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Modern English re album devoid of si By Doug Keith Modern English could have given in after their first hit, "I Melt With You," and put out a sugary sweet pop album for their second effort. Fortunately for the listener, their new album, "Richochet Days," shows few signs that the group is weakening. Their new album seems to have taken a /loo 1 parA tn a\/r\irl cli nnino intr\ q "v-"* VI VU1V IU ? "pop rut" ? a trap a band falls into when their music is aimed for commercial success and not critical acclaim. While "Richochet Days" shows flashes of pure pop ? the chorus of "Blue Waves" sounds suspiciously like "I Melt With You" ? those commerical melodies are surrounded by a variety of sounds and rhythms. Pop music never sounded so good. ON THEIR first album, "After the Snow," Modern English came close to dragging in a pop rut, with most of the songs carrying happy little melodies that pushed the songs along. "After the Snow," although it was a strong iirsi enori, leu rans worrying that Modern English's next album would be a thoughtless wash-out, as has happened to many bands before. "Richoehet Days" will lay all fears to rest. Take, for instance, the marching beat of "Machines." Modern English uses a drum machine as well as the regular acoustic drums, which adds an extra ounch to the song. The record is dotted with innovation and experimentation, and Modern English's adventurous spirit works well. Along with the usual instruments ? guitar, keyboard, electric bass ? "Ricochet Days" presents a number of instruments not often used (or well used) in the realm of Comin i TU n nAinn ho c 11 idit; 5 yumy iu uc c Gamecock beginning ne> cartoon makes its debul Get a fair shal I Strawber | Reg. 59 II jl^exp. 3/25/84 leases inspired P jgary-sweet pop I pop/rock. Several tracks, most notably f| "Hearts," open and are backed by a string | quartet?not the typical, whiny violin sec- p tion, but lush harmony lines marked by bass : | cellos and violins. j "Heart" has a lengthy introduction that jl allows the string quartet to stand alone. The song is well planned, as are the other seven tracks. It is the obvious thoughtfulness of this album that makes it top-notch. THE VOCAL wprk on the album's songs separates the material from that of the flood of homogenized Britisl^ands pouring into the American music scene. Vocalist Robbie Grey, whose voice could drone as if in a synthesizer band, thankJu^ly put a iot of energy into his singing. Awf although the subject matter of "Richochet t^ays" is more serious than that of the debut album, Grey still manages to convey a certain .innocence. It is qc if hp lfnr*\*/c fhp imnapf r?f fhp lvrirc hilt i? not willing to admit their itifeoirtance. Grey's vocals are rarely forced to carry a song. His fellow band members chime in with well-blended background vocals that enhance Grey's singing instead of covering it. The last track, "Chapter 12," is evidence of this, as Grey's cynical singing is buoyed by background harmonies. "Richochet Days" works on the strength p of the rhythm section ? bassist Michael ] Conroy and drummer Richard Brown. Con- n roy's bass work often moves from the back m beat to expressive lines that keep the music | flowing and Brown is very consistent. Modern English has grown up on [] "Richochet Days," such that they are now H modern in a modern music age. This album tj just doesn't die in the pop rut. h 2 soon I I ;ome new faces in the (t week, when a new local [ on the features page. ^ \e on a great shake! . h is:11 i i. M ry ivniKtjMcmfcJs ? Large 79? | ^ | 1 ngmaaick tncm,r *?&t room jm (2nd floor Russell House) ^Jjj Tony's 1 EUEF J^ SflNDWICI Monday: and Turkey Sandwich Tuesday: Tossed Salad, Te UUpdflPSdSV! Stpak Sandwich - I Cheese, Tea or ! Thursday: Turkey Sandwich Tossed Salad, Te Friday: Club Sandwich - h tuce, Tomato, Ch or Soft Drink. . Saturday: Lasagna, Tossed Bread, Tea or Si OUR MENU INC PIZZA TONY'S SPAGHETTI SANDWICH LASAGNA PLATES VEAL PARMIGIANA HERO'S OR SALADS DELI COLD PLATES SANDWICHE SANDWICHES STEAK SANDNX/ HOURS975 Knox Abbott MonThur 10-10; FriS Cayce 794-5469 "Great Hot /V HlP H?ffpERS i frntKh- c tiursday April 5^ Township g.QQ pinl All Seats $1 Pizza ?ur\AU it un j H SPECIAL! - Swiss Cheese, y a or Soft Drink 2.98 Lettuce, Tomato, Soft Drink. . . . 2.98 - Swiss Cheese, a or Soft Drink 2.98 lam, Turkey, Letleese, Chips, Tea 2.98 I Salad, Garlic rft Drink 3.98 :LUDES: I MEATBALL SANDWICH |j STUFFED BAKED POTATO I MICHELOB I BUDWEISER ij S NATURAL LIGHT I 'ICH COORS I at 10 11 Call In For Fast | feals lake Out Urders j PUNh roc((fRs * % <f --