tangento's Full Review: Call of the West by Wall Of Voodoo
Wall of Voodoo were a one of a kind band in the early 80's. No band of that era, MTV or otherwise, could match the pure level of originality achieved by this band, spawned from the depths of Arcane Americana.
In 1982, Wall of Voodoo consisted of:
Stanard Ridgway - Vocals, Keyboards, Harmonica, Yarn-Spinner
Marc Moreland - A truly unique & original Guitarist, a personal favorite
Chas. T. Gray - Keyboards, Programming
Joe Nanini - Drum Machines, Percussion; including old chili-caked Pots & Pans
'Call of the West ' was WOV's second full-length release, their third overall, and the last with quirky vocalist Stan Ridgway and jaunty percussion man Joe Nanini. (Note: Marc's brother Bruce added his brutally cool bass stylings to every Voodoo release except for this one) Although the band's direction veered slightly but stayed true after these departures, they were just never the same after this release.
The chemistry between these musicians was unparalleled. Now, with two of the original members gone forever, (Nanini and Marc Moreland) these 3 albums are all we have to remember them by. (and the first 2 are out of print, selling on ebay for up to $80.00!) I.R.S. Records or whoever the hell it is, needs to lift their FAT BEHINDS off the rights to 'Index Masters ' (First E.P. + live tracks) and 'Dark Continent '. ***
This is essential American Music, and should be enjoyed by all.
On 'Call ' the band peaked commercially and artistically. Moderate notoriety was achieved, thanks to moderate MTV rotation of a certain brilliant, disturbing yet truly sublime video, 'Mexican Radio '. (Who can forget the image of Stan's rubbery face emerging from that odd Latino woman's kettle of beans?)
Make no mistake, however; this album is much more than just that great song. SO much more. Produced by Richard Mazda, (who also worked with The Fleshtones, The Birthday Party and more, but calls this his "greatest work" ) Call of the West is a trip through America's underside: paranoia, procrastination, job burnout, and losing it all in Vegas are just a few of the themes, all set against WOV's inimitable and jarring musical style.
Mazda's production was a pefect fit here, and the result is a uniformly solid album with no weak spots whatsoever. In the opener, 'Tomorrow ', which includes a nice syncopated interplay between Moreland and Gray, Ridgway and the boys set the tone early. In this anthem to procrastination, Stan informs us that:
"Life is moving faster/ I can feel it e-ver-y day..."
And man, he wasn't kidding; it has been over 20 years since this album came out, yet it really has not aged a minute.
This wildly brilliant chronicle closes with the epic title track 'Call of the West ' - while it closes with Joe Nanini desperately screaming "I used to BE somebody! " In this cry Joe has captured the ambience of the entire album; America's 'Joe Somebody ' - now a 'nobody ' ...wondering where it is all going and where it all went. Between these two tracks can be found one of the most interesting and memorable collections of twisted pop you'll ever find.
Wall of Voodoo's 'Call of the West ' is crucial listening material for ALL musical tastes, and proves that there was far more depth to the music of the 80s than most people seem to realize.
Find out much more at my website, which includes a tribute to Marc Moreland:
http://www.tangento.net
*** UPDATE: Rykodisc has re-released 'Index Masters'. This is excellent news; check Ryko or Amazon for this title.
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