Funland (Bram Tchaikovsky album)
| Funland | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1981 | |||
| Recorded | 1981 | |||
| Studio | Rockfield | |||
| Genre | Rock, pop | |||
| Label | Arista | |||
| Producer | Nick Garvey | |||
| Bram Tchaikovsky chronology | ||||
| ||||
Funland is the third and final studio album by the English musician Bram Tchaikovsky, released in 1981.[1][2] It peaked at No. 158 on the Billboard 200.[3] "Shall We Dance?" was the first single.[4] Tchaikovsky supported the album with a North American tour.[5] Disappointed by Funland's poor commercial performance, he decided to retire from the music industry.[6]
Production
Recorded at Rockfield Studios in early 1981, the album was produced by Nick Garvey, who also wrote "Soul Surrender" and played guitar and piano.[7][8] Tchaikovsky was backed by Richard Itchington on bass, Derek Ballard on drums, Denis Forbes on guitar, Bernie Clark on keyboards, and Lew Soloff on trumpet.[8] "Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache" is a cover of the song made famous by Johnny Johnson.[4] "Miracle Cure" was written in part to mock the Stray Cats.[9]
Critical reception
Rolling Stone called the music "high-powered, infectious rock".[18] The Buffalo News likened most of the album to "jingly-jangly '60s pop".[10] Melody Maker said that it was "a patchy set that undeniably has its high spots".[19] The Omaha World-Herald praised the "fine arrangements [of] mostly well-crafted songs."[13] The Blade-Tribune noted that Funland was "melodic and thoughtfully created, but still tough rock."[20] The Philadelphia Inquirer said that it was "rock 'n' roll in the best tradition—upbeat and infectious."[14]
Track listing
Side 1
- "Stand and Deliver"
- "Shall We Dance?"
- "Heart of Stone"
- "Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache"
- "Model Girl"
Side 2
- "Why Does My Mother 'Phone Me?"
- "Used to Be My Used to Be"
- "Soul Surrender"
- "Together My Love"
- "Miracle Cure"
- "Egyptian Mummies"
References
- ^ Edwards, John W. (1993). Rock 'n' Roll 1970 Through 1979: Discographies of All Performers Who Hit the Charts. McFarland. p. 487.
- ^ Esson, Dave (11 May 2018). "Music". Daily Express. p. 30.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2001). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Albums, 1955-2001. Record Research. p. 97.
- ^ a b Blow, Simon (30 May 1981). "Bram bounces back". Grimsby Evening Telegraph. p. 8.
- ^ Scott, Jane (19 June 1981). "The Happening". Friday. The Plain Dealer. p. 36.
- ^ a b All Music Guide to Rock (3rd ed.). Backbeat Books. 2002. p. 1121.
- ^ a b Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 8. MUZE. p. 72.
- ^ a b Enriquez, Darryl (17 May 1981). "Mother's Approach Shames Rock 'n' Roller". Abilene Reporter-News. p. 2B.
- ^ Harrison, Tom (31 May 1981). "Tchaikovsky goes 'sleazy'". The Magazine. The Province. p. 4.
- ^ a b Anderson, Dale (8 May 1981). "Records: Rock". Gusto. The Buffalo News. p. 37.
- ^ Shefchik, Rick (31 May 1981). "Hot Wax". Accent North. Duluth News-Tribune. p. 9.
- ^ MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide (2nd ed.). Visible Ink Press. 1999. p. 789.
- ^ a b Catlin, Roger (19 May 1981). "New Sounds". Omaha World-Herald. p. 14.
- ^ a b Lloyd, Jack (24 May 1981). "New albums". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 10I.
- ^ "Recording". Quad-City Times. 24 May 1981. p. 12D.
- ^ The New Rolling Stone Record Guide. Random House. 1983. p. 505.
- ^ Teverbaugh, Kim (31 May 1981). "Capsule Reviews". The Star Press. p. B9.
- ^ Gilmore, Mikal (11 June 1981). "Stanley Clarke shakes up the purists". Rolling Stone. No. 345. p. 48.
- ^ The Rock Yearbook 1982. Virgin Books Ltd. 1981. p. 99.
- ^ Missett, Bill (21 May 1981). "Record Reviews". The Blade-Tribune. p. 47.