NOVEMBER 1976

JADE AND SASPARILLA

Janet Hood and Linda Langford

Jade and Sasparilla, SubMaurren Records, Box 147, Hyannisport, Mass. 02647, $6.00 by mail order only.... Out of Boston come two lesbian vocalist--musicians, Janet Hood and Linda Langford, a lyricist named Bill Russell and an LP, a largely workable effort with musical arrangements ranging from bluesy rock to jazz to country.

In the overview, it is apparent that painstaking care went into this album. A conscious drive ward the capitalization of every one's strength clicks and the weaknesses (occasional vocal projection and range strains) are diluted.

landmark. Backed simply by a piano, Langford exhibits peaked control without sacrificing any emotion despite the absence of a melody. While All Night Strut bent Ohioans will appreciate "Gimme A Pigfoot," everyone will warm to "Talkin", a honkytonk rap-sing which shines and shines and lives as a paen to any folk caught up in the throes of maintaining a relationship.

Jade and Sasparilla is a celeto-bration of lesbian love; yet it is accessible to all. The intensity of feeling Langford and Hood have for each other captivates the listener and leads beautifully into a constructive poetic Weltanschung.

A number of selections stand out. Given the right promotion, the rollicking "She's That Kind Of Woman" would be a knockout single on both gay and straight radio stations. In a similar vein, Linda Langford's treatment of "Daytime" is truly

The piano executions are first rate, the mood, soothing, the potential, quite remarkable. Don't pass this one over.... It is more than gay cult LP. It is a living testament to the contemporary...

laugh album. The lyrical bulk. and "art-rock" thrust, for the most part is serious. But if imitation is the highest form of flattery, David Bowie should be beaming right now. Falconer's borrowing of Bowie's style is striking. "Play it Again" could be "Five Years, and "Radio, "Aladdin Sane." This guy has also paid close attention to other British stalwarts, notably Ray Davies of the Kinks and Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel. Despite New Nation's blatant New Nation, Roderick Fal-influences (or rip offs depending coner, United Artists...... In a on your attitude) Falconer has a stab at rejuvenating the flash of peculiar style all his own. If the early seventies, Roderick you're a Bowiephile or Falconer's first album is, well, thematic "art rock," listen to this intriguing. Kind of facetiously, LP. If not, move on..... the LP cover projects a world symbol and Falconer in a provocatively authoritative stance or is it Mao or Lincoln or Franco

PETER IVERS

like

Peter Ivers, Warner Bros, Reor any political cult personality? cords, Peter Ivers.... Deuce One might think the contents thoughts; Soft rock; Bisexual within are pretentious; but appeal; Boyish voice; "Peter" they're not; primarily because gay; Song stir; Cynical chic; Falconer doesn't take himself Poppish reggie, Hedonistic too seriously. Weaving an egotruth; Gary Wright; Insightful tistical mask Falconer abstracts barbs; Worth roses; Harmonica into a new spin-off of camp, subhome; Unrequited romance; tly poking fun at himself and Good album; May be; others. This, however, is not a

HIGH GEAR

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Rock n' Roll Heart (Lou Reed, Arista Records) Because I'm a frustrated d.j., there are few albums that I will listen to in their entirety. Usually it's one cut from one record. then another from a different record. With Lou Reed's new album Rock n' Roll Heart, I not only listened to the whole album, but listened to it several times.

The switch to a new label (Arista) signifies a new spurt of energy from Reed. The lead song "I Believe in Love" sets the pace for much of the album. It is pure rock n' roll, but is also much more. In contrast with much of Lou's earlier work there is a positive and not depressed outlook. (Maybe some of this is due to his male lover Rachel to whom Lou gives "special thanks" to on the album jacket). It's a pleasure to hear a group of rock musicians who do not play or sing every note with as much power as they can. The sound is actually more precise and sculptured than on your average rock album. Careful attention is paid to attacks, phrasings and dynamics (In a hard rock band yet!) Many of the songs are deeply rooted in early rocks, but the finesse with which they are played and sung bring them to the present. Lou, who is responsibile for writing and arranging all material has begun to explore several new styles and incorporate them with his own to produce something new and exciting.

By far the gem of the album is "A Sheltered Life." Starting with a walking bass line, leading to a sax solo, then flute and finally a "talking jazz" vocal. Reed shows much promise for breaking into new musical horizons.

With the new album Lou Reed has definitely gone more commercial, the tracks are shorter leading to more airplay, and the sound is definitely upbeat. But this is not a crime. By doing so he has produced an album which will be enjoyed by a far greater number of people. SHORT TAKES

Leftoverture, Kansas, Columbia Records. If you enjoy Yesstyled rock and liberation lyrics, this album is for you. Superb arrangements and invigorating, echo vocals make this a must for the rock afficianodo. Leftoverture is yet one more example of the leading creative energy of the Midwest.

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Burton Cummings (Burton * Cummings), Portrait Records. For those who like the light, easily listening rock of Gilbert Sullivan, Burton Cummings might just be your bag. The single, "Stand Tall" is a knockout and who else would be imaginative enough to do a contemporary version of "Niki Hokey." It's good work, Burton. But next time leave the religious flavor behind and stop thinking that everything other than heterosexual sex is a no-no.

Intimate, Leon Haywood, Columbia Records. Some very fine R and B work here. "Strokin" is perfect for area gay discos: How about a little air play, jockey gods?

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Park Centre 241-3212

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