'Simon Simon' is the opening track and it's a funky pop number using what I can only describe as a skidding drum effect throughout. It was also a single for the album and probably the more popular or well known of the two released from this record. There's a strong focus on beat which is more of a Minneapolis sound trick rather than a New Wave standard. She was obviously trying to create a hybrid sound mixing her brand of pop with Prince's. This is more apparent on the second track, 'Giddi Up Baby - Be Mine'. Once again, that skidding drum beat is prevalent throughout. You also get some strong punctuated synth lines reminiscent of a lot of the motifs The Time would use.
'Overtime' is the first song that follows a more traditional New Wave formula in song writing. The emphasis is on the melody here, which isn't exactly a trademark of hers in the past. There are plenty of synth effects showcased in this song that were party tricks of Prince's in the past. I suspect the album was recorded at Paisley Park using instruments and equipment Prince would normally use. Hence the tendency to lean towards some of his standard sounds. 'Overtime' is an interesting song because Dale sings it in a lower key. She still has her signature yips in the chorus, but she delivers most of the song in a reserved and sincere manner. It's actually a great tune.
Because Paisley Park was his vanity label, most of the artists who released albums were offered a Prince song as part of their album. Track 4 is Prince penned 'So Strong' and just like the title suggests, it's the strongest track on the album. It's more fully realized, produced and performed than any of the others. There's not a lot of room for Dale to vocalize. One would assume, with such an animated voice as hers, Prince would've offered a track that would take advantage of her unusual delivery. Instead, the track more or less reigns her in confines her. Even though the song is amazing, it's disappointing to hear Bozzio in such a limited performance.
'Love Is Hard Work' always seemed like a power chord generic track to me. Yet as I listened to it for this review, I actually put my finger on why it sounds like something I've heard 100 times before. Cameo used to release albums with 1 or 2 great songs and then a bunch of R&B filler material that wasn't nearly as interesting or entertaining. And this track sounds like one of those tunes. I could hear this song on "Single Life" or "Word Up". Come to think of it, most of the drum sounds on this record sound more like Cameo than Prince... Sadly, it's not a great song for Bozzio. It's followed by the title track, 'Riot In English'. This track is an experimental disaster with Dale speaking the lyrics like she's reading a mystery novel to an audience. The only singing is actually performed by the back up singer who sorta steals the show. It's a strange song, definitely the odd duck in the bunch and even though the title is interesting, I'm not sure I would've picked it as the second single or named the album after it.
'He's So Typical' is another song that attempts to blend Dale's New Wave with the Minneapolis Sound. You get the synth chords more in line with MS, but it's a Dale song in every other way and really allows her to break out and be herself. She the most animated on this track and really cuts loose. You actually start to think the word "typical" was invented just for her to speak. 'Ouch That Feels Good' is another New Wave track more in line with the early 80's New Wave sound. It's not a strong tune, but it's enjoyable and Dale sounds more relaxed and her performance comes across more genuine and real.
'The Perfect Stranger' is the final track on the album and it was also included on the 'Simon Simon' single as the b-side. It's an unremarkable track but still enjoyable.
Most of the artists that appeared on Paisley Park were innovative and different. In this case, Dale sounded like she was trying to create a hybrid sound between the style of music that made her a star and the Minneapolis Sound that was still rockin' the charts. I think it would've been more interesting to let her do her own thing completely separate from a producer. With some freedom and at the height of her creative force, I think she would've tanked horribly or come up with something so amazing, her place in rock history would've been assured. Instead, they took a safe route and attempted to create something that would please Prince's audience and Bozzio's.
It's not a bad outing, but not necessarily a great one either. Of all her albums, this might be the only one that is currently out of print. I'm not sure about the Missing Persons material. I'd have to check. Anywho... My final words: A HIT AND A MISS!
DALE - RIOT IN ENGLISH
01. Simon Simon
02. Giddi Up Baby - Be Mine
03. Overtime
04. So Strong
05. Love Is Hard Work
06. Riot In English
07. He's So Typical
08. Ouch That Feels Good
09. The Perfect Stranger
No comments:
Post a Comment