User Profile
Tom Kellar
I enjoy several types of music, but mostly rock of all types: Southern, metal, progressive, grunge and more. Of course, user reviews tend to be higher. We do not get our music for free and are not paid for our opinions. Unless we are given an album, or try an experiment, we are buying works from artists that we have enjoyed. But I plan to be very stingy with full 5-star ratings, saving them for flawless masterpieces which are ALL KILLER NO FILLER. I expect to be giving many 3 to 4.5 scores.
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Tom Kellar's Album Reviews
The Power Station was an Anglo-American supergroup named for the New York studio they recorded in. Their self-titled debut is a masterpiece blending hard rock, New Wave and R&B. 2 of the unrelated Taylors from Duran Duran, Andy on guitar and John on bass, joined the sharply dressed veteran vocalist Robert Palmer and Chic's rhythm meister Tony Thompson. The core of the group was aided by backing vocalists, keyboardists, brass players and even the Taylors' "brother", drummer Roger (no, not that one) on percussion. The format was incorporated into the title of the release, so "The Power Station CD" replaced my original cassette and was among the first I bought. The album is ALL KILLER NO FILLER and an excellent example of 80's rock. While it may be anathema to the grim folks who advocate "challenging" music, The Power Station delivered great, catchy tunes. Pounding drums, smooth vocals, sharp guitar, sinuous bass, gleaming synths and polished brass make for a powerful soundscape. The band members work very well together, but there are certain songs where each stands out.
Tony's drums begin the excellent opening hit "Some Like it Hot". This urgent, pounding tune is one of the best 2. The thumping "Murderess" is a slower groove which employs studio tricks. The sensuous "Lonely Tonight" is mellower, but neither this nor any of the other tunes is bland. The insistent "Communication" was supposedly a single, but I never heard it on the radio. I always thought T Rex's "Get it on" was a great tune, but I like The Power Station's update even more. John really shines on this one. I enjoy the quirky lyrics on the horn heavy "Go to Zero": "I do this, and I do that/ And when it's cold I wear a hat/ It's mostly cold/ It pays to advertise they say/ I'll keep my hat on anyway." Andy's guitar is especially good on "Harvest for the World", and he alternates vocals with Robert. The beautiful closer "Still in Your Heart" is Robert's turn. Atmospheric keyboards support his romantic croon, while an excellent sax solo tops it off.
I never cared much for John's avant-garde cover concept, but I suppose it fits the vibe of the music.
I knew that Robert returned to his solo career shortly after this, and that he was replaced by Michael Des Barres. But now I am tempted to get their reunion album and the expanded version of this one, which includes Michael's only song with the band, from the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Commando".
"The Power Station" is an excellent blend of several genres of 80's music. Energize your collection and set all switches to full.
Tony's drums begin the excellent opening hit "Some Like it Hot". This urgent, pounding tune is one of the best 2. The thumping "Murderess" is a slower groove which employs studio tricks. The sensuous "Lonely Tonight" is mellower, but neither this nor any of the other tunes is bland. The insistent "Communication" was supposedly a single, but I never heard it on the radio. I always thought T Rex's "Get it on" was a great tune, but I like The Power Station's update even more. John really shines on this one. I enjoy the quirky lyrics on the horn heavy "Go to Zero": "I do this, and I do that/ And when it's cold I wear a hat/ It's mostly cold/ It pays to advertise they say/ I'll keep my hat on anyway." Andy's guitar is especially good on "Harvest for the World", and he alternates vocals with Robert. The beautiful closer "Still in Your Heart" is Robert's turn. Atmospheric keyboards support his romantic croon, while an excellent sax solo tops it off.
I never cared much for John's avant-garde cover concept, but I suppose it fits the vibe of the music.
I knew that Robert returned to his solo career shortly after this, and that he was replaced by Michael Des Barres. But now I am tempted to get their reunion album and the expanded version of this one, which includes Michael's only song with the band, from the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Commando".
"The Power Station" is an excellent blend of several genres of 80's music. Energize your collection and set all switches to full.
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