Many bands experience a “sophomore slump” when it comes time to record their second album. Often, the second release is little more than a few songs that didn’t make it on the first album plus some filler material. This typically leads to the criticism that “they only had one good record in ‘em.” A great band, on the other hand, will continue to mine the sound that earned them acclaim the first time out — leaving the third record to be the real proving ground for whether or not they are the real deal.
Wire Train’s second release, between two words, was one of those rare exceptions to the rule. No leftovers. No filler. No lack of inspiration. Even the Bob Dylan song “God On Our Side” comes off sounding fresh and new(wave). The album came out in 1985 and, in addition to Kevin Hunter (lead singer/guitar) and Anders Rundblad (bass), it featured new drummer Brian Macleod. It would also prove to be the last Wire Train LP with guitarist Kurt Herr, who was replaced by Jeff Trott when the band hit the road to open shows for INXS.
Once again, picking just one song from this album is always tricky, but time and again—mix tape after mix tape—I always come back to the first track which, by the way, was also the name of the indie-music video program that my friend Andy and I produced in 1985, but were never able to convince anyone else of its brilliance. So the HMSOD Wire Train extravaganza continues with “Last Perfect Thing” being the Song of the Day.
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)
Wire Train’s second release, between two words, was one of those rare exceptions to the rule. No leftovers. No filler. No lack of inspiration. Even the Bob Dylan song “God On Our Side” comes off sounding fresh and new(wave). The album came out in 1985 and, in addition to Kevin Hunter (lead singer/guitar) and Anders Rundblad (bass), it featured new drummer Brian Macleod. It would also prove to be the last Wire Train LP with guitarist Kurt Herr, who was replaced by Jeff Trott when the band hit the road to open shows for INXS.
Once again, picking just one song from this album is always tricky, but time and again—mix tape after mix tape—I always come back to the first track which, by the way, was also the name of the indie-music video program that my friend Andy and I produced in 1985, but were never able to convince anyone else of its brilliance. So the HMSOD Wire Train extravaganza continues with “Last Perfect Thing” being the Song of the Day.
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)