Altered ImagesCountry of origin:Scotland Type of music generally:Bouncy New Wave alternative pop Status:No longer recording. Final release of new material, Bite (1983); several Best Of albums have followed See also:WIkipedia's entry on Altered Images Comparisons:Bits of their sound are similar to Siouxsie and the Banshees, or perhaps this is what it would sound like if the Cranes decided to bop and pop. (Neile) Covers/own material:Own, occasional covers General comments:Driving new wave pop sound with baby-voice vocals over. Great sense of fun. An under-rated band. (Neile) Recommended first album:Happy Birthday is my favourite, but one of the "Best of" will probably be easiest to find. (Neile) Recordings:
Happy BirthdayRelease info:1981—Epic/CBS—37738 Availability:unknown Ecto priority:Recommended for lovers of bouncy fun pop Group members:Claire Grogan—vocals Produced by:Steve Severin Comments:This is a really fun album, and some of the songs have run in my head since I first bought the vinyl in 1982. I must say, though, that both times I bought this I got it used—not necessarily worth full price, but over the years I've realized just how charming this music is and I'm glad to have my own copy. (Neile) Pinky BlueRelease info:1982—Sony/Epic—983 327 2 (re-released on cd 1994) Availability:Wide on release and re-release Ecto priority:Recommended for lovers of bouncy fun pop Group members:Claire Grogan—vocals Comments:Another poppy boppy fun album. There's a cover here of Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue" which really needed to be sung in Claire Crogan's baby voice—you can't take it seriously, which is perfect. I'm also a big fan of the title song "Pinky Blue" and "Funny Funny Me" especially. (Neile) BiteRelease info:1983—Portrait/CBS—BFR 38585 Availability:Vinyl only? Ecto priority:Recommended for Altered Images fans Group members:Claire Grogan, Stephen Lironi, Tony McDaid, Joyn McElhone, Gerry McElhone Guest artists:Peter Vettese—additional keyboards Produced by:Mike Chapman Comments:My partner couldn't even make it through the first track, but I love the poppy '80s rock with Claire Grogan's baby voice. Happy Birthday is a better album, but this is still good fun. Wow, Claire Grogan looks like Boy George on the cover. (Neile) Best of Altered ImagesRelease info:There appear to be three of these:
Further info:Lead singer Claire Grogan is an actress and has appeared on tv shows in the U.K. and in two Bill Forsythe movies, Gregory's Girl and Comfort and Joy. |
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