Haircut 100
was quite the band in 1982. Their debut album, PELICAN WEST, was the
product of six very different personalities that came together to create one
fantastic album. From Latin to Funk to Pure Pop, the album blended the band
members’ musical influences perfectly. The thought that the album was created
by a group of kids just barely into their 20s was quite astounding. Even today, that timeless album is just as
thrilling as it was when it came out 35 years ago. The lads in H100 were in the
midst of recording their second album when lead singer/songwriter Nick Heyward left to pursue a solo
career. For a brief moment, it seemed like that was the end of the line for
H100 members Marc Fox, Les Nemes, Phil
Smith, Graham Jones and Blair
Cunningham. Thankfully, the lads still had something to say…
While Heyward initially made the smooth
transition from frontman to solo artist when he released his smooth and glossy (and also quite wonderful) NORTH
OF A MIRACLE album in 1983, the band had to scrap the songs they had
already recorded and start from scratch. Knowing that they had to recalibrate
their chemistry in order to move forward, they moved percussionist and backing
vocalist Marc Fox up front and began writing new material themselves, Haircut
100 had to leap through legal hassles in order to retain the band name. Once
the dust settled, H100 ended up on Polydor and issued PAINT AND PAINT, their
long-awaited sophomore album in 1984. Unfortunately, times had changed and this
platter was generally ignored upon release. Even worse, it didn’t even get a
U.S. release, which explains why there are so few fans in the States that even know
of PAINT
AND PAINT’s existence. Now, 33 years later, Cherry Pop is giving
everyone the chance to hear the album (again?) with a special deluxe two CD
edition that not only contains a wonderfully remastered version of the original
release but also includes b-sides, extended mixes, unreleased ‘development’
mixes, and radio sessions. In amongst these bonus tracks are songs never
previously released, albeit in instrumental form. Oh, and let me remind you that this is the
first time this album has appeared officially on CD!
So,
how was/is PAINT AND PAINT? If you go into the album expecting PELICAN
WEST II, you may be a wee bit disappointed because this was not PW II
and was not meant to be. PAINT AND PAINT, even after all of
these years, is still a wonderful listening experience. It is filled with great hooks, extraordinary
playing, great arranging, and a sense of joy. Although the band was under
extreme pressure to come up with the goods, the stress did not make its way
into the music. Songs like “So Tired,” “Immaterial,” “Fish In A Bowl,” “The
Hidden Years,” and “Too Up Two Down” rivaled many tracks off of the band’s
debut. Perhaps they were a little more
Pop-filled and less Latin Funk-fueled but they were great tunes nonetheless. PAINT
AND PAINT, in my opinion, was actually a slightly better album than Nick’s solo
debut (which I also loved) and I couldn’t understand why the album pretty much
disappeared from view shortly after its release. For over three decades, I’ve
continued to share my love for the album… and now Cherry Pop has made it so
much easier for everyone to hear it with this new reissue.
On this remaster, Phil Smith’s horn
arrangements really leap out of the speakers and right into your lap. Nemes’
bass playing slaps you upside the head. Jones’ playing is seven kinds of funky.
Marc Fox’s vocals are sweet and crystal clear. Cunningham (who left the band
before the album was finished) remains an under-rated drummer. The band is on
fire on this album, very creative and exciting. The album, like PELICAN
WEST, isn’t totally perfect but it is absolutely delightful despite its very minor faults (a song or two don't match the quality of the rest of the tracks).
The bonus material, including early ‘development’ mixes, is very exciting to
hear. Stripped of their production gloss (and vocals and overdubs), the band’s
creative energy shines. Oh, and the extended mix of “So Tired” remains one of
my favorite remixes ever – the layered harmonies on that track nearly take
center stage. Really lovely.
I can’t say enough good things about this
release but that might be because I’ve been a fan of the album for some 33
years! It is nearly as timeless as the band’s debut and definitely deserves as
much love as many of you have given Nick’s solo career. It’s never too late for
a new coat of PAINT AND PAINT!
Keep on truckin',
Stephen SPAZ Schnee
Also available:
PELICAN WEST
(Deluxe 2CD Edition)
3 comments:
I was fortunate enough to get a copy on vinyl when Paint and Paint came out and can't wait to get a CD and hear the additional material. Agree that the musicianship is sublime and thoroughly recommend the live DVD made at the time that is available for purchase.
I bought the album when it came out. It was an import here in the U.S. As popular as the and was over here, I didnt see many copies of the LP at all back in the day!
The CD is so worth the wait. So much great stuff to explore. And yes, I just got that DVD a few weeks back. I really like it.
Thanks Neil!
Loved this album, excited to hear the remaster
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