I.R.S. Mini-Albums (IR7700 Series): The Humans: Play / Payola$: Introducing (IRS Records/1980)

I.R.S. Records (International Record Syndicate) was formed by Miles Copeland in 1979. With distribution from A&M records, it was the most successful independent label (although its ties with A&M conflicts the notion that it's an "indie") of the 1980's. Nonetheless, it brought The Go-Go's, R.E.M., The Cramps and The Fleshtones to the general public at large (and responsible for distributing albums by The Buzzcocks, The English Beat and The Stranglers to a U.S. audience).

I.R.S. could sometimes be a little gimmicky to offset their impressive innovations. One such little gimmick, for want of a better word, was their 33 & 1/3 7" Mini-Album series (the 7700 Series). That's an EP to the rest of us. It lasted for all of two records: Play by The Humans and Introducing by Payola$ both released in 1980.

 The Humans were a Surf-y New Wave band from Santa Cruz, California. They'd played together previously in the surf band Eddie & The Showman, who had released singles in the 1960's. Play (7700) is a fine little four-song album (an EP in all but name). "I Live In The City" is a fantastic New Wave relic that vocally recalls Wall Of Voodoo and even The Dead Milkmen (or vice versa). The title track and the cover of "Pipeline" are well-worth hearing as well.

Payola$ were a Vancouver, BC band that featured producer Bob Rock (Areosmith, Motley Crue. Metallica) and had the hit "Eyes Of A Stranger", that was in the Valley Girl movie & soundtrack.
Introducing Payola$ (7701) is a pretty fine release. The lone stand-out track is "Jukebox", which is better than it has any business being. It's excellent. It was also re-recorded for their debut album In A Place Like This.

Very nice little collectables and true anomalies from I.R.S. Records. If you love New Wave (as I do), fetch these up.

Here's the video review: