retroblog.net » ABC http://www.retroblog.net I'm living in the past... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:05:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 forecast calls for rain… http://www.retroblog.net/2008/08/25/forecast-calls-for-rain/ http://www.retroblog.net/2008/08/25/forecast-calls-for-rain/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:16:38 +0000 retroDan http://www.retroblog.net/?p=535
the forecast calls for rain on wednesday which means that I probably won’t go see the Regeneration Tour at the local amphitheater. The outdoor venue isn’t covered so if it rains, the audience WILL most definitely get soaked. and even though I was looking forward to seeing all those retro 80’s bands- ABC, Human League, Belinda Carlisle, Naked Eyes and Flock of Seagulls, they’re not really worth the trouble of standing out in the pouring rain for four hours. ABC and the Human League are the main reasons why I’d want to see the show. Hopefully I’ll get another chance to see them live sometime in the near future.

ABC performing Poison Arrow at the NEC 17May08

—

The Human League performing The Lebanon at Hof Ter loo 13Dec07

—

]]> http://www.retroblog.net/2008/08/25/forecast-calls-for-rain/feed/ 1 nonessential remixes http://www.retroblog.net/2008/01/31/remixes/ http://www.retroblog.net/2008/01/31/remixes/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:04:26 +0000 retroDan http://www.retroblog.net/2008/01/31/remixes/ When bad remixes happen to good songs.
retroblog mix
Asia – Go (remix) : Here’s a 1985 DANCE remix of Asia’s rock song “Go”. Obviously the decision of a clueless record exec who somehow thought a british classic rock band needed a dance club makeover. I’m not sure who actually DID the remix but Geoff Downes’ keyboard takes center stage on this one.

Yes – Owner of a Lonely Heart (1983 Red Blue mix) : in the same vein as the Asia remix, here we have a classic rock band with a dance mix of their rock classic. I can’t actually imagine this one even making it onto the dance floor. it just sounds bizarre… sort of like the “Art of Noise” randomly playing around with different settings on the Fairlight synth while this song was playing in the studio.

Wings – Let ‘Em In (Wing It Mix) : Reportedly Paul McCartney commissioned a set of remixes to be released along with the WingSpan documentary in 2001 but the remixes never got officially released. Listening to this remix, you can hear why. Pretty bland and ultimately pointless.

Big Country – One Great Thing (Big Baad Country Mix) : Like a good number of remixes in the mid-eighties, this Big Country remix simply sounds like someone having some fun with a Fairlight. and due to the heavy Fairlight use, it sounds more like Trevor Horn/Art of Noise than Big Country.

ABC – Be Near Me (Munich Disco Mix) : The obnoxious sounding drums and handclaps added to the 1985 remix obscures the charm and personality of the original. Yes, it’s sorta fun and goofy to listen to now but in terms of songcraft and production quality, the remix is definitely a big step down.

]]> http://www.retroblog.net/2008/01/31/remixes/feed/ 2