" is probably the
best description for the music of
today .
In the next issue of PLAY
METER , I'll have not only my
records review , but also an article of
insight , hopefully , into the music biz
of today through the eyes of
someone who depends directly upon
it for livelihood - me.
LET'S GET SERIOUS- JERMAINE
JACKSON - Motown M 1469 F
You 're a member of a famous
musical family. You've got friends in
the recording industry . One of them
happens to be Stevie Wonder. And
you are fortunate enough to have
him write you some songs , including
your first solo effort for 45 RPM
release . He produces your album
and arranges some of the songs.
What does all this lead to? Another
Jackson striking it rich on his own ,
that's what!
The song is a hand -clapping ,
up-beat , happy number with an
emphasis on percussion . It sounds a
lot like some of Stevie Wonder's
earlier songs and with Mr . Wonder
on background vocals , it's great
nostalgia . I give it an eight out of ten .
WE COULD HAVE IT ALL -
MAUREEN McGOVERN-Warner
Brothers WBS 49177
She's getting to be known as a
singer of themes . From the movie
"Poseidon Adventure" to the latest ,
"The Last Married Couple In Ameri-
ca" and all discs in between , it's been
Maureen McGovern with a slick style
of singing . Her voice is so recog -
nizable , it's a shame her singing isn't
acclaimed in the proper way . This is
a beautiful love ballad which fits the
mood of the movie and a possible
event in real life . Written by Gimbel
and Fox , this song should go all the
way on someone's list . Try seven out
of ten or better .
WHY YOU WANNA TREAT ME
SO BAD- PRINCE - Warner Broth-
ers WBS 49178
This guy is good on record , but in
person he's incredible . On his debut
album he wrote , produced , arranged
- and played all the instruments .
And of course , he sang . Once again
it's the Prince of funky soul and this
time he doesn 't want to "be your
mother and your sister , too ." It's a
nice little dance number this time
which is loaded with hooks in all the
right places . There's even some nice
guitar work which may help in
picking up some extra followers. It's
got to be a nine out of ten.
LOVE ON THE PHONE
SUZANNE
FELLIN! - Casablanca
NB 2242
Don 't let the label fool you. It's not
disco! (What's disco , anyway?) I
shouldn 't say that. This is New Wave
at its Pogo best. It's bouncy and silly
and has some ot the most out-
rageously suggistive lyrics on record .
I don 't know how much airplay it'll
get but people are already talking
about this one . So it may be an
important record to have , but no
rating .
LET ME BE THE CLOCK
SMOKEY ROBINSON -
Tamla
T 54311 F
"Cruisin" brought Smokey back
into the musical limelight and this
new one , from a new album should
take him one step farther , if that's
possible . It's a soulful ballad a lot like
the "Cruisin" smash with the same
dreamy feel. The lyrics are a nice
departure and a unique concept. My
quess is the promotion department at
Motown will have a nice gimmick to
go along with the release of "Let Me
Be The Clock" . This record is a hit
from the word "Go" - ten out of ten
everywhere . ( And please put me on
the mailing list for my very own
Smokey Robinson clock!)
TRAIN IN VAIN ( STAND BY
ME) - THE CLASH - Epic 9 -50851
This group is terrific . But not many
people know this. With the present
release , their recognition should pick
up sharply . It's rock'n'roll , yet it's a
little funky . Possibly a bit funkier
than a British New Wave band could
possibly be expected to perform . This
may seem a bit brazen , but all things
considered , The Clash could very
well be the best British band with this
particular sound since the Rolling
Stones . Eight out of ten at least.
AFTER YOU - DIONNE WARWICK
- Arista AS 0498
Now that she's gotten that
Grammy on the mantle , it's time for a
new album. This single is the third
from the Barry Manilow-produced
comeback lp and may fall into that
"third single rut" we've talked about
before , but it may not. Because of
the award , it may not matter what
she sings anymore. They may all turn
to gold and this record certainly
deserves it. A beautiful song sung by
a beautiful person with a heavenly
voice . Nine out of ten .
YOU MAY BE RIGHT - BILLY
JOEL - Columbia 1-11231
He's back' Hot on the heels of his
own Grammy award winning lp
"52nd St .", Billy Joel and his own
version of rock 'n'roll appear . It's
up-tempo , sung perfectly with catchy
humorous lyrics , and produced
excellently by Phil Ramone once
again . The chorus is the hook and I
know I'm right - this is a ten out of
ten record for sure . Long live Rock
'n' Joel!