Whats on your turntable tonight?

Off Broadway, AKA Off Broadway USA was a band that originated in the late 70's in Chicago. They released two albums, their debut 'On' and their sophomore effort, 'Quick Turns.'. Both were released on ATCO / Atlantic. Although they made some minor interest nationally, they were big in their native Chicago. They had 3-4 singles, all making Billboard top 100, but not cracking the top 40.

They were part power pop and part new wave. Lots of hooks, but sometimes corny lyrics. Surprisingly, both records were pretty well recorded. Rare and hard to find, if you come across either LP in the used bins, it will be worth the $5 to take a chance!

Yeah, not much 70's "power pop" (never have dug that term) featured memorable lyrics, Big Star and Cheap Trick excepted (bands who really transcended the label anyway). But a lot of the best of it did tend to come out of the Midwest. I'll keep a lookout...

1. loudon wainwright iii, album ii--alternatively sad and hysterically funny; best one guy with a guitar folkie album by someone not named dylan. as far as i know, never released on cd. "motel blues" (later covered by big star) is on this record.
2. lyres lyres--hadn't heard this in 20 years or so and was surprised at how great it is--tough, hooky garage rockers and really pretty ballads. "she pays the rent" is a classic.
3. wipers, over the edge---sorta hardcore punk rock for grownups. i bet nirvana wore out 100 copies of this record.

Picked up today:

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Brian Eno - Before And After Science
David Byrne/Brian Eno - My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Gram Parsons - Return Of The Grievous Angel
Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (actually got this mid-week)

tonights records:

Linda Ronstadt: "what's new"
Joni Mitchell: "Song to a Seagull"
Christy Moore: "Smoke and strong Whiskey"
CSN: "Crosby,Stills and Nash"
Judy Collins: "Colors of the Day"
Phoebe Snow: "Phoebe Snow"