Two Words, One Answer.
airplay
 Best Of Airplay $47.99 Abc local radio's mix of talk and music is unique in the australian radio scene, and over the years they've become an oasis for music lovers who appreciate contemporary music for grown-ups and an alternative to what's on offer on commercial radio. 'the best of airplay' is 2cds of exceptional talent and exquisite songwriting - the go-betweens, jeff lang, joss stone, bob evans, lior, jimmy little, kieran kane, kt tunstall and many more.  Airplay $38.98 It's hard to review this album without mentioning Toto. Much like Toto, this self-titled 1980 album from Airplay is the pet project of two guys who'd already made huge names for themselves as session musicians in California during the '70s: David Foster and Jay Graydon. Additionally, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, and David Hungate all appear on this album, all of whom were members of the original Toto lineup. It should come as no surprise then that "Airplay" sounds very Toto-esque indeed. Foster and Graydon produced and arranged the album, and it leans toward the hard rock end of things, with a really slick, arena-rock sound. It's frequently over-the-top, with sudden blasts of dynamics, and exaggerated horn parts and vocals. The thing though is that the guys clearly have their tongues firmly in cheek. Song after song has undeniably catchy hooks, and there are also some riotously fun, ingeniously crafted lyrics, particularly on "Leave Me Alone" and "Bix". In the end, the album offers a real blast of dumb fun. The best example of this is the insanely catchy "Bix"--with its brass-heavy arrangement, from-the-gut vocals, devastatingly sinful lyrics, and syncopated piano-laden groove, it kinda sounds like Elton John on crack, and it's an absolute hook-fest. "Cryin' All Night", "Leave Me Alone", "Sweet Body", and the ear-splittingly loud album opener "Stranded" are all solidly fun songs as well. The bouncy pop-rocker "Nothin' You Can Do About It" is relatively calm and collected, but it's ultra-catchy in its own right. They do throw in a few ballads. The achingly bittersweet "Should We Carry On" is a wonderfully melodic gem that sounds like an honest-to-god hit that never was, and I mean that as a compliment. "It Will Be Alright" is well-written, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired; Dan Seals went on to do a far better version on his 1982 "Harbinger" album. They end the album with a really nice remake of "After The Love Has Gone" which was a huge hit for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1979. So, this ain't exactly an overall masterpiece of an album, but it does have some great songs, and it is really fun. If you're into early '80s Toto, don't pass this album by. |
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