John Schneider: "Too Good To Stop Now" (1984); "Tryin' To Outrun the Wind" (1985) - MCA Records

He WAS a Rhinestone Cowboy!

From 1981 to 1987, television actor John Schneider (best known at the time for his stint on The Dukes of Hazzard) had a series of (often sentimental) long titled country hits like "I've Been Around Enough to Know", "What's a Memory Like You (Doing in a Love Like This)" and "You're the Last Thing I Needed Tonight". While he actually developed a pretty authentic western croon, it is pretty hard to believe this Hollywood (via New York state) refugee as he sings, fairly exclusively, on 1984's "Too Good To Stop Now" about all his low income, hard partying, bad boy companions. (In the early 90's, Garth Brooks would take this strategy to more successful, fairly believable heights.)

A quick look at the internet will reveal most of Schneider's 80's output to be long out of print on CD, but incredibly sexy (albeit staged) images (like the above) are best seen, in full length, on original album record covers - which can easily be found when scouring through thrift stores - and at much more reasonable prices than $80 a pop, as well!

 

So, always remember Bo Duke LOVES you and be sure to keep that Vinyl Rebellion going strong!!!

Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2. Music from the Motion Picture. 1986 I.R.S. Records

"Kiss my Brain!" - Lords of the New Church. --

                                            Welcome to Caroline Williams' radio!!!

Those who only know I.R.S. Records from their pre-teen Go-Go's bedroom dance parties might be surprised to discover that this was the label responsible for releasing the soundtrack to David Lynch's Eraserhead in 1980 and, utilizing the edgy artists on their label, the glorious slab of skin flecked vinyl that made up The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 soundtrack in 1986.

Interestingly, since Williams' character Stretch is a DJ, most of the songs on the LP are actually heard to grand effect in the film. In fact, 5 of the numbers are included in this body popping celluloid attack by the time the film hits the 17 minute mark.

But with The Cramps' psychotic rock-a-billy, Timbuk 3's ironic Southern pop, Oingo Boingo's quirky magic, Torch Song's spooky strains and Concrete Blonde's ' been there-done that' mysticism, this record comes off as a worthy sampler of meaty music in its own right.

So, until the next time - keep playing with Savini's saw while keeping that Vinyl Rebellion alive!

Karen Lawrence & The Pinz: "Girls Night Out" - RCA Records

"I'd like the record to state - This is the Girl's Night Out!" - Lawrence/Hostetler

I always love a good girl's night out. It almost always means the boys are at home, all alone, and probably very bored!

For multi-talented musician Karen Lawrence a Girls Night Out meant something very different. It was her first (and, unfortunately, only) stab at New Wave stardom. Co-writing almost all the songs on this 1981 disc, Lawrence combines the gloomy  effectiveness of Euro goddess Lene Lovich and the dusky, sunshine glazed antics of  L.A.'s Martha Davis (from The Motels). She stabs out her vocals with the disaffected precision inherent in this genre - creating an elegant yet poppy, must-have affair.

 

Title track "Girls Night Out" is as seemingly pro-fun as any of Cyndi Lauper's early output, but with a much more questioning, darker edge. "Rebel" is a perfect combination of 60's girl group concerns mixed with a dirty, FM blade. "March of the Pins" continues the album's skittering synth attack with quirky nuances. The only mild failure, here, is the cover of Geld/Udell's sweet love gem "Sealed with a Kiss". That song requires a sweet passion to be believable, but Lawrence plays the remote queen too well in this setting to make the song really resonate.

"Girls Night Out" has never been released on CD, making it a pink 'n lively find for vinyl lovers - a cold, throwback shower of 80's aural delight!

Lawrence, who has performed with Aerosmith, Jeff Beck and wrote "Prisoner" (the Love Theme to The Eyes of Laura Mars) for Barbra Streisand, has continued to make music throughout the years, though.  In the early 90's, she found much respect as the lead singer for acclaimed blues outfit Blue by Nature, proving her true versatility.

So, until the next time -  grab yer pearls, fish out a prom dress from the local thrift store -- and, most importantly: Keep your Vinyl Rebellion going strong!

Vinyl Rebellion: Misty Moore "This Girl's in Love With You" - PZAZZ Records

She's a full blown 60's siren, this Misty Moore! A veteran of the Los Angeles and Las Vegas club scene, Moore apparently only recorded one album -  but what a disc!

 

Each song here comes on like a full blown, period appropriate soundtrack number from a detective series - preferably one starring Rod Taylor with Joey Heatherton as his come hither Girl Friday and Connie Stevens as his (secretly resourceful) gal pal in a pinch!

 

 

Misty does let some true ache enter her voice on such numbers as the ironic "Lucky Me" and the semi-subtle "I'll Let You Go". "The World's Still Round" has a catchy call in it's chorus and it's a true might-have-been-a-hit. Every track comes on with heavy night club dance-ability, though, adding a certain (enjoyable) sameness to the material. Although, the last number "More Than the Eye Can See" slows things down just enough. Here, Moore is able to show the truly seductive salt and pepper shades to her register. (Besides, I picked this saucy puppy up, in near perfect condition, for $.50 at the Reckless Records Broadway location in Chicago - so who's complaining?

 

Gay ten? Hell, I'll take a perfect dozen. (No wonder I like this record so much!)

 

For the truly curious: The fabulous Ms. Moore has her own blog http://mistymooresings.blogspot.com. There, she has footage of her appearances on The Tonight Show (and performing with Donald O'Connor) along with an overview of her career and this album!

 

'Til the next time - Keep your Vinyl Rebellion going strong!!!