Video Rarities

I thought about titling this post "I'm Not Dead, Part 2" because again, it's been a while since I posted and again, I blame it on being extremely busy.

Until I have time to rip and write about more stuff more extensively, I thought I'd post some very rare video clips from bands I have written about here. Oh, the things you can find on YouTube.

Click on the links to check out what I have previously written about these bands.

Blue Peter - Video Verite (live 1981) - A really energetic live performance of one of my favorite tracks from this Canadian power pop/new wave act!



Karen Lawrence & the Pinz - Girl's Night Out (1981) - I heard there was a promo video made for this album, but never really thought it would surface. Well, here it is. Karen Lawrence (who now does bluesier stuff) in all her throaty, untamed new wave glory.



JoBoxers - Is This Really the First Time (1985) - This band is best known for the bouncy semi-hit Just Got Lucky, but in my opinion, this tune is just as good (and just as bouncy). It was culled from their second and final album Skin and Bone, which I still haven't been able to confirm was actually released.



The Reels - Prefab Hearts (1980) - This video by Aussie new wavers the Reels is just a tad bit scary (in a harmless 1980 sort of way), but the song is truly one of my all time favorite forgotten pop songs. Just try to get it out of your head. I dare you.



The Crocodiles - Tears (1980) - Before New Zealand's Jenny Morris went on to a successful solo career in her native land, she had this local hit with The Crocodiles. A very catchy, well-sung pop tune.



Pearl Harbour (live with the Clash) - Fujiyama Mama (1982) - The larger than life Pearl Harbour appears on stage with the Clash to sing this track, a Wanda Jackson rockabilly cover off her debut solo LP, Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too. At the time she was romantically linked with Paul Simonon. Fun stuff.

KAREN LAWRENCE & THE PINZ - Girl's Night Out

While new wave sirens such as Josie Cotton and Holly Beth Vincent produced records in the early 80s that have since developed a cult status among the genre's fans, Karen Lawrence's lone new wave LP, Girl's Night Out, remains criminally under the radar.

Maybe this is because the bulk of Lawrence's work, including time as vocalist for both Blue By Nature and 1994, features a bluesier, more straightforward rock sound. Or maybe it's because it has never been reissued. In any case, 1981's Girl's Night Out is a thoroughly enjoyable homage to 60s pop, highlighted by Lawrence's consistently impressive vocals.

Like Josie Cotton on her classic Convertible Music LP, Lawrence delivers Girl's Night Out with a knowing, tongue-in-cheek nod to classic girl groups such as The Shangri-Las and The Ronettes. Even the artwork oozes retro style, with its bright pink sleeve and black and white photo of Lawrence decked out in a prom dress.

Musically, much of Girl's Night Out comes in twos. There is a pair of irresistible, punky power pop numbers in Blondes and Hold Me Closer - my personal favorites. Then there's a couple of top-notch sugary ballads, Rebel and So Tough, which best bring out the tough-but-tender, Mary Weiss vibe in Lawrence. Not to mention I Won't Stop and March of the Pins, which bring to the table a more synth-heavy, quirky 80s style of fun.

Throughout the album, the star of the show is Lawrence's big voice, which ranges from a raspy pur to a bluesy wail to a giddy squeak all in the course of a single song. She really digs into the material and makes every single cut convincing.

Unfortunately, I hear the masters of this album were destroyed before Lawrence could acquire them from RCA. The good news is that you can check out my vinyl rip of Girl's Night Out here:

Karen Lawrence and the Pinz - Girl's Night Out (1981)

Track listing:
1 - Girl's Night Out
2 - Blondes
3 - I Won't Stop
4 - Rebel
5 - Sealed With a Kiss
6 - March of the Pins
7 - Fix It
8 - Hold Me Closer
9 - So Tough
10 - Modern Times

FOR FANS OF:
The Motels, Holly & the Italians, Josie Cotton, The Crocodiles, The Dugites, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders

WEB LINKS:
- Karen Lawrence on MySpace
- Karen Lawrence on Wikipedia