File Under: Where in the Heck Was I? – Featuring the Frames and Propaganda

Sometimes it’s just inexplicable.  As much of a music omnivore as I am, it still surprises me when something so good slips past my radar unnoticed.  Granted, sometimes certain bands just don’t make it across the big pond, no matter how much of a buzz they generate in their homeland.  But still . . . you’d think I’d of at least heard of em. 

But no. Both of these bands came to me as virtual unknowns, and if it wasn’t for the painstaking work of those dedicated to getting lost classic albums re-released on gorgeous deluxe editions, they’d still remain unknown.  But thankfully, they’re not, and as these discs are spinning in my player, it’s time to spread the word.

The Frames – Another Love Song

What we got here is indelibly classic, rousing anthemic rock in the vein of the best of The Waterboys and The Alarm.  And if either of those bands turn you on, then The Frames are not to be missed.  Led by Glen Hansard, Another Love Song is The Frames energetic, joyous debut, full of crashing guitars, soaring chorus, impassioned vocals and walls of sound coming at you fully in The Waterboys wake.  At times atmospheric and delicate, at other times frenzied and rebellious, The Frames bring a distinct class and musicianship to their “Nick Drake meets The Pixies” version of Irish rock.

Born in Dublin, Hansard quit school at age 13 to start busking in the local streets.  Signed to Island Records on the strength of a cheap demo, Hansard set about creating a band to go with his hymns of  passion and energy.  Taking a break to co-star in the hit film The Commitments, Hansard returned to the studio with Pixies producer Gil Norton, to record their debut album.  Just one listen to opener “The Dancer” and you can tell we’re in for a wild ride.  Chunks of scratching guitar, crashing drums, soaring violin hit me with full on Waterboys bombast and just a hint of U2.  Hansard’s phrasing recalls Mike Scott’s also. But this is no Waterboys clone, it’s simply perfectly done, rousing rock and roll. 

“You Were Wrong” loses nothing as the next track, dropping in some subtle shifts in dynamics and a beautiful bass line and chugging acoustic guitar.  “Masquerade” ups the ante on the rich dramatic sound, while “Another Love Song,” rages with an almost punk frenzy.   But later on, The Frames were characterized by their more low-key atmospheric sound, which can be heard clearly on the gorgeous and moving “Downhill from Here.”

Tack on 8 bonus tracks, including a fantastic acoustic version of “The Dancer,” and we’ve definitely got an album I’m sorry I missed, and incredibly grateful that I’ve finally found.

buy here: Another Love Song
Buy mp3: Another Love Song

Propaganda – A Secret Wish

Densely atmospheric.  Throbbing in electropop intensity.  The German quartet Propaganda step up to the podium and take their place amongst the most ambitious of the 80’s synth pop bands.   Layers of synths.  Throbbing bass and rhythms lift this disc way above the ordinary.   Toss in guest stars such as David Sylvain from Japan, Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17, and Yes’s Steve Howe and we can see just how high those ambitions reached.

“A Dream within a Dream” is just that, lush and hypnotic, intoxicating in its simplicity and beauty.  The lights go out, the club patrons settle in for a late martini, melting into the overstuffed chairs in the back.  Sensual passions rise.  Love making ensues.  Yes, it’s all there in the 9-plus minutes of this song.  Sexual tension brims in the production.  Simply exquisite.  An early precursor to what would later became known as chill or late night lounge, Propaganda were way ahead of their time on this one.

“The Murder of Love,” brings in a bass line that could’ve easily been found on one of label mates Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s albums.  Thick and pulsating, dancefloor ready without being overbearing or predictable.   But Propaganda are no Frankie and immediately take the song off into their own world of synths and experimental sound effects.  Propaganda weren’t afraid to play with the formula. “Jewel,” ups the ante with a stab at electro-punk while “Duel” is pure electropop. Think a hybrid of Frankie, Art of Noise and a touch of The Human League and you’ll get the feeling here.  And if those band’s move you, then Propaganda will probably move you too. 

Compiled by Ian Peel, who’s been doing a phenomenal job of reissuing the ZTT catalog on deluxe editions, this edition of A Secret Wish comes stacked full of bonuses, both on the first disc as well as the bonus second disc.  Alternate versions, unreleased tracks.  If you’re a Propaganda fan, this is the motherlode.  While it might all be a bit too much to take in one sitting, when the moods right, you could randomly hit play anywhere and be richly rewarded.

Buy here: Secret Wish-25th Anniversary
Buy mp3: A Secret Wish


--Racer