The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, November 19, 1982, Page Page 12, Image 12
Page 12 Friday, November 19, 1982 Daily Nebraskan Arte Ad am s 'Antics draw fornicators and pi CMC Kers r Friend or Foe Adam Ant Epic "Friend or Foe," Adam's third LP in as many years, continues his display of himself. His first album (with the back-up group The Ants), "Kings of the Wild Front ier," was a breath of fresh air in the stagnating British punknew wave scene of 1980. Resurrecting the glamour rock days of Marc Bolan and early David Bowie, he arrived with a pre-cut but full-blown image as a romantic swashbuckler with American Indian overtones. He wore braided pirate coats and war paint. Sitting Bull meets Captain Bligh. Regardless of where Adam's romantic pirate-cum-Indian image came from, it has made him a teen idol in England and, to a lesser degree in the United States. His second album, "Prince Charming," continued the romantic theme, but was considered by most critics to be a weak follow-up to his initial success. With his third effort, the main Ant has fumigated his back-up Ants and returned to the driving beat of his first record. The only surviving Ant on "Friend or Foe" is Marco Pirroni, and his influence is evident as co producer and lead guitarist. Adam also has added horns to his new line-up, and the overall result is a sound as punchy and fun as "New Kings of the Wild Frontier." Also, the present group contains only one drummer, compared to the previous two, and the emphasis is slightly more melodic than previously. Mr. Ant (actually Stuart Godard) has never been one to hide his songwriting influences, and "Friend or Foe" is perhaps even more obvious with his allegiances. The title cut has a chorus with a strong XTC-ish sound. "Something Girl" sounds like a cross between John Sebastian and guitar ace Carlos Alomar. "Hello, I Love You" is a remake of Jim you-know-who's classic. Adam talks about himself in all but the last which is an instrumental song on the album. His attitude on "Friend or Foe" is just that. Either you are with him or you aren't. He sums up that idea on the title cut: want those who get to know me To become admirers or my enemies As I said before, Adam Ant is an egotistical guy who enjoys singing about himself. If that idea bothers or bores you, you'd be better off by taking his own advice and leave him alone. If it doesn't, there's enough good songs and fun music in "Friend or Foe" that you could probably learn to love it. Record review by Billy Shaffer Wh en Benatar sings Wo, 9 ou fee I like jumping Get Nervous Pat Benatar Chrysalis On her latest album, "Get Nervous," Pat Benatar continues to go full circle from the I-know-you're-gonna-dump-me-lut-how-about-one-more-for-old-time's-sake of the hit "Shadows of the Night" to the love-is-pain-but-ril-survive-and-boy-you're-gonna-be-sorry of "Little Too Late." In "Shadows Of The Night" Benatar pleads: You can cry tough baby It's all right You can let me down easy But not tonight. In "Little Too Late" she warns: hear ya had a good offer down on Third Avenue You told me that was the reason for what you put me through Now you come collapsin ' back I feel the heat of your attack I'm givin'you the sack Sayin ' don 't waste your time. The entire album's theme isn't new to Benatar. Since her debut album, "In The Heat Of The Night," Benatar has shown how indestructible she is to all of us heartless males. Old theme, but not a boring one. Benatar's uniquely powerful voice coupled with the tripping licks from hubby Neil Geraldo's guitar gives the listener the feeling that when the singer says "frog, " you'd better jump. You know that she's not just mildly upset with the relationship. She's livid, and, by God, you'd damn well better pack you toothbrush. No matter how good her band is, however, the true highlight of any Benatar performance is that voice. Every time that 98-pound set of vocal chords opens her mouth, it sounds as if the song is coming from way down deep in her shoes. This is rock'n'roll from the female point of view. It certainly isn't from the Clearasil, back-seat, high school setting of the Go-Go's. The only other female who can even come close to Benatar's voice and the emotion thrown forth with it is the Pretender's Chrissie Hynde. Besides "Shadows of the Night," other standout cuts include "Looking for a Stranger," "The Victim" and the title track "Anxiety (Get Nervous)." Benatar says this is her favorite of her four albums. I agree. Buy the album, but for heaven's sake, guys, don't go out and break any hearts. Because if you do, it sounds as if Benatar will hear about it and you don't want her miffed at you. Hell hath no fury. . . Record review by Randy Wymore Diana Ross - well-crafted talent Silk Diana Ross MCA Diana Ross makes well-crafted pop music. "Silk" follows right along in that tradition (which is no sur prise), as Ross' experience at doing this stuff dates back to the glory days of Motown. The breathy vocals are still there, but the sound is more "80s in approach, as every thing is in its place and perfect. For a lot of artists, being too well-produced is a bad move, but Ross can pull it off. For instance, "Silk" has strings all over the place, and it actually works. Ross is high up in the pop pantheon by now, with people like Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney. At their level, the music, while still important, is secondary to their being personalities. Diana Ross will continue indefinitely to make movies, play Vegas and make sexy, sophisticated music. She also has managed to maintain her integrity while being completely independent. Instead of becoming self-indulgent, Diana Ross Productions continues to do right by its artist. One smart move was snagging Michael Jackson to write and produce the hit single "Muscles," which is right in the same tradition as her hot AM singles "Love Hangover" and "Upside Down." Jackson's own records are what the Rolling Stones should be doing nowadays, and his magic touch works once again with Ross. Jackson played on the latest album by my old buddy Joe "King" Carrasco, who said that Jackson is a complete wizard in the studio. "Muscles" is, logically enough, the best tune here. Nice role reversal, as Ross sings about secondary sexual characteristics she likes in men "as long as he's beautiful." This should be a lesson for young guys to get in shape. A recent study came out saying that adults are in the best shape they've ever been in, while younger people are going to pot. Look at Jane Fonda's example and get to the gym. Ross would approve. "Turn Me Over" is a hard rocker, of all things, that works. It features lots of loud guitar, which makes it sound like Blondie's "Rapture" on speed, and a real cute ending, as side one closes with Ross saying, "Turn me over." The other stuff is ballads, heavy on the strings, and should appeal to a wide cross section of people -dancers, adults, radio programmers, etc. Andy (anything for a buck) Warhol did the cover, which is a great leap forward from his last cover art for Billy Squier. Time to go to the Y and jam to "Muscles." Record review by Pat Higgins Chelsea 's Pub series offers jazz variations A Jazz ensemble with a Jimmy Smith style, the Subby Anzaldo Jr. Trio, will perform blues and energetic jazz tonight and Saturday night at Chelsea's Pub in East Park Plaza. Anzaldo plays drums, Jerry Jacoby plays sax and John Mallard, the most famous member of the trio, plays bass. Mallard has performed with Freddie Hubbard, Joe Walsh and Alphonsc Muazan of the original Weather Report. The Chelsea's series is sponsored by the Capitol Jazz Association. The series is the main thrust of the organization's campaign to build a steady home for jazz in Lincoln. Many local and regional artists have appeared a ready including Tom Larson, Tomllennig, Nancy Marshall, Luigi Waitcs. Claude Williams, Wayne Rollins, Opic and the Unity Jazz Quartet. Future engagements also are planned. Nov. 26 and 27, the Neoclassic Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece big band, will perform a set of dance style jazz and two ets of big band jazz. Dec. 3 and 4 the Universe Jazz Quintent, an ?t! ? tTlyt UNL music l"dcnts, will perform jazz-funk fusion. Dec 10 and 1 1, the Harvi Griffin Trio will per hTnlirf 1a iontcmP"ry jazz. Griffin, on harp. ff ed hree U.S. presidents. Rusty mu c' m R f' 3 UN aSSisUn! Professor of music. Bill Bolmcier is on drums. Dec. 17 and 18, the Clarke-Hofer Trio, a group n,neJPer,enCCd laZZ musicians from Lincoln and Omaha, will perform in Lincoln under this name.