Gyrate

Pylons first album, although it doesnt contain masterworks on the level of the first single Dub or the later single Crazy, is considerably more consistent than the comparatively spotty Pylon!! and Chomp. This is Pylon at their purest, mixing the spartan angularity of Gang of Four with a playfulness missing from similar U.K. bands like the Au Pairs or the early Mekons (or indeed from Gang of Four themselves) as well as the irresistible danceability of their Athens, GA, compatriots the B-52s. Yet Pylon never quite sounded like anyone except Pylon; their naive instrumental style -- guitarist Randy Bewley claimed that he didnt even know the names of any notes or chords -- and singer Vanessa Briscoes inimitable voice (moving from a flirtatious coo to a Meredith Monk shriek in the space of a line) and inscrutable lyrics are so idiosyncratic that they probably couldnt sound like anyone else any more than another band could tackle a Pylon song. (Remember the botch R.E.M. made of Crazy?) Highlights here include the spirited opener Volume, the evocative instrumental Weather Radio (probably the prettiest song on the record), and Briscoes impassioned Feast on My Heart. Later pressings of this album replace the first track on side two, Driving School, with Recent Title. Both tracks are available on the 1989 compilation Hits. ~ Stewart Mason