Reviews (page 7 of 8)
If the track list was pared down it would be a lot more Killer, but the Filler drags it down.
Quality from start to finish.... Amazingly funky. Has surprisingly stood the test of time. One to add to the collection.
Never heard of this band before and was surprised how much I liked their music Favorite songs: Surprise Me Again, Favorite Day
Pretty tight and well produced
Solid goofy jazzy
laihat brittipojat kerskailee... osataan niitä ja näitä... musiikki akatemiasta opitut luettu läksyt kunnolla vai mitä... noh new waven tasolla tämä on ihan hyvää intrumentttaalia joskus.. laulaja voisi, hiljaa olla. ja kirjottaja laittaa kynän alas..perkussioni bongo huomattu. noh poisalta tämmöset hyvä yll'pito hyvä.... baked beans
This album was beloved by my 13 year old heart. Played it continuously.
Funky, groovy, enjoyable but not too special. (63%)
Eh, I mean it's alright
Boring. Bland. Generic. Not my thing. I’m guessing the author has a strong emotional attachment to this album unrelated to its quality, possibly due to coming of age when this album was popular. A couple of songs came close to being catchy, but nothing ever crested that hill for me.
Ooh a nice slice of early 80s New Wave pop goodness. Doesn’t have much of an aftertaste but it’s a good time while it lasts
Hi, we heard you like Talking Heads and we heard you like saxophones. I just couldn’t get past the saxophone. Otherwise, I liked the bass playing especially and probably could have gotten more into this without the saxophone. 3
I remember the hit, but it seems a strangely insubstantial inclusion?
Ik
What a nice discovery! I think with this site I would have never found this record. Their music reminds me of orange juice und I like them very much.
A truly terrible band who just were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
Pretty replacement level
Early 80s pop. It's decent in the beginning, but gets very repetitive towards the end of the album. Good saxophone work though. It's probably deserving of a 2.5 in my book, but I'll round up.
Did not like this, not my style of music at all.
Actually reeeeally liked this one. So many good grooves!
nice
I liked the jazzy, brass band elements, but other than that, it was ok. Once you’d heard a couple songs, you’d heard them all as they all sounded relatively the same.
Oh boy, I have to admit I love this one. I'd never heard this album beyond the favorite "Love Plus One" with its iconic guitar-marimba-saxophone-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-yah intro, but I was not disappointed. I'm just a sucker for a great brass section in some happy jazzy new wave pop! I'm happy that I noticed that Kingsize doesn't have the lyric "you're my little fat one" as I'd originally thought, although that might be just a little funny.
I would have never thought to listen to this album, and I don't know that it was necessary for me. It was kind of fun, but not amazing or anything. I don't think that I would ever seek it out again.
I gotta say I was pretty surprised to see this album here. I think of Haircut 100 as the dictionary definition of one-hit wonder for Love Plus One. But this album is a lot of fun --- big horns, great percussion, and some 80s sax (which I can't always abide but can forgive today). Sounds like they sprouted from seeds similar to Wham! and Culture Club.
The only Haircut 100 I can think of is Love Plus One, which I dearly love. So much so that I used to use a variation of this group’s name as a password. I really enjoyed the rest of this album as well. Take Duran Duran, add some heavy cream and sugar, and whip into a light, frothy Haircut 100 treat!
Fun enough to listen to, very 80s - not sure in what way it qualifies for this list though … you could die without listening to this and will have missed very little.
One of my favorite 80s pop albums since I was a teen and a girl put “Favourite Shirt” on a mix for me. It’s just a ton of fun, as much instrumental as not.
Great way to start the morning
Remembered a couple of these from my childhood. Good times
at first i thought it had come out in 2023 and i was blown away someone was making stuff that sounded like that in 2023. then i realized its the 40th anni release. was mostly nice. downloaded 6 and 7
New wave muy trompetero. Me ha gustado, un 4.
A classic
Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) // Love Plus One // Lemon Firebrigade // Milk Film // Kingsize // Fantastic Day // Surprise Me Again // Nobody’s Fool 3-3.5/5
When this album came out, I remember disliking it. This album and anything else that resembled dance-able, new wave, synthy-white boy-Brit-pop. It reminds me of a lightweight Duran Duran or Tears For Fears, all bands I avoided with a passion. The music has it's place and it's enjoyable enough on the surface, but deep down (to me) it doesn't have soul or depth to deem it essential, by any means. I don't hate it, I just don't understand why this band or album has any relevance.
Some bangers but ultimately not my bag
Pop ochentero sin mucha sustancia. Muy parejas todas las canciones. Ritmo muy parecido en cada uno de los cortes
This one was interesting and definitely showed some potential. I think there were a few songs that I'd love to listen to again.
I was dreading this based on the cover. It was actually a funky little number.
6/10 muy buen inicio despues se pincha.
This album would fit pleasantly on top of any movie about miami in the 80s. It's incredibly cheesy but I still like it.
There's a distinctive frenetic pace to the guitars, drums, synthesizers... good, but a bit repetitive. Even Kingsize starts slow and the short bursts of horn take us back to the sound of HC100. Surely they hadd.
This one wore on me quickly. Love Plus One is a great song from the era, but nearly everything else has the annoying fast strumming light guitars with some 80's funky beats that is not only dated but annoying. Snow Girl seemed to be the only song with some hope, but everything else is dreck.
"Pelican West" is the debut album by London new wave band Haircut One Hundred. It was produced by Bib Sargeant on the Arista label and the only one with lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Heyward who would leave for a solo career. The album reached #2 in the UK and #31 in the US. The album starts out strong with "Favourite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl)." Fast urgent guitar. Drums with congas. Horns provide the interlude and a nice sax solo. A nice pop song. A scratchy-sounding and xylophone, I believe, open "Love Plus One." A horn driven melody. Very catchy melody and vocal choruses. " A ring and a ring and a ring..." Hard to get out your head. So far, so good. Their third and final single "Fantastic Day" has a sultry sax and tambourine. Vocal harmonies and another nice pop song. The album continues with jazzy pop songs up until the last three songs. I thought I was listening to Talking Heads' "Speaking in Tongues" era music in "Love's Got Me in Triangles." The song hits a groove and fuses with the jazzy horns. An alternative, even heavy metal ballad, guitar opens "Surprise Me Again." This is more rockin' with a nice guitar melody. The band goes in a more R&B and funk direction on the album closer "Calling Captain Autumn." The horns are prominent. Heyward is even rapping. I hear Earth, Wind and Fire and Parliament influences. Never a bad thing. This is a pretty enjoyable album. The three singles are very good. I could take or leave most of the other jazzy pop songs. The album ends strong; it would have been very interesting to see where this band might have gone using these final songs as a template. Nick Heyward would leave so we never found out. He's had a long solo career. I've never listen to any of his solo stuff but something tells me it continued in a pop direction. Oh, well.
Not sure exactly what the hell I just listened to. Kept waiting for that one song I at least recognized from a movie or 80s playlist of 1 hit wonders and nothing. It wasn't terrible but wasn't really good so I don't know
Pretty solid. A new-wave album that doesn't take itself too seriously and is good fun. This is the kind of music I can get behind.
If you like your funk pasty white, look no further. RIYL: Sperry’s, pastel polos, yachting with Chad and Buffy.
Youch. Another 80s group of British people discovering some jazz/funk and making it milquetoast I feel embarrassed.
Nice sound. Fun to work to.
Super enjoyable listen. Just bridges the gap between funk pop new wave. 4 stars for production and a mostly no-skip affair.
2.75
Upbeat and groovy! Some very nice new wave
Det var swäggy!!!
Fairly standard as far as goofy english new wave goes but not unenjoyable. best tracks: favourite shirts, lemon firebrigade, surprise me again
I've been waiting for this album to come up, because it has long been one of my favorite albums of the 1980s. Optimal when listened to with the car windows open on a fine spring day. It's so much fun. Don't let the teen magazine album cover fool you. These gents bring some solid musical chops to the table. This album is full of gorgeous, danceable songs with breezy pop hooks, latin jazz-inflected arrangements, and some the most effective uses of horns that you will ever hear in pop music. Like the best British pop, these songs are clever, charming and pleasant on the ears, but they're also surprisingly funky. I get how this ended up being a niche sound, but I would love to live a day in the alternate 1982 universe where this became the dominant sound in pop music, because it's delightful. The band totally went for a certain vibe with this album, and they nailed it. Fave Songs: (All songs, from most to least favorite... okay fine, "favourite"): Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Baked Bean, Kingsize (You're My Little Steam Whistle), Fantastic Day, Calling Captain Autumn, Lemon Firebrigade, Surprise Me Again, Snow Girl, Milk Film, Marine Boy, Love's Got Me in Triangles
I was strolling through Limone Sul Garda in Italy when listening to this, and it fitted the scenery very well. Never heard the album before and it was an interesting listening experience, though some songs felt a bit too similar.
Like a blend of the Smiths and the specials if they decided to be happy and do jazz. Was it weird and interesting, maybe? Does it deserve to be on this list? Meh. Feel harsh rating it a 2 but it's a very strong 2.
I had never heard of this band but I’m a sucker for 80s pop, so this was a delightful surprise!
This was fun ! The brass was really good. Overall a good listen. High 3*
A bit like the day before it kind of swept over me and left no lasting impression.
First time listen for me - extremely my shit. Shades of Talking Heads, Aztec Camera. Will definitely be in future rotation.
Great! Loved the instrumentals.
Cheerful and bouncy with trumpet. Fantastic Day is a banger, but not a lot of quality songwriting elsewhere. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Fantastic Day Date listened: 20/07/23
I liked yhe sound at first but got a bit bored after a couple of tracks
I imagined I was several pina coladas in and it was enhanced
Was fine
Upbeat, jazzy and pop "The Smiths" vibes or is it just the 80s?
Couldn’t get into it
Wow, this was a pleasant surprise. I mean, it sounded definitely from the 80s, but it sounds really really good. It's like a cross between Duran Duran, Fishbone, and the Clash. It shouldn't work at all, but it does. Really well. I don't usually go to listen the longer anniversary reissue, but I needed to hear more and fortunately there is a 40th anniversary release with a concert. The sax I think is what really did it for me. The interaction with the rest of the band, was great! Definitely enjoyable. Will listen to this again.
Ugh. The 80's. So much junk and weird stuff happening. The music scene was all over the place. And thus we get this. Somewhat interesting or redeeming that they have heavy sax, brass, and congas alongside the regular instruments. But otherwise I didn't care for it. I didn't hate it and I didn't quite reach for the off button, but it was close. Feels like a coin flip between 2 and 3. It's been awhile since I gave a 2 so there you go.
80s pop. Competent. Love Plus One is a delightful bop. And. Um. Why is this here?
This was a delight. 80’s vibe with a salad horn section.
Delightful. Fun, upbeat, perfect for summer music. New wave rock with a lot of African rhythms and the occasional cheesy jazz solo. Totally up my alley. The lead singer, Nick Heyward, sounds a lot like Joe Jackson, one of my favorites from this era. The band sounds huge. Apparently there are 7 band members (which includes 2 drummers) + a brass section. Amazing. The music has a nice, full sound. Man, "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" sounds a lot like Talking Heads' "I Zimbra." Surprised to see no credit to them considering how close the rhythm + that one vocal part is.
Incredibly fun and infectious record. I love how unrelenting the grooves are- you just get hit with them over and over. I would have like a little more dynamism in there- if I skip around the album and click on the 1 minute mark for most tracks they sound really similar. For this reason it's a 3/5 for me.
Quitando la primera y su Love Plus One me he aburrido. Muy años 80 ñoños , mucho saxofón.
It's not terrible, but I don't understand the inclusion on this list. Even if you take the UK centric nature of some of the selections, why would this be included instead of something like Ultravox or Visage or Howard Jones? (all UK options) Icehouse or Split Enz or Thomas Dolby? These six are all much more worthy "new wave" inclusions than this album -- even if you were just looking at UK options in the same general timeframe, this is a poor choice. Looking at the charts, Asia would be a better option and bring something interesting to the list... Gap Band IV would have been amazing as an inclusion... Flock of Seagulls debut! Scorpions "Blackout"! Anyhow, poor choice. I owned this record in the 1980s and gave it away back then... it didn't stay in my collection for any real duration.
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
tasty new wave pop. 4 stars.
such a pristine sounding record. slick juicy and polished yet organic. immaculate arrangements and musicianship. strong vocals. obviously something you’d play while hosting a yacht party. some of the songwriting didn’t quite resonate with me however; i felt like some of the songs would be a tad boring without the intricate and bouncy instrumentations. not the case for most of the songs tho, just kingsize, baked beans, and triangles. also the chikachikachika guitar gets kinda old after a while. you don’t have to play every single 16th note my man….
Lot of saxophones, and very jazzy. Not bad, bit backgroundy. 3
This sounds really similar to every other British new wave album and that's neither a good nor bad thing. There were moments that stood out but otherwise, it was an intensely generic record that had an unusual amount of saxophone solos.
Meh. Mehr fällt mir dazu nicht ein.
Catchy funky pop. Enjoyable but not outstanding in any way. The second half is noticably weaker than the first. Highlights: Love Plus One
If you can't tell the band name from the album name something isn't right. And that kind of sums up this album.
Pop. New wave.
Ok
Made me wish I was listening to Kid Créole a couple of times
3/10 brit poo. vraiment pas aimer grand chose.
More garbage British new wave. I'm done with it.
TOP TIER
Another feel good album from the 80s. Really enjoyed it, it reminds me of XTC. Overall a dancable summer vibe. The first half was already pretty good. And the album cover is simply perfection! I don't remember which songs I remember particularly, but I think it was October is Orange and Calling Captain Autumn.
Robert Dimery really out here forcing us to listen to every mid Britpop album he liked in his teens, huh
I knew their name, but not their music. In my head they were Duran Duran wannabes. Not too far off at times, but it doesn't do them justice. They're funkier. More guitars and horns. Not bad at all. Pleasant surprise. But after around 20 minutes, they couldn't keep my attention anymore. Favorite song: lemon firebrigade
A strong funk 80s album. Standouts in Favourite Shirts, Love Plus One, Nobody's Fool, and October is Orange.
First track is really catchy
As good as 80s pop gets
Very fun album. Much jazzier than I was expecting. Lots of sax. A couple absolute bangers, but the whole album is very enjoyable.
very cool
Heard some nuggets that sounded familiar and funky, but overall didn't do anything for me as an album.
Excellent, shame it was their only album
Gir meg veldig FIFA-vibes. Gladmusikk, men litt kjedelig i lengden.
Eh….?
Wow, this album had everything, from a saxophone, to sounding like a happy Morrissey. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and this band's willingness to do whatever they wanted. I believe they should've gone farther in the industry, but this was the 80's and sex n drugs could ruin any band. Damn you Nick Heyward!!! I can't wait to own this on vinyl one day!
Okay I love this. It feels like proto-vulfpeck. They had to draw from these guys. The amount of silky sax and moving guitar and upbeat lyrics and music. Hell yeah. I'm gonna explore more of these guys.
Very solid. Interesting, a bit funky, the horns get a bit jazzy, the singer kind of vaguely reminds me of The Cure at times, and the tracks are catchy. I haven’t run into a song I didn’t enjoy the first listen to. I got to track 12 before I found one that I thought was just a fun jam that I might not want to hear again on a repeat listen. (And track 11 was a standout IMO.)
A ridiculously catchy mix of post punk and new wave. Equal parts Clash and Duran Duran. Blaring horns mesh with lilted guitar to form a sound that’s uniquely ‘80s but holds up even still.
Mehh. Great brass and saxophone instrumentals. Catchy riffs, but lyrics and singing were very bland.
Fun and rather campy new wave sound.
Sounds a little cheesy now, but some solid tunes on this album. Some great funky slap bass and urgent drumbeats.
Haircut One Hundred is from London, England Genre: New wave I was a huge fan of the song Love Plus One when it came out. I was shocked that it wasn't a bigger hit in the USA. As much as I liked the song, I never heard anything else from them - ever. So this is the first listen of this album for me. I've been looking forward to hearing it. Standouts: Love Plus One Singles: -------------------------------------- Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) (#4 UK) Love Plus One (#3 UK, #37 USA) Fantastic Day (#9 UK) 2.5
Forgettable 80s
An hour of generic British New Wave is too much generic British New Wave. About an hour too much, in fact. Nobody needed this. Not that these boys can't play because they can. And, if I'm being honest, the production is shockingly good. But that's all the positive commentary I have for this album, unfortunately. The lyrics are stupid, the vocals sound exactly like every other New Wave band ever, and (again) nobody needed this. It's a waste of time and effort. 2 stars because the production values are so high and the recording quality is pristine. While that has nothing to do with the band, it IS a check in the album's positive column.
Genuinely quite surprised at how good this is. It's got some great swing, the composition and performance is great. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Oh wow, didn’t realise these lads made funk? A little bit soulless maybe, but funky all the same. And this was pretty much all they did? 3.5 I think but I’ll round up.
Great stuff. Learning about new music is why I'm here!
3/5 This was a quintessential 80's sounding band. It wasn't my favourite but it wasn't the worse either. I probably won't listen to it again. It was very "bubble gum" and poppy but with no real substance.
I... Kinda enjoyed this! And clearly am suprised about it. I didn't know what to expect but it was funky, upbeat and never seemed to drag on. Not sure if I'd race back to it but I won't run and hide if they appear again. Nice.
Better than expected
Meer vergeetbare jarentachtigmeuk. Iets frissere sound dan de vorige plaat, en gelukkig ook minder lang. Maar om er nou meer sterren voor te geven, dat nou ook weer niet.
De eerste helft van de jaren '80 samengeperst op 1 album. Geweldig...
Zoveelste new wave groepje met typische Britse zeikstemmen. Toeters en blazers erbij, waar heb ik dit allemaal eerder gehoord? Huismerk van het huismerk van het huismerk. Het is niet per se slecht, want de basloopjes en de ritmes zijn best lekker vrolijk, maar we hebben dit allemaal al veel te veel gehoord. En dat vonden ze zelf ook, dus zijn ze er maar snel mee gekapt en we hebben nooit meer iets van ze vernomen.
It's like listening to The Cure doing an album of TV commercial jingles in the 80s.
Dated trash.
Silly and dated.
Sucker for 80’s electronic dance
A couple of hits. Rest forgettable
Heeeeey! I liked it. The album cover really belies how funky this album gets at certain points. It's like a whole album of the "Jump Up, Superstar!" song from Mario Odyssey, but make it more conga-y, more casino house band-y, and more British. Some songs also sounded like genuine precursors to Japanese city pop. All told, this album is poppy and inoffensive with some good dancing songs. Surprisingly, I did not like the song Fantastic Day which I gather everyone likes but was too indie-pop for me. I also did not enjoy Snow Girl which was also very indie-pop. For me, the standout song was Lemon Firebrigade which at points sounded suspiciously like the Super Mario Theme crossed with a conga beat (I sense a theme here?). I found myself tapping my toes and bobbing my head while doing the stank face, and that's always a good sign. :)
I don't think I needed to hear this before I died.
The music has a definite direction and velocity... Wants to take you somewhere and make you enjoy the journey
New Wave?! NEW wave? But what's this?! Trumpets?! Funky rhythm guitars?! Samba drums? Evidently I don't know what new wave is, but this is amazing. Standout Track: Calling Captain Autumn
Sick drummer
A white suburban middle class British funk album that sounds like a shit Duran Duran. And what a terrible name. A few good songs but the rest is naff
Favorite so far
I think they used the same riff for a couple songs. Solid bops though
Sounds like the soundtrack to most 70s/80s sitcoms that I watched
3.75
I would say this sounds like typical 80s music, but its also very funky. Also their sweaters in the Favourite Shirts music video are cute. Fave track(s): Lemon Firebrigade, October Is Orange (Day 1 & 2)
I listened to this album twice. After not thinking too much of it after the first time, I grew to really enjoy it the second time. I feel its the kind of music you want to be up and moving around or doing something when listening to it. It has that very recognizable New Wave sound, from the vocals, instruments and especially the production. Its cool to hear some horns thrown in there too! FAVORITE SONGS: - Love Plus One - Snow Girl 4/5
I love the 80's too much, even these less known bands (at least here, in Brazil) always surprise me positively. I really liked the songs, I will look for other works.
HL: "Love Plus One", "Marine Boy", "Fantastic Day", "Surprise Me Again" First off, bad name- I'll probably keep accidentally calling this band "Pelican West" instead of "Haircut 100" Second, I really enjoyed this, though there's not much to analyze here. Is it not enough to have an album that makes ye feel good? Cheery slice of 80's pop February 26, 2023
Love the horns on this record.
A very badly aged nothing burger
Very fun obscure new wave with some really sweet funky grooves. I'm gonna come back to this one!
Really enjoyed the music. Bass player was really great. Sad this band only lasted four years.
Some noteworthy tracks here and Fantastic Day and Love Plus One are certainly stand outs not just on the album but in the decade. As to the rest, the New Wavier the better but not quite enough to get me to return.
Honestly, meh. I usually like the 80s New Wave stuff but nothing about this jumped out at me and I feel like it’s very forgettable… because I’ve forgotten everything about it.
Not bad! Never heard of them, but I like the overuse of horns and sax. Cool blend of funk and 80s British pop
Cet album a été librement inspiré d'une histoire qui m'est arrivée. Je vous colle l'article sorti dans la presse à ce sujet : "Robfructisgarnière crée un malaise chez le coiffeur Robfructisgarnière, critique musical de renom, a causé un scandale chez le coiffeur aujourd'hui. Alors qu'il se faisait coiffer par Jessica, la jeune coiffeuse lui a demandé comment il voulait sa coupe. Au lieu de lui répondre, Robfructisgarnière a sorti une photo de pélican de sa poche et l'a montrée à la coiffeuse. La scène a rapidement tourné au drame lorsque Jessica, visiblement confuse, a maladroitement coupé les cheveux de son client. Robfructisgarnière a alors accusé la coiffeuse de délit de pélicanerie et a appelé la police. Lorsque la police est arrivée sur les lieux, Jessica a expliqué la situation et montré la photo de pélican à l'officier de police. Bien que l'image ne soit pas incriminante en soi, la confusion de Jessica et la réaction exagérée de Robfructisgarnière ont conduit la police à arrêter la coiffeuse pour délit de pélicanerie. Le délit de pélicanerie est une infraction rarement poursuivie par les tribunaux, mais dans ce cas, la police a jugé que l'accusation était justifiée. Jessica a été mise en examen et risque une amende substantielle ainsi qu'une peine de prison."
J'ai beaucoup apprécié cet album des pelicans, avec leur becs monumentaux, tout de couleurs habillés. Attention tout de même à ne pas laisser traîner ses doigts, un coup de bec est très vite arrivé.
Pretty funky, new wave, goodness. I’ve heard Love Plus One somewhere before but I’ve never heard of anything else, including their name.
Gay as Christmas, erg funky maar nogal eentonig
Three socking singles, and the whole album breezes along on pop-funky good vibes. Sometimes it's ok to be shallow - not everything has to be about Death and Taxes...
Serieux, c'est nice comme album. Les musiciens sont vraiment sur la coche. Ca manque parfois un peu de savoir, car c'Est très technique comme album. On voit bien qu'il s'éclate, ca manque de ce qui fait du funk, du funk, un groove. Mais en dehors de ca l'écoute est très bonne. J'ai meme des vibes d'un certain video youtube qui passait en boucle... 4.25
- feels like I’m watching an 80s movie - not bad. Bopping along
Lots o Duran Duran in there. No really my bag, but decently well written music.
It’s an okay album a little forgettable amongst the 1001 albums most of the guitar riffs are the exact same funk thing but I don’t hate it the albums nice but there’s just better new wave stuff on here and not on here. 3/5
Unremarkable. Some neat production and listenable but no songs I'd ever play again or remember. Can't see how it deserves a place on 1001 best albums but not offensive.
I was kind of stoked for an 80s new wave band I'd never heard before. And then the sax started... and just. wouldn't. stop. Not the new wave that appeals to me.
Meh
1 - 8 2 - 7 3 - 8 4 - 8 5 - 7,5 6 - 8 7 - 7 8 - 7,5 9 - 7,5 10 - 6,5 11 - 7,5 12 - 7,5 13 - 8 14 - 8 15 - 6,5 16 - 7,5 17 - 8
Dare I say a little yuppie-ish? It's new wave with some heavy jazz and disco influences. The horn section is nice, and the music is nice and bright, but admittedly, it's a little easy to let this fade into the background and zone out. Favorite tracks: "Calling Captain Autumn", "Kingsize"
Surprisingly good, very 80s! Got a bit tiresome by the end but a good listen
Interesting.
This band is a lot cooler than expected but their biggest downfall was being in the 80s. The instrumentals are insanely entertaining. Jazzy, funky, poppy they nail a lot of different genres with a lot of different instruments. However the new wave sound of singing brings this album down. The new wave drag of singing is not something I particularly enjoy. If this was a modern band they’d probably jam more than sing. Overall not bad would listen again. 6.9/10
I've only heard Love Plus One before so I was interested in hearing this album. However like the hit, It's vanilla New Wave, It's fine but nothing really exciting. 2.5 stars.
Funky, rhythm driven pop with lots of sax and horn and Chic / Nile Rodgers style guitar. Sometimes has a little Latin flair. Plus I like marimba. This didn’t come across as New Wave to me: there’s no edginess, no heavy synth. Just bright, fun pop. I liked this way more than I thought I would.
Not a bad listen. Seemed like a pretty standard record for its time.
This was fine. I actually enjoyed some of it quite a bit, but other parts dragged a little. Not sure I had to hear it, but wasn't terrible.
Mélange intéressant de new wave avec influences funk/disco, mais pas quelque chose de tant épatant non plus.
Definitely British synthpop!
A forgettable example from a forgotten genre. Not being an Englishman, I am aware this album is rubbish.
Very 80s
Interesting instrumentals, but too new-wave for my taste. The band name and the album name sounds like they were generated by an AI lol. Quite generic, overall.
I’ve always almost liked this album, but it sounds too much like white British guys in starched white shirts and stylish haircuts not playing any sour notes for it to be of any lasting interest to me.
ну 80ее и ок прикольно но не больше....
I am confused as to why I should hear this one before I die. It is serviceable “New Wave” music, I wouldn’t say anything is particularly memorable. The worst part about this album, for me, is that any level of excitement I should get from the performance seems to be utterly muted in the mix. This music should be exciting but I don’t really get it from the sound and that is sad because it seems like they can play their instruments.
4.5 rounded up. For fans of xtc, style council, Duran Duran. All groove. Only stinker is Calling Capn Autumn.
Classic smooth 80’es
This is usually not my kind of thing but I'm into it!
This album surprised quite a bit. I expected a bad/boring experience but it was the opposite. The music is upbeat and great. The vocals typically didn't detract from the song and sometimes added. In the worst songs, they were repetitive and the vocals were annoying. The best songs had groovy beatlines and were awesome. Favorites: Kingsize, Fantastic Day, Baked Beans Dislikes: Snow Girl, Ski Club
Ha I loved this! Upbeat, 80s, a bit poppy a bit disco, cool stuff! Really liked the whole thing Saved songs: Love Plus One, Kingsize (You're My Little Steam Whistle), Baked Beans, Calling Captain Autumn
I would have sworn that I'd never heard of these guys, but "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" sounded awfully familiar, and I definitely knew "Love Plus One." So that was a surprise. The bigger surprise: I fucking LOVE this album. It's new wave perfection, full of funky basslines, sexy sax, and the sort of overtly British vocals that somehow feel necessary for new wave to be *just* right. (Maybe because Duran Duran is inextricably linked to new wave in my mind? I don't know.) Regardless, this album was a delightfully upbeat surprise, and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I'm impressed. This band is far more than their one hit. They're multi-talented instrumentalists with a mix of pop, new wave & world - this album is just a great mix of genres. My only criticism is it's too long. Aside from that, solid listen.
me ENCANTÓ kqjdjsjdjdj 8 / 10 me recordó a remain in light por momentos (?)
With horns and and exuberance aplenty, this sophisticated early 80s pop album from Haircut 100 is a mighty fine collection that not only captures the British music scene before the full blown invasion of the synths, but it shimmers and radiates with all the youthful optimism that was captured. One of the more accomplished yet underrated albums/bands of the era. Favorites: Favorite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Lemon Firebrigade, Milk Film, Fantastic Day, Love's Got Me in Triangles, Surprise Me Again, Boat Party.
Earth, White Boys, and Fire
Really enjoying all these creative British bands that I had never heard of. This one was really cool, at times reminded me of Talking Heads, sometimes XTC. The horns and funky bass made it all sound so original.
Putting the “fun” in Funk. Catch me head-bobbing to “Ski Club.”
Some fun and funky parts, but the mediocrity.. lord the mediocrity. Won't be listening to this again. 2/5 horns 🎺🎷
7/10. Pretty goofy but solid new wave album. The horn parts were really nice.
5/10. At their best, they sound a bit like the Talking Heads but worse. Not all of these songs are up to that standard.
Shred that sax, boys. 8/10
This thing is pretty fun. I feel like it’s if Steely Dan made funk or new wave. The mix of jazz and funk is really fun and there’s lots of silly little bits throughout. 7/10
Had no idea who Haircut 100 was before this. Not bad for early 80's UK New Wave.
I had never heard of this band, so I was really struggling to justify why this album is on the list. My preconception was totally misguided; this album rocks. The band is so locked in. Their use of the funk palette works way better than it should for a bunch of young effeminate British white dudes from the 80s. The lyrics are fine, but the bass, percussion, and guitar more than make up for it. And a little clarinet in a pop album? bring it on!
Fun vibes
I remember some of these songs from when I was young. I wasn't very interested then, and not much has changed. Just not my thing.
Candy flossy, and pretty much all that I hated about early 80s British music. Aged better than I thought. Now like the choppy guitars, not so much the bass (V. 80s). Songs diminish in quality as the album progresses. Heyward has a good voice. Gone up in my estimation. Effing dreadful name for a band.
Of it' s time. Enjoyable enough
Big dose of nostalgia for me. These were a clean inoffensive jazzy pop band set up by record executives to be the new 'Monkeys'. A lot of hits on the album which mainly appealed to teens. Nick Heyward was the lead and wrote most of the songs and clearly a talented guy but the songs lack depth. It's pleasant and i've enjoyed listening to the songs I know but nothing beyond that.
I dont know what my guy’s deal with horny muzak is, but here is another album full of blaring soft jazz horns and jangly brit rock chords. It’s cheesy and dumb. Your band name is silly as well. Glad this music style got bagged and forgotten. If youre gonna do this type of thing, maybe the Cure, the Smiths, even a band I discovered here, called Teardrop Explodes, will do. Go listen to Dinosaur Jr. or Pavement. This is saccharine nonsense.
Enjoyed this. Got club tropicana meets duran duran vibes.
It's very pleasant. Twee almost. But that also makes it not very exciting
Good album, some unique sounds
3.5
Rythme entraînant, vraiment le fun à écouter, mais parfois les cuivres sont un peu trop présents.
Solid New Wave. Almost the definition of.
I’ve tried to be objective with all of these records but this is garbage. Sounds like he’d discovered a new guitar technique and drilled it to fuck. This is Not For Me™️
Sunny early 80s new wave. The musicianship and arrangements are really strong. Reminds me at times of XTC, Talking Heads, and The Beat. Pretty fun but somehow a little slight.
Struggled with this one. Couldn’t see the merit.
no
unlistened rip
Fun but not my jam
Reminiscent of Talking Heads and The Psychedelic Furs. Good, clean New Wave fun.
It's just ok
Enjoyed it. Sounds exactly like how the cover looks, just some good, consistent new wave music
Another 1980s new wave band that sounds very unnecessary. I don't need to hear it, be reminded of it or see it on any list. It's so boring, middle of the road, without urgence, overly smoothed. This is the kind of music you put on in a situation that your main purpose is not to offend anyone in anyway. Music for people that do not like music (and want only some sound to fill the void)
Meh, probably never coming back to this one
Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I always thought Haircut 100 were a bit silly from the songs I knew, but this album was great. Really enjoyed the instrumentals.
Clearly 80s New Wave, but with some brilliant brass stuff.
Derivative
Okay album. More up-tempo than most in this genre but still just not for me.
Enjoyed the overall vibe of this - a little more on the pop side but Favourite Shirts was a good tune
Did nothing to change my mind that most 80's music is shite
This is just too 80’s for me, not to my taste.
Not my style.
Fuck those horns.
boat party, no vote party
i was surprised at the fact that i enjoyed this. at first it seems like another album id just have to get through but i’m ending it with a strong 3. 7/10.
Haircut 100? The (barely) one-hit wonder from the early 80s? Essential album? All spoken/written from admitted ignorance and after listening I could take two paths: 1) Sure, this album is light fun from the early 80s but why is this mandatory or special listening? 2) This was an overlooked gem (at least in North America) and there should have been 3-4 radio or MTV staples. I could make a quick Duran Duran comparison but I like this far more. There's an airiness to the mix and arrangements that absolutely has that 80s feel but still sounds kinda fresh some 40! years later. Never imagined I'd discover a Haircut 100 album but I'm kinda glad I did; I hear some unpredictably jazzy/funky elements of Joe Jackson and Madness (compliments, those). I'll split the difference between the above thoughts and say while it might never be a favourite I think I'll happily listen to this again. A pleasant surprise. 6/10 3 stars.
This sounds so tired, it's like you've taken a Duran Duran album and sucked out all of the energy. It's super generic and really long, it's only 10 am, I've had a strong coffee, and I still feel like I'm struggling to stay awake during it (although tbf the heat probably doesn't help). Only the first 12 tracks are on the original release, and I have no desire to listen to any more of this than I absolutely have to. 2/5 - just. It is not actively repulsive, just dull as hell. Actually, that seems harsh on hell.
Surprisingly dynamic record for a new wave group; songs are diverse and arrangements are interesting with prominent conga and sax action all throughout.
A budget Duran Duran do I need to say more
Okay but not special.
fine
A pleasant enough New Wave album. Of course the big hit was Love Plus One which was the only song I knew from MTV. Right before 1984 when things got too glossy.
Hear before: no, not even of the band! Great sound - the horns and extra percussion really elevated things. I'd never heard of the group, and I don't listen to much New Wave, so this was interesting and fun. I'll definitely revisit this one - I can't say any of the tracks were standout, but overall I loved the sound and will let this one sink in a little more.
Always appreciate a good horn section
Pretty standard new wave, but the horns keep it fresh and fun.
nice haircut
lots of 80s. kind of interesting, not great today. i like the horns.
It was the first album on this list I had not heard before the recommendation. I really dig it. It was the right amount of guitar jangle to hit my sweet spot.
First two songs are nice and I suspect they're the only reasons why the album is in that book. The rest of the album is not that bad but most of it sounds really generic and surprisingly limp for a new wave album with so much percussions.
Not even 24 hours has passed and I already don't remember a single note from this album. The vibe was good, but nothing memorable and it certainly doesn't make me want to get myself a hundred haircuts.
Why is it in the book...why ?
Sometimes everything is there to make it work... Energy, variety of instruments, excellent musicians, etc. But, for some reason, there's absolutely nothing on this record that I found uplifting or that I want to listen to again.
Fun - couple of old familiars. Nothing amazing though
Not bad, but also sorta same-y across the album. I liked the bass, but the sax was the same a lot, and same with the vocals and such. I don't see myself returning to this one. 3/5
This was actually really nice. Funky and fun new wave. Enjoyed a lot!
I actually really liked this? And the bonus tracks are better than the main album cuts? idk why I'm surprised, maybe it's because these guys are new to me and I was expecting something slightly different. But this is fun new wave, and if I ever see this in a dollar CD bin, it's mine. B
Unremarkable 80's New Wave. You can keep it. Best track: Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)
I don't think I heard Haircut 100 much on the radio at the time when they were releasing new music, but I am very familiar with the first two tracks on Pelican West Plus. "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" and "Love Plus One" occasionally pop up in my personal play list. Haircut 100 has elements hinting at the upcoming Brit-pop that will come in the late 80s and early 90s. There are songs that remind me a little of the Squeeze, one of their contemporaries and a band that I like. The everpresent saxophone reminds you that this band and this music is from the 80s. "Baked Bean" and "Fantastic Day" were the new individual tracks that I might come back to. Overall the album was good enough. I'm not sure if I would listen to the whole album again.
Can really hear how this band must have influenced others of the time and that came after them. The rhythm guitar is immaculate. Great new wave sound.
New Wave Pop flirts with Jazz and Soul and I like the results. A very well balanced mix. It's consistently upbeat, catchy, and enjoyable. To take a term from beer parlance, I'd say this was crushable.
I feel like a broken record but this 80s style is just too... 80s for me. It's fine but I can't get past it all. There are also better 80s in this style for me.
Never judge a record by its cover? You can with this one. Woollen cream sweaters and autumn leaves? This cover is as bland as the music therein. Bland New Wave. Weak tunes, weak vocals and weak ideas. You don't need to hear this before you die. If beige was a sound this is it. Best Tracks: Love Plus One; Marine Boy; Fantastic Day
Tropical new wave.
average British new wave sound.
Very chill!
aight
Wow, so 80s. These baselines would be at home on a cruise ship.
Like a happier boppier Duran Duran, with bongos, saxes and a nod to 1980s sitcom soundtracks.
ovo je zapravo dost dobar album. nekako djeluje optimistično - naravno zbog svojih ritmičnih (koje zvuče pozitivno) pjesama. Najviše volim kad čujem gitarski jingle jangle pop. Također mi je neki miks Talking Headsa (ritam), Morrissey (glas)... i još ponešto. naravno, par pjesama je uletilo u plejlistu 60ih.
Cute, fun, poppy. Faves: Kingsize, Snow Girl
This is so groovey! 4 So close to a 5 Great instrumentation, nice continuity between songs, and nice lyrics! Love it
Bom.
Stands up better than some of the other 80's albums that have come up so far on the list
Continuing the streak of new wave albums I could have skipped. Sax was perfect, though!
Hated this when it came out and certainly don't need to listen to it today! Everything about it was horrible - especially the jumpers! So horribly clean and preppy. Ugh!
This album is so cheesy and stupid in the best ways possible. So enjoyable. 5 stars not even sorry, tho I understand if you can’t get into it
Fun but forgettable new wave. The biggest takeaway I have from this album is “Why did they choose so many inconsequential 80’s rock/new wave bands for this list?”
I think that it was a fun example of 80s cheese. Not much else to say.
Not for me.
New wave muy trompetero. Me ha gustado, un 4.
Conocida, pero más lenta Love Plus One
Funky little album this is. Some really great danceable rhythms. My wife really liked this album. I liked most of it but did get annoyed at times by the syrupy tone of the sax which fell I to Kenny G territory from time to time. A fun listen that probably doesn't have any real staying power. 3 🌟
I mean it's alright. At first I thought I was listening to a ska band HAHA. But yeah pretty good stuff, reminds me of Heaven 17
Pish.
It has lots of ingredients I love elsewhere. Chic guitars, Specials horns, Talking Heads wonk, Duran Duran vocals. It all adds up to a lot less than the sum of its parts. I tapped my feet to a few songs, but remember next to nothing of it. Pretty crap
This is my sweet-spot era and I first listened on cassette, for which I had to spring because "Love Plus One" was just too good then (despite dumb video I couldn't confess to like) and remains today an all-time pop delicacy -- light and pure and effervescent. Rest of record is more substantive than I remember, crisp playing and clean production. This disc is nowhere near Nick Heyward's "North of a Miracle" but holds up well.
Groovy. Pretty fun listen!
Kind of shit
Some type of funk played by white people. Not bad but far of being near of the original sound.
Lots a saxophone, but that’s not a bad thing!
Conhecido sem empolgar.
Funky
This is very repetitive and uninspired, one of the worst new wave albums i've ever listened to.
"Pelican West" is the British new wave band Haircut One Hundred's debut album. It performed very well in the UK, gaining the second top spot on the charts and being certified platinum for sales. The music was upbeat and positive, and the lyrics were easy to follow. It's not my usual jam, but I can appreciate any good music produced by an entire band.
1980s sax laden tunes at their best. Never bought this album but enjoyed the hits on it. Not bad
liked a few tracks but the vocal style didnt do it for me
Liked this album very much..never heard these guys before…back in the 80’s would have been rockin’out to this ..
Actually don't mind the brass in this... I like it better than the 80's synth of the same era. Some definite Latin beats as well, which creates quite the aural offering.
super dope and funky for some white guys 4
I'll go with a solid 3.5 for this one. I can see this influencing Oingo Boingo
6/10
Fun oldie sound
I really don't know what to make of this, I thought the singer from Duran Duran maybe took a side gig to produce something more poppy at first? It's a unique sound, very plinky-plonky on the guitars and keys, and they have a couple of horns players which I always appreciate in a band. I liked this, just a nice listen that didn't go too hard but had nice vibes and positive energetic instrumentals to it.
I was not familiar with the band or any of the songs. It is definitely 80s music, with some funk and with hints of indie music. It was alright.
Whacky sound, but I like it!
Ágætis 80s vella.