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the Stems I got this disc from a friend in Australia who has been touting this band to me for months. “Friends of hers” and such. It arrived recently and I thought, “Oh dear. What if I don’t like it? What do I say to her? What am I supposed to do now? Shit.” All that angst for nothing: it was the Stems; those 80s heartbreakers that disappeared before the turn of a European tour and with a sound that is reminiscent of nothing and everything. One doesn't often hear such a mixing of genres but more than that—it all works. From 60s pop (they cover Boyce & Hart for God’s sake!) to honest-to-God rock topped off with a perfect sprinkling of old-school-punk. I’ve been bouncing around the office listening to it and I love these guys. |
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The title track—which is also the opener on this album—grabs you from the first chord and these lads don’t let you go until they’re done and leave you on ‘the otherside.’ Just considering the Stems live makes me all wobbly inside. The Stems are hardly the new kids on the block. They formed in the early 80s and were touted as a local garage band. They played the Australian circuit and amassed quite a following but they fell apart somewhere after 87. Man. That’s too bad. I understand they’re getting along now and appearing here and there again. Would I love to see them play LA? Oh, yes. Would I love to hear a new album? Oh, yes. But until that happens [and I understand it’s in the process of happening] go to Amazon and order “at first sight violets are blue.” Don’t just sit there! I said, “order it!” You’ll thank me for it, I assure you. —Jessie Lilley |
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