Backlashes work in all directions, at least they went every which way in the Winter of Discontent in the late 1970’s in the UK. While the fever for “Bee Gee Free” weekends might have just been a marketing ploy, actual musicians of the time took things more seriously and presented an alternative. A number of British upstart bands attempted to realign the planets in a more traditional pop manner. Sometimes known as ‘pub rock’, these bands were by and large one-hit wonders, bookended between the glam rock decline of the mid 70’s and the new wave Zeitgeist in the 1980’s.
But when they got it right, they really got it right, and some of these songs are epic, timeless pop masterpieces. Here are my favorites:
Driver’s Seat – Sniff n’ the Tears
This song was this band’s only hit anywhere in the world, but it has charted several times, in 1978, 1979, and 1991 (when it was used in a German car commercial). The guitar work, the Moog synthesizer, the timeless mood it invokes, this song never ever gets old. I love it so much that I prefer to listen to the 12″ single version, which contains just a bit more bleeps and bloops, and “yeahhhhhhh!”‘s.
Frozen Years – the Rumour
I love how slow and langorous this song is, and it features one of the best keyboard solos ever – it sounds like a bunch of mice playing the kazoo or something.
Cruel to Be Kind – Nick Lowe
Featuring a distinctly retro vibe (for 1979), this song has become a classic not only in the UK but in America and other places as well. It’s a very, very, very good sign!
Up the Junction – Squeeze
A classic song of working-class heartbreak, there are so many key changes in this song, not to mention the curiously weird and wonderful choice to use “near-rhyme” (i.e. I never thought it would happen with me & the girl from Clapham). One of Squeeze’s fan favorites, but not nearly as popular as “Tempted” or “Cool For Cats”. Nevertheless, it’s one of their very best.
