Paul Collins Beat
Ribbon of Gold
blurt-online.com
In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the Beat represented the best the power pop revival had to offer, bestowing a promise of rock ‘n' roll salvation that ultimately poor sales, a rotating cast of musicians and a tug of tags with a popular British ska band also dubbed the Beat conspired to deflate. Thankfully, Paul Collins -- the band's ongoing musical mainstay -- refused to concede defeat to the fates, and after jettisoning the band with a final album in 1989, Collins opted for a solo career that kept the Beat trajectory alive in spirit if not in name. After a short spate of albums in the early ‘90s, Collins took a recording hiatus, later touring with a new edition of the Beat while enjoying a renewed burst of popularity in Spain of all places.
Collins returned to the studio two years ago after an extended absence via an album somewhat presumptuously titled Flying High, resurrecting the Paul Collins Beat moniker and reviving the basic rock ‘n' roll regimen that was at the heart of his signature band's musical mantra. This latest album follows suit and also keeps good company; it shares store shelves with a recent reissue of recordings by Collins' seminal group, the Nerves, best known for lending one of their early staples, "Hanging on the Telephone Line," to a band by name of Blondie.
Not surprisingly then, Ribbon of Gold doesn't tamper with the template - not by a long shot - but its effusive blend of carefree pop and breathless ballads proves Collins still reveres his roots. The exuberant "hey DJ," an energetic "Ribbon of Gold" and the good time girl meets guy "yeah yeah" chorus of "Falling in Love with Her" all show allegiance to basic pop precepts. Likewise, the strummed romantic ballad "Parlez Vous Francais?" and the chiming Beat... errr, beat... ballad "Big Pop Song" (an apt title if ever there was one) each demonstrate old school lessons on how to keep a sound simple, and yet solid.
Standout tracks: "Hey DJ," "Falling in Love with Her," "Parlez Vous Francais?" LEE ZIMMERMAN