With Gary Holton, they released three albums, their 1974 self titled debut, Anvil Chorus in 1975, and Kitsch in 1977. As Danny says in the interview Gary “simply did not have an ‘off’ switch!” Anything was possible at a Kids gig and his name is certain to bring a huge smile to any fans old enough to remember.
There are also several live albums which help capture that whole experience. Live From The 70s and Live At Barbarella’s, the latter recorded in 1977 in Birmingham, England. Both are guaranteed to bring it all back. There is also a great compilation enchantingly called Best Of The Old Bollocks available.
Details of all of these and much more including a great memory jerking museum section can be found on the bands official website.
After Gary’s death the band went into a lengthy period of inactivity. However, in 2002, with Danny Peyronel taking over the vocals from behind his keyboard, the Kids came back.
For Hit The Right Button Plus Danny is joined by drummer Keith Boyce, bass player Ronnie Thomas, along with newer additions Marco Guarnerio and Marco Barusso, who also produced the album. The passage of time has done nothing to dim the bands vitality and they deliver a statement of enthusiastic intent one which, if anything, enhances their, already large, reputation.
Opener “Message” announces their return in some style complete with trademark Kids chorus. The equally hooky “Girl Of My Dreams” is sure to take up residence in your head.
It’s obvious straight away that today’s Kids have successfully found the dividing line between honouring their tradition, for example on “Blow It All Away”, sure to please their long term fans, whilst sounding relevant, and fresh.
Other stand outs include the grinding title track, a memorable “Wildlife”, and an infectious “Crool World”, which comes complete with yet another hook-heavy chorus. The scene setting “N.Y. Streetlife” leads seamlessly into the vibrantly classy “Viva New York!” The Big Apple theme continues with the ballad “I Walk Alone.”
Article comments
1 - The Blonde Bomber
WOW! Thanks for this interview - one I had not expected. I bought "Hit" when it came out in '04 or so - loved it. Not really like "Anvil Chorus"-era HMK but rocking? You bet - "Message" reminds me of The Professionals. "Kitsch" did not suck, either - again, very different. "Hit THe Right Button", at least in 2010, is very much still available as it saw a repressing a year or so ago...the first two CDs from the band have been recently reissued - "Hard At The Top" is still one of my favorite songs from the 70s. Old school, post-glam party rock.
The Blonde Bomber
www.projectsaverockandroll.com
(turn a kid onto rock 'n roll and get a gratis comp of kick-butt rawk while yr there, too!)