PAGE 16 HIGH GEAR JULY 1980

BAMBI'S VINYL VIEWS

Three faces of Bette Midler

Bette Midler: Thighs and Whispers: The Rose (original soundtrack)

POP! DISCO! ROCK 'N ROLL!!! Talk about versatility! Bette Midler has a small voice. Unlike Barbra Striesand; yet.. like Streisand, Bette Midler's voice has a presence: you know you're listening to something extra special. And these two albums are a source for extra special entertainment.

Thighs and Whispers -What a cover! Oh, baby, where'd you get those... accessories?!!

Only Bette could start out with 'Big Noise From Winnetka,' slow it down for two ballads and then crank it up for 'My Knight In Black Leather' all on the same side. Yet, it works. 'My Knight In Black Leather??? Yes, with lyrics like, "chain me down and love me forever, we might wonder if she's been hanging out at the Stallion, but, no, it's just another dizzy Midler spoof.

Side two opens with an excellent version of 'Hang On In There Baby. When I first heard 'Hurricane.' the next track on this side, I thought "is this for real?" So I played it again and listened more closely. Yes, it's the real thing. The perfect plastic disco song. Who else but the Devine Miss M. could sing. "You're a hurricane/You blow me awayayay....oh, wowwwww."

Closing out this Ip is 'Married Men' where Bette tells us the truth about those two-faced creeps who love us and then run back to their wives. All the while the chorus chants, "They do it. they do it." This is a delightful album that I'm sure you won't want to miss.

The Rose (original soundtrack)--If you've seen the movie. enough said. If you haven't, shame on you! I'm not a rock 'n roller, but good is good, no matter the form. Bette literally throws herself into every number. And she can't lose with this material. I can't list the best cuts on this album for you; they are all "best cuts."

When, on side two. I heard the homecoming monologue and the song 'Stay With Me.' my chest became tight just like it did when I was watching the movie. All the poignancy of the film comes through at the end of this album. Please buy this record. Don't pass up the opportunity to own something very rare and special. 'Pretenders -I will probably always be the Disco Kid, but this record makes a nice change of pace. Side one is fast and punky. Best cuts include 'Precious.' 'The Phone Call,' 'Up the Neck,' and 'The Wait.'

Side two is a little more serious. This side contains the hits 'Brass in the. Pocket,' and

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'Mystery Achievement.' If you're into New Wave, you probably already have this album. If you're not sure if Punk is for you, this might be a good one to try.

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Flying Lizards: 'Money' -Won't someone please give that bitch some money and shut her up? If I ever meet her, she may get a hoof up her face.

Guest Reviewer France Joli: Tonight

by Kenny Coss, DJ TRAXX (as told to Bambi)

She speaks little English, travels with her mother, and graduates from High School next month. France Joli's latest album, "Tonight" will probably be a success for this 17 year old. Canadian girl. All the songs have a particular meaning and were written, with the exception of 'This Time,' by her manager Tory

Green.

This is a very likeable album with a slow side and a disco side.. Best Cuts are 'This Time,' 'Feel Like Dancing' (wish it were a little faster though), Tough Luck,' and The Heart to Break the Heart. This last song is similar to her hit 'Come To Me,' and while good.. may not be received too well.

MA BELL

Kenny Coss and Joey Gentile

TRAXX punks OUT

By Bambi

On June 19, 1980, TRAXX Disco, 1273 W. 9th St., Cleveland, held a Punk/New Wave night. Guest DJ was Joey Gentile, who regularly spins the discs at the COSMOPOLITAN. A farge crowd turned out to dance jump. and otherwise twitch to the music. A contest was held for best punk costume with first prize going to Patty Duke (possi-

ble an alias). Outfitted in a slashed minidress, full length gloves, bouffant hair style, and punk sunglasses; she was-the overwhelming favorite.

On July 17, 1980, TRAXX will host a Hawaiian Luau, with a buffet being served from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. and a Hula contest. TRAXX is now open after hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

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