For The Record
MICHAEL MORALES Michael Morales (Wing/Polygram) Snappy songwriting and crisp production courtesy of ex-Cars mechanic Roy Thomas Baker are brought together in this hip pop debut, from the hard-driving "I Don't Want You No More" to the suave and debonair tones of "Way To Go, Baby."
The CREEM Archive presents the magazine as originally created. Digital text has been scanned from its original print format and may contain formatting quirks and inconsistencies.
For The Record
Steve Peters
MICHAEL MORALES
Michael Morales (Wing/Polygram)
Snappy songwriting and crisp production courtesy of ex-Cars mechanic Roy Thomas Baker are brought together in this hip pop debut, from the hard-driving "I Don't Want You No More" to the suave and debonair tones of "Way To Go, Baby." Keep an eye out for this guy!
THE CURE
Disintegration
(Elektra)
Lead healer Robert Smith brings the Cure full circle with this LP of beautiful yet ultimately haunting tunes, mixing the dark edginess of early Cure records with lush atmospheric arrangements. One of the band's finest efforts to date.
BIG BAM BOO
Fun, Faith & Fair Play (Uni/MCA)
England's newest pair of popsters combines acoustic guitars and synthesizers with sweet harmonies and songs that often owe more to Buddy Holly than the latest thang outta London on this impressive debut—a sure eye-opener for those who thought Wham! was the last word in devastating duos!
STRAY CATS
Blast Off (EMI)
Faster than you can throw a '57 Chevy into reverse, the Stray Ca reunite for their latest excursion int rebel-rousing retro rock—cuts lik the surfed-out "Gina" provide th perfect companion for those laz summer afternoons at the beach, o those fiery summer nights.
QUEEN
The Miracle (Capitol)
Easily the best record from this English quartet since 1980's The Game, The Miracle finds Queen in a welcome return to form, with Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals and Brian May's searing guitar solos sounding as good as ever. Could a full-fledged regression into opera rock be far behind?
TOM TOM CLUB
Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom (Reprise/Sire)
Half of Talking Heads really deliver the goods here. With exotic Latin rhythms and playful melodies setting the festive scene, Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom is a charming yet sophisticated dance album that more than lives up to its beat-happy title, leaving you grooving in place even after the record has ended.
HOTEL HUNGER
This is Where The Fun Starts (Atlantic)
This five-member outfit from Denmark writes great rock songs, sometimes reminiscent of INXS ("Living On A Rock") and other times forging an equally engaging original sound ("Taking My Soul On A Walk"). Not only that, but 4/5 of the band have last names ending with the same three letters (Jorgensen, Andersen, Mortensen and Pedersen), which must be some kind of record.
ATLANTIC STARR
We're Movin' Up (Warner Bros.)
Smooth and sultry R & B grooves power Atlantic Starr's latest album through love song after love song, exploring life's tenderest emotion with equal parts of joy and sorrow. Wayne and David Lewis trade heartfelt vocals with sole chanteuse Porscha Martin for moving results.
ROXETTE
Look Sharp!
(EMI)
This Swedish couple's first record is a rapid-fire barrage of irresistible dance pop. Though Per Gessle's lyrics seem a bit strange at times (after all, English isn't his native tongue), the beat is always as sharp as a needle.
COOKIE CREW
Born This Way (Polygram)
Cookie Crew's super-charged brand of sweet tooth hip hop drives Bom This Way straight past the competition in the stakes for best new rap record of 1989—not bad for a couple of gals from London. Their tough send-up of Donna Summer's "Bad Girls" make J.J. Fad sound like girl scouts. Aieee!
BADLANDS
Badlands
(Atlantic)
Ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee flexes some powerful guitar muscle while singer Ray Gillen belts out vocals that lie somewhere between Robert Plant and Foreigner's Lou Gramm on this explosive debut—not recommended for those who experience heart flutterings at the sound of Bon Jovi.
ADRIAN BELEW
Mr. Music Head (Atlantic)
Quirky dance rock as only Adrian can do it, this record is a virtual oneman show, with Mr. Music Head playing all of the instruments himself. From the upbeat silliness of "Oh Daddy" to the Paul McCartneyesque "1967," this album is a real treat.
RICHARD MARX
Repeat Offender (EMI)
Repeat Offender is the perfect title for Richard Marx's new album. The crime? Almost-too-perfect songs, with Marx returning to the scene of his first record for more of the same palatable pop. Ex-Tubes vocalist Fee Waybill lends a hand with lyrics on a couple of tracks.
