The latest in my growing list of likes from the U.K. is The Mams. Their new CD, Wam Bam! doesn’t go on sale in the U.S. until September 10, but when it does, I suggest you run out and grab a copy.
Wam Bam! has become my go-to party CD. Whether I’m alone or hosting, I’m spinning the fun tunes of Jon 'Earl' Grey on vocals and acoustic guitar, A.T. Sharpe on electric guitar, Andrew Harries on keyboards, Dan Harris on bass, and Pete Mason on drums.
Although I can’t verify their ages, the title of the last track on Wam Bam! coupled with photos I have found indicate that these guys are not boy-band material, which only makes them better in my mind.
According to their website, their influences range from Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, to Cary Grant, to Morrissey, to The Fonz, with a whole lot in between. Whatever the influences, the result is fun, goofy and just right for a party.
The CD kicks off with “Neighbourhood Watch,” a pure disco party song, followed by “10% Loafer,” which leans more toward the 80s and Eurasure. One of my favorite tunes, “The List,” is a little more mellow and romantic. How can a girl resist lyrics like: “How about a little kiss? / I’m the lead singer in a band / reaching out to hold your hand / And as things move from kiss to kiss / Another name goes on the list”
“Carscrash” features an Asian techno pop feel and some cool reverberating blown-speaker-like sounds. “Mady” is an odd mix of French disco meets Frankie Goes to Hollywood meets Boy George, but it works well. “West End Girls 2 Shangalang” gives another nod to disco, and The Beatles influences can be heard in “All Hail the Dilettantes.”
More 80s influences (which you can never have enough of, if you ask me) can be heard in The New Order/Depeche Mode like “In The Summer,” and the Pink Floyd/The Church sounding “Flags in the Basement.” Rounding out the CD are the mellow tune “Catch,” and “40-Something Asthmatic Chancer Seeks…,” a nice musical piece that end the album on a relaxed note.
The Mams take the best of some of my favorite 80s bands and wipe away the dark eyeliner and black clothes, leaving behind light, bright music that’s fun to listen to.
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