The comparative failure of 'Big Beat' and 'Introducing' caused the Mael brothers to rethink their direction.
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The comparative failure of 'Big Beat' and 'Introducing' caused the Mael brothers to rethink their direction. In an interview with a German journalist they expressed an admiration for Giorgio Moroder. The journalist turned out to be a friend of Moroder, made the introduction and their eighth LP 'No1 in Heaven' was recorded with him at Musicland in Germany.
Musically the LP's instrumentation is electronic except for Keith Forsey's drums and, its sequencers and synths have the trademaek Moroder sound that was first heard on Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love'. Of the six tracks, four were released as singles, two of which 'Beat the Clock' and 'The Number One Song in Heaven' made the Top 20 in the UK. The LP also embraced modern promotional techniques such as videos and 12" singles so subsequent reissues have included a variety of variations of the original songs. As much as anything, it put them back on the radio and inspired or re-inspired those of us with an ear for the different. It's a short LP and has long songs, but there's no filler.
LP: https://yewtu.be/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k1ccadVxeKZXGykpGDoT00P72O2y9ZjIk
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._1_in_Heaven
#sparkstember @sparkstember -
@sparkstember The additional tracks that have been added over the years include promotional spots made by Peter Cook for the LP and for the single of 'Tryouts for the Human Race', therefore being doubly relevant to my interests. In the one for the LP he does adopt the rather doubtful persona of a 'Jewish' lawyer representing God. They're in the playlist, should you so wish.
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@[email protected] @[email protected] Peter Cook seemed very fond of that dubious characature. It's all over the Godley & Creme Consequences album (which he also voiced adverts for). Sparks at least didn't let him be on this magnificent album.
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@emsquared
Like Snipcock and Tweed in Private Eye, not his best work.
@sparkstember @sparkstember -
@simon @[email protected] @[email protected] Yep. Cook was a genius but like so many had his flaws and fallow periods.