Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, June 28, 8-10pm) include Del Shannon, Master’s Apprentices, Ultravox, Pagans, Human Switchboard, Chrome, Judy’s, Plus-Tech Squeezebox, Peach Kelli Pop, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: Zappo was a one-off project and alias of British musician, songwriter and producer Marty Wilde, father of Ricky and Kim Wilde. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Crazy,” Zappo’s only release, is classic foot stomping and hand clapping Euro glam with a hint of Slade. It came out in 1974 on various international labels with different picture sleeves, including this French release on Columbia. Artwork is uncredited.
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): Angie Reed is an American electronica vocalist and multi-instrumentalist based in Berlin. After playing bass for Stereo Total in the late 90s, she left the band to begin a solo career. Her 2003 “Presents the Best of Barbara Brockhaus” album on Chicks on Speed is an ambitious concept album steeped in thematic irony. The songs are all based on the vivid and often sexualized daydreams/fantasies of the fictional Barbara Brockhaus, a very bored and, well, horny secretary. “I Think I Love Him” is a remake of the the Starfires’ spurned lover garage classic “I Never Loved Her” (sure, dude) from the 60s. Reed keeps the basic melody of the original, speeds up the tempo, and with a change of lyrics, the song is transformed into a NSFW randy romp. Listen to the unedited (not ready for radio) version here:
Promo art from Chrome’s 1979 “Half Machine Lip Moves” album on Siren Records. Photo and special effects by Amy James. Help with art direction by Edge.