Honest Johns - Meteor

Yet another compilation by an obscure indie-pop band from the late 80's is reeled off the Firestation Records production line. The little German label certainly has a big reputation for leaving no stone unturned in their quest to breathe new life into forgotten bands from yesteryear. Their exploits this time have taken them to Newcastle and the self proclaimed Kings of Tyneside, the Honest Johns. The CD contains twelve tracks from the golden age of indie-pop (1986-1990), only two of which were released at the time. There is no denying that the songs are very much of the era, but they tend to veer more towards Spandau Ballet in style than peers such as the Chesterfields, the Groove Farm or the excellent Desert Wolves. It might just be that front man Mark Lawson is a better vocalist than the vocalists in the above mentioned band though! Of the songs 'Perfect Girl' and 'Two Dead Marias' are probably the strongest but in keeping with all Firestation releases this is a fairly solid collection. Certainly worth adding to any indie-pop collection and the good news is that the band have reformed recently, after over 10 years out of the limelight, and will be back on the live trail early next year. Keep an eye out for them!

Track Listing:-

1 Judas In Me Singing
2 Around & Around
3 Perfect Girl
4 Giant
5 Hollywood Affair
6 Faith
7 Sister
8 Two Dead Marias
9 Dust And Lungs And Wings
10 Sunday City Misery
11 Swans
12 Winding Road