Get Happy New Year

Get Happy New Year

THE BEAT GOES ON

NEW YORK—It had been 10 months since I last saw Elvis Costello; in between Id watched him play footsie with Tom Snyder, straight man to George Jones, and come close to a critical/commercial disaster with his bi-annual no more concerts" rumor. To his credit none of these setbacks harmed his reputation one iota; the ad in the Village Voice invited us to bring in the New Year with Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Almost Blue Almost 1982" it read. The same day the concert was sold out.

December 31,1981: Outside the Palladium a Costello clone is getting soaked to the skin, and the never say die scalpers are doing brisk business. Inside the foyer the clientele are being given free Costello calendars and lining up to buy cheap plonk. On stage NRBQ are winning over a less than willing auaience. wixn me exception ui about 10 diehard fans in the second row, only the numerous rock critics have heard of the band. NRBQ win their way into our hearts through a set that proves that old cliche about the honest roar of rock n roll." They start at a canter, end at a gallop, get called back for two encores, deserved more.

After a brief wait the lights are turned off, the curtain rises, and the audience in the orchestra stand as one. They dont sit down till the first intermission. On the Trust tour in February, Costello generally began with just piano accompanying a haunting, slowly torturous Shot By His Own Gun." Not tonight. Tonight were getting some old stuff, songs from This Years Model and Armed Forces. At first it feels as though hes rushing them; The Beat" jumps by, Accidents Will Happen" rocks hard and falls flat. Is he pandering to his audience? No. Hes building up to what it probably had in mind in the first place—a reinterpretation and a rejuvenation of some of his most loved songs. Listening to a disturbing Watching The Detectives," with the reggae rhythm all but gone and the pace reminiscent of the way he used to do Alison" on the first Stiff tour, I felt what Costello was attempting was something quite as radical as Dylan did on the Before The Flood tour. Like Dylan he doesnt want us to get too comfortable with his old material, he has to reshape the songs so we can hear them the way we did the first time. This became clearer with Radio, Radio." Ive heard El do this as an indictment of the music business aimed at the people who run the radio and thus the business itself. Ive heard it done as a statement of intent. But the last couple of times its been simply an anthem. Tonight its a reprimand, a reminder of just how little things have changed, tonight its heartbreaking. Just as were settling down for an evening of disquieting, disturbing but pleasurable modern popular music by the best practitioner working today, Costello introduces John McFee guesting on slide guitar and starts in on Almost Blue," practically bringing the concert to a halt. The four-eyed boy wonder used to be great with a cover — Getting Mighty Crowded" anyone? I Just Dont Know What To Do With Myself? more recently, Shes Got You," but it simply didnt happen with Almost Blue,", and it wasnt happening on New Years Eve. Although I enjoyed his fairly straightforward shot at Gram Parsons Im Your Toy" (I liked it on the album as well), Sweet Dreams" is maudlin and sentimental, Why Dont You Love Me Like You Used To Do" is hurried, harried, and not a touch on Hank Williams original, and as a whole El does earnest but unsatisfying country music. 1 spent the time wishing hed slip in Motel Matches." He doesnt. '

Animals Reduced To Moonies

TOKYO —All you nervous animals out there should be pleased with the latest spiritual development.

Dr. Mansanori Murakami, director of the Tokyo Animal Clinic, says that yoga is the answer for uptight pets. Theres no reason," he insists, why dogs, cats, racoons, birds and chimps cannot learn this technique." Oh yeah? What about worms?

First exercise is the common Death Position, where the pooch hits the dust with legs spread in every direction as if its about to be searched for drugs. Then its on to the seldom talked-about Penguin Squat. A tuffy, that.

If you think thats stupid, waitll you hear hamsters chanting Om."

Rick Johnson

A CHIP OFF THE BLOCK!

Ozzy Osbourne's father, Joe, is seen here with three bodyguards attending a recent concert performance by his famous son. Spectators say that Mr. Osbourne appeared to enjoy the show, salivating violently and scratching his genitals every time Ozzy would do anything involving blood. Following, the filial encore, Joe suddenly stripped completely, ran outdoors and began howling at the moon. When a passing reporter inquired how Mr. Osbourne had enjoyed the performance, Joe attempted to bite the man's head off.

A quarter to the hour of the next year, the stage is left to Steve Nieve who plays some light classical arrangements of stuff like Gershwins Rhapsody In Blue." Theres no doubting Nieves immense talent; as part of the best back-up band in the business hes proven it again and again. But I found him a little dull.

And suddenly its 82, and Costello is doing (Whats So Funny) Bout Peace, Love And Understanding," and theres nowhere Id rather be than here this year. This set were getting Get Happy;, Trust and believe it or not, My Aim Is True. A triple whammy that cuts the first half in half, downtime Is Over" is given the same treatment as on the EP, moody and moving, building and building to Whos making lovers lane safe again for lovers," King Horse," Possession," Secondary Modern," on he goes deliciously. The lighting is changing from green to purple to blue, to white, to a rainbow of colors. Ive seldom seen the Attractions play so well, never seen them play so long. Sometimes it feels as if theyre telepathically connected to El cause theyre always exactly where they should be. Then come six new songs, they all sound great on the first hear, closer to the atmospheric Get Happy) than the rowdy Trust.

But time is passing and Costello is on the march to the big climax." Here they come: Watch Your Step," New Lace Sleeves," Alison" (with everybody singing along), Miracle Man/" Red Shoes!!!," and POW Mystery Dance" played with such powerful passion nothing can top it. Im shouting and singing and dancing. Next day my voice is so hoarse I can hardly speak and Im so high on the concert I didnt think Id ever come down. Costello proved it all night; Ive always known his talent as a songwriter, but Ive never seen him give such a fulfilling satisfying totally terrific performance. So this is what being a Long Term Artist is like...give me temptation!

Iman Lababedi

Australian Ack-Ack Alive & Onstage

DETROIT (60 CREEM WRITERS BORN THIS HOUR)The adventure begins when the editor casually asks if Id like to see AC/DC. Now this is the type of question that has no correct" answers. I mean, what—are they next door or something? Ive always wanted to see AC/DC," I reply with equivocal boldness. Whirr, zip, clang, heres two free tickets and give our best to the family.

Wait a minute. Ive always wanted to see imminent nuclear destruction, too, not to mention the Cowboys kicking into' the wind. Damn this real life.

THE DEVIL CAME IN ON Q ANT AS: Several days later Im down at Cobo Arena to see AC/DC. Outside a group of religious-minded leaders are passing out pamphlets. The cover features AC/DCs logo and some song titles, but the inside is even scarier, warning that the end is near with no guarantee of an instant replay or anything. It offers a prayer to Cast out all demons of the occult and rock music. " (Another clear-headed love and marriage" analogy sure to exert a powerful influence on Americas young.) As for me, I figure they could toss in editors and touch all the bases.

EXCLUSIVE AC/DC FAN INTERVIEW: Making my way to my seat, I notice that Im the only person in Cobo Arena who shaves. Some teenagers show up, overcome with enthusiasm that I really write for CREEM. I cheerfully show them my rock n roll notes" (their words), cleverly skipping over entries like Pick up eggs, bread, milk" and PTA Thurs. nite." We hold an impromptu exclusive interview session.

☆ ☆ ☆

AC/DC FAN But when you meet somebody—if theyre a real jerk, you cant write that, can you?"

CREEM: Gracious, no."

☆ ☆ ☆

CREEM: Why do you like AC/DC?"

AC/DC FAN #2: Everybody likes AC/DC!"

CREEM: Actually, a very few people dont like them."

5

Years Ago

"Dancing

Barefoot"

Poor Patti Smith was spinning around on the stage of the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, when she lost control of the spin and fell six feet onto a concrete floor. Lenny Kaye and Ivan Krai were too engrossed in their playing to see where she fell; they kept playing as the guards picked her up and took her backstage. Our man on the spot reports that there was blood everywhere, and Patti was whisked off to Tampa General Hospital with a large bandage on her head. She was treated for a broken bone in her neck.

AC/DC FAN #2: Youre kidding!"

CREEM: No. Its a big world. Some people like Adam & The Ants."

AC/DC FAN #2: ADAM AND THE ANTS ARE GAY!!"

☆ ☆ ☆

CREEM: Are AC/DC better than Van Halen?"

AC/DC FAN #3: Id say theyre comparable to each other in different ways."

CREEM: Have you ever considered a career in rock criticism?"

☆ ☆ ☆

The interview is. ended by a tremendous din as the lights are lowered. People are acting strange: the girl on my right is screaming AN-GUS!," which is a black, hornless breed of cattle originally from Scotland. You hear some weird things at concerts, I wanna tell you.

HARD ROCK THAT NEVER COMPROMISES: Those arent my words; a newspaper critic turned that refreshing phrase the day after the concert. Its possible that four of the five words are on the money, which isnt too bad when you think about it.

The way the crowd was acting (frothing at the mouth cubed), I imagined I was in for something like the building of the pyramids in record time. Actually, AC/DC dont use much of the blooey a lot of other thud-rockers use, which not only saves them money, it saves my vision, too. Listen, Im grateful. When I want a million-candlepower flashpot to explode in my face Ill let you know.

The way these guys work it is like this: three of em (Phil Rudd, Malcolm Young, and Cliff Williams, for the time vault) punch a time-clock just before going on and then see who can stand still the longest. They all win. Brian Johnson plays the affable bloke (football jersey, jaunty cap, fulminating vocals, and Angus Young roost). Angus runs amuck and steals the show by default.

Song-wise, they run through their indistinguishable hits like expert caulkers.. .the three opening numbers, Hells Bells," Shot Down In Flames," and Sin City" are a good example of their endless diversity. To be frank, this good band writes lyrics everyone can understand. Im including deaf people.

Of course, AC/DCs patented thump depends not on the lyrics, but on Angus Youngs bizarre appeal. He jumps. He twitches. He strips. He moons the audience. He writhes about on his back. He plays'guitar. He dresses like a sissy. He teases the audience like a sissy. When Angus Young moves, the crowd r>ot only listens, they piss Australian...which is good fun for all of Gods children.

The way I see it, if you like AC/DC you dont have to explain why—even if you could and even if anyone cared. I can think of several hundred reasons theyre imbeciles, but they belong in a pamphlet outside of the show, not here. And the end is far, far away.

J. Kordosh

Midnight Flyers On The Road To Prosperity

NEW YORK—GET LOST!" she shouts in the direction of the door, Iman, that maids been bothering me since seven this morning. I DONT WANT MY BLOODY ROOM DONE!" But the maid isnt taking a hint, and Maggie opens the door in exasperation. Its Midnight Flyers tour manager with a couple of beers to help me over my hangover.

One of the smaller traumas, when youre playing support to AC/DC on a five month trek across the States to an estimated audience of a million and a half. You got it, another big time rock n roll band playing the same old riffrifframalamadingdong to the great unwashed masses. Except this is Maggie Bell, and nothing comes easy for Maggie but singing and smiling.

Raised in Glasgows ghettos (known as the barrowlands), her first break came when she got on stage with (the Sensational) Alex Harvey (Band) on a dare and was paid $5 for it. This led to her joining Alexs brothers band, Power, and eventual discovery by Peter Grant (manager of Led Zeppelin) who changed the bands name...

Everybody' in this country keeps on going on about Stone The Crows. Last time I was here they were all asking how it felt being compared to Janis Joplin. Now, Stone The Crows, Stone The Crows. That was nine years ago." Stone The Crows were a tough, tight soul band based around Les Harveys sterling guitar riffs and clinched by Maggies dynamic stage presence and brilliant singing. Hard rock, true, but hard rock back when the idiom had something to offer other than masturbatory tranquilizers for a bored to madness white youth crowd. The Crows reflected the harsh working class youth of the most destitute area in Britain; Maggie used to win the Brit rock rags (NME, Melody Maker) Best Singer (Female) awards with a regularity thatd be ridiculous in a lesser vocalist.

I never made any money from Stone The Crows, never sold any bloody records, never charted in my life. Im sick of being a musicians musician." I take a gulp of beer remembering how her band ultimately became just another statistic for Marshs next rip-off book of lists. The Crows Teenage Licks (their third and best album) had been out for six months when a freak accident—he touched a live wire—killed Les Harvey during a concert, and the band began to unstitch itself. Jimmy McCulloch replaced Les for one last album, but the magic had gone.

Maggie made two solo albums and planned her great comeback as lead singer for a buncha talented hack sessionmen, Midnight Flyer, aimed straight at the heart of America the beautiful. Their self-named debut was released to overwhelming apathy: it was atrocious. A lukewarm softsell, produced by Mick Ralphs of Bad Company.

I dont care about the critics, I dont care about you. I used to at one time, but it doesnt mean anything to me now. Im getting older, I want to make money." Fine, but still cant you retain your artistic integrity and make money at the same time? You know me, I can sing anything But I believe my work with Midnight Flyer stands up to anything Ive done before."

Come off it, Suicide Sal (her second solo) has more on the ball.

Remember, were talking

about a first album. I dont much like it, but we did it and it was finished and out of our hands. We only do two songs off the album live. Have you heard the new EP, its much better." The first side of Rock And Roll Party is certainly better, but its simply not good enough. The door knocks and bassist Tony Stevens comes in.

This is Iman from, CREEM" explains Maggie. Hes been slagging off the album. Weve been having a healthy exchange of views. I havent been rude have I?" Not at all. She hasnt, either—in fact shes been absolutely wonderful. Tony jumps to the albums defense: It seemed good at the time. The one thing I feel is that the album was very melodic, its not like everybody else, its not just whambamthankyoumam."

Face it, if it wasnt for Maggie and Grant nobody would bother with you. Christ, you played support for Bob Seger on your first appearance!

We still arent rich," replies Maggie. Were working bloody hard. Were out on the road and proving our worth every single night. It isnt Maggie Bell and Midnight Flyer." It is too me. Well, we arent staying at "home letting our record company do all the work, we arent sitting on our arses."

Whats depressing is that I could hear Maggie doing so much. Crossover jazz, Teddy Pendergrass, covers (TKO Knockout" WOW!), George Benson covers, she could re-invent herself. Anyway, Midnight Flyer are going down very well thank you, and it must be rather difficult warming up an AC/DC crowd.

I dont think the audience are used to seeing a woman onstage" cracks Maggie. A Blondie for HM fans? Thats us, were changing our name to Reddy."

If your taste runs towards hardrock you could do worse then Midnight Flyer, and I wish them all the luck in the world. As I leave, Maggie kisses me on the cheek. Aah. Now is that star quality or is that star quality?

Iman Lababedi

SCRAPHEAP CITY

In light of the recent anti-Chrissie Hynde comments CREEM has received from numerous female Kinks fans, Ray Davies decided to take the title of his new LP to heart and give the people what they want by dumping the prissy Ms. Hynde. The King Kink is seen here with his new heartthrob, David Lee Roth's mom! Says Lola Lee. Roth: "We're both extremely happy. Rays been very good to me, and he seems fond of my little boy, David. Quite often, the three of us will get together for an old-fashioned singalong, which generally ends with some inpromptu harmonizing bn 'You Really Got Me.' Then Ray takes us down to watch the sun set on Waterloo Station." Says Ray: "I'm just an art lover, after all!"