Under the Rock, an Exciting Crop of Newcomers

(from: Los Angeles Times Calendar - November 27, 1977)

Limiting attention to rock resurgence in clubs, here are some highlights for the rest of '77.

Except for the Rod Stewart and Queen concerts at the Inglewood Forum, and Joan Armatrading at the Santa Monica Civic, there's nothing at the larger halls that I'd choose in place of some of these possibilities:

THIS WEEK: The Ramones (Friday-Saturday, Whisky): Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy---the Ramones---seem to be playing Los Angeles so much these days that it's hard to think of them as a New York band anymore. Though the group has an enormously infectious, fun-filled approach, its weakness, so far, is that it lacks the clinching element of surprise. Everything sticks too much on stage and record to pattern. But I find myself going back each time they come to town to see if they've found a new twist. Their kinetic, supercharged sound has become a new-wave model. Also at Golden Bear Dec. 5.

The Motors (Dec. 4-6, Whisky)This British band's fast-paced, rowdy sound has been lumped with the new-wave groups, but its roots are planted firmly in the English pub-rock tradition. Add a dab of heavy metal and some old boogie-woogie and you have an enticing package. "Dancing the Night Away" and "Freeze" are invigorating enough tracks on the new Virgin/CBS album to make you cancel anything else on your schedule. A must see.

Also due: The local debut of Brand X (Wednesday-Thursday, Roxy), a jazz/rock outfit from England that features Genesis' Phil Collins on record, but not apparently on the tour; the return of Jack Bruce (Friday-Dec. 4, Roxy), Eric Clapton's partner in Cream (remember Cream?). WEEK OF DEC. 5 Eddie & the Hot Rods (Dec. 8-11, Whisky), This was one of the first British bands to be labeled new-wave, but it has lost ground in recent months to the more flamboyant Sex Pistols, Stranglers, Jam and the Clash. That doesn't mean, however, it lacks charm or energy. Its new Island LP---which features some inviting tunes by Ed Hollis and Graeme Douglas --- is certainly more attractive than most of the veteran, dinosaur acts that are still prowling the large halls.

The Joy (Dec. 6-7, Roxy), Toni Brown and Terry Garthwaite, the heart of the San Francisco-based group, were the mainstays of the Joy of Cooking, one of the sadly neglected rock outfits of the early '70s. After solo albums,. they are back---at least for an album and tour---with new personnel and a shorter name. From the remake of Van Morrison's "Come Running" to Brown's convincing, well-crafted looks at romance, their new Fantasy album is quite classy. The Joy's brand of adult rock was considered ahead of its time the first time around. It should enjoy more support this trip. WEEK OF DEC. 12

Talking Heads (Dec. 15-17, Whisky), Like the Ramones, these guys (and one girl) are from New York, but they have little else in common with the punk-rockers. Rather than sensate and basic, they're relentlessly sophisticated and teasing. There are those who claim this is the most original and potentially influential band in years, but the record doesn't substantiate it. Maybe the live show will clarify things. Golden Bear: Dec. 12-13.

WEEK OF DEC. 19 Rick Danko (Dec. 23-24, Roxy), The bass player from the Band, Danko not only has excellent vocal character but co-wrote some of the Bands "Music From big Pink" material with Bob Dylan. Unfortunately, the songs on his Arista debut LP aren't up to that level. Maybe he'll round out the Roxy set with some guest tunes. Either way, it should be interesting to see him in his first appearance here in a solo role.

Richard Hell & the Voidoids (Dec., 21-24, Starwood), Part of the New York punk scene, Hell is solidly in the Stones/Dolls/Stooges tradition of relentlessly aggressive rock. But Hell's vision exceeds his talent on his debut Sire LP. Maybe his dynamics live will narrow the gap.

WEEK OF DEC. 26 Runaways (Dec. 26-29, Whisky), These L.A.-based teenagers are already stars in Japan and can headline 2,500 seat halls in Britain, but they're finding it hard to get a following in this country. They set a house record at the Whisky last time there, however, and they should pack the place again. Energetic and fun.

Van Halen (Dec. 30-31, Whisky), This isn't new wave. More a Led Zeppelin Meets Black Oak, they've got a Warner Bros. album due next month and are apparently in line for a big push. If you're still into the heavy metal sound, this is your chance to see what it looks like up close. ----ROBERT HILBURN