Sunday, September 09, 2007

Echo Beach And The Passions

It's not very often that I sling videos around on this 'ere blog but I am feeling particularly lazy today. All claims of indolence aside though, isn't this just one of the best records of all time? It still sounds good even today. Enjoy.



A little belated addendum to the above post... a timely comment from TimeWarden has reminded me of another superb record from the early eighties - and one that still sends me into shivers of delight. The Passions' "I'm In Love With A German Film Star" is that rare thing in a pop record these days: evocative, aspiring and perfect. Listen, watch and swoon...

7 comments:

TimeWarden said...

Enjoyed hearing that again, Steve. It reminds me of other songs/groups/artists from around the same time. The sax sound is similar to Hazel O'Connor while the organ is a little bit Stranglers and, for some reason, it had me thinking of The Passions' "I'm in Love with a German Film Star".

I like the repeat refrain, ad-lib to fade, at the end which is the kind of chorus you could really build up and back down again when playing live. It's also a very strong hook with which to close the song.

Steve said...

Hi TimeWarden,

Ah - The Passions. Another fabulous track. It's one that I play on my mp3 player quite often as I walk to work. The lyrics are a bit silly but the music is very evocative for me. I really like the chord changes and the whole ambience of the song never fails to put me in a carefree mood.

Steve said...

You may mention Gordon Is A Moron with impunity. Or even Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick.

The Sagittarian said...

ah, the 80s may have been under-rated? Who would have guessed!!

The Sagittarian said...

Oh, have just remembered Wake up and make love to me...just love that track.

Steve said...

Too right - and What A Waste is another goodie. Brilliant lyrics!

TimeWarden said...

Interesting to hear The Passions again, too. I still have the 7 inch which I bought in Woollies in Beeston, Nottingham as an undergraduate on the same day as "Vienna" by Ultravox. Odd I remember that as I don't remember where I bought every record I own!

The lead singer's voice reminds me of Clare Grogan from Altered Images who, in turn, was inspired by Siouxsie whom I was lucky enough to catch live on campus, again as an undergraduate, in the very hall I later had to sit some of my exams!

"Clever Trevor"!!!