The Suburbs were one of the greatest
bands to come from Minneapolis in the 1980's. Originally a jumped-up,
noisy new wave quintet, and later evolving into a more moody,
danceable outfit. The band's first record in 1978, was also the first
ever released on the Twin/Tone label (later home to Soul Asylum and
The Replacements) and would serve as the band's label until 1983. In
that time they released two albums, two EP's and three singles.
The second of those albums was Credit
In Heaven. An ambitious double-album platter, with a nice and varied
track selection and clear production via Paul Stark (who would later
produce The Replacements' Hootenanny album). The album's lone
single “Music For Boys” reached number 66 on Billboard's Dance
Music/Club Play singles chart. And it became something of a new wave
club staple.
While there is a singularly originality
to The Suburbs and their material; a few points of references are
Roxy Music, Talking Heads and David Bowie. Beej Chaney's vocals point
to Iggy Pop, while Chan Polling's voice recalls Bryan Ferry.
“Cigarette In Backwards” sounds like a boozy Roxy Music.
“Drinking With An Angel” sounds like Iggy Pop fronting Talking
Heads. “Idiot Voodoo” and “Dish It Up” sound like absolute
new wave dance classics, while “Tape Your Wife To The Ceiling”
and “Spring Came” sound like they should be alternative radio
classics. Being that it is a double-album there are a few lesser
tracks (namely “Macho Drunk”, “Postcard” and “Girlache”).
But even those tracks don't detract from the overall cohesiveness and
general effectiveness of the album.
The band's playing is tight and the
arrangements accentuate the excellently understated rhythm section of
bassist Michael Halliday and drummer Hugo Klaers. Lead guitarist the
late Bruce C. Allen is shown to be an original player and effective
foil to Chaney's spare, quirky parts. And Polling is an a master at
knowing what to piano parts to play and what not to play. There is a
shared sense of understatement which is common to all.
A highly recommended album.
Here's the video review:
Special thanks to: Doug Mashkow of New Music Scene and CD Island.
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