Welcome to Review Revue, where every Thursday I dig through the KEXP stacks to share DJ reviews and comments written on the covers of LPs (and occasionally CDs) in the ’80s and ’90s, when the station was called KCMU, the DJs were volunteers, and people shared their opinions on little white labels instead of the internet.
The Dynette Set released one album in 1983, but it's clear they had a lasting effect on this city (just check out the crowd at their first show in 30 years, at the High Dive in 2013 — and, for once, make sure you read the comments!). Featuring three swanky, swaggering frontwomen — Christy McWilson, Riki Mafune, and Shelley Stockstill — the band were well ahead of the "space age bachelor pad" revival of the '90s with their twangy, surfy sounds. The members had their hands all over Seattle's early '80s rock scene, and I envy the patron who walked into the Rainbow and stumbled upon one of their sets back then. I could say more, but really you just need to watch this 1983 video for "Shoot the Curl" and wish you'd ever been this cool.
"You know what it sounds like . . . fab vocals that make you happy. From Seattle's favorite taverns . . ."
"Lots of great 60's sounds here - try 'First Name Initial.'"
"Great version of Nancy Sinatra's 'These Boots Are Made for Walking'!"
"Oh I don't know . . . I don't think the vocal has nearly enough 'My Dad is Frank Sinatra' snottiness . . ."
This week's Review Revue spotlights the album Boys Want Sex in the Morning by Uncle Bonsai. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the self-titled Green Album by 54-40. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the Beat Happening album Black Candy. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
