Coming Out

Pop Goes The Transfer

     

This album is the second release for the Atlantic label and this was (is) pure pop. The noted "Single Version" tracks are actually the album versions. Stand-out tracks for me are "Scotch And Soda" and the tender reading of Todd Rundgren's "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference." The pop classic "Helpless" is almost disco and a remix can be found on "Down In Birdland" Anthology. The French pop "Chanson D' Amour" is campy, it reminds me of the episode of the British "Are You Being Served" when the cast did this song dressed in outrageous costume. "Zindy Lou" is interesting and I really love the "Speak Up Mambo." One song I feel should not have been covered is "Popsicle Toes." Michael Franks recorded that song for his Warner Brothers debut "The Art Of Tea" and his version is more playful and seductive, Tim Houser's reading is a bit more straightforward lacking in the playfulness the lyric calls for. Overall this is an interesting listen from the historical standpoint for the group continued and continues, to evolve.