Welcome To Hollywood - Glenn Burtnick

Advantages: Truly classic 80s pop
Disadvantages: Maybe a little too adventurous in places? Otherwise none

...When I was a kid, like may other kids I detested the clutch of smarmy, self-satisfied radio 1 DJs that ruled the airwaves back then- so gratifyingly lampooned by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse. Mike Read was one such smarm, and bizarrely Frankie Goes to Hollywood fans such as I have something to thank this man for- helping to bring this band not only to their attention but to the attnetion of the masses. By the end of 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood were arguably the biggest pop band on the planet, due in part to Mike Read's refusal to play their single "Relax" on the radio on the grounds that it was "disgusting" I believe. Granted, it's a bit rude but really quite tongue-in-cheek, like much of their material, and this really showcased the lack of any sense of humour at the BBC more than anything else. So what happened? "Relax... Read review

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Advantages: great big band music
Disadvantages: none

...The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK was founded by Ray McVay in the 80's . This was done after talks with the Glenn Miller Estate, who had listened to many of Ray McVay's tracks. Who is Ray McVay? Ray McVay was born in the late 30's in Scotland. He became a professional musician at the tender age of 13 as a rocking sax player. In the 50's he became a music director for many big names such as Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Conway Twitty and Billy Fury. As Rays name got bigger and better known in the music industry, and fronted his own show band known as the Ray McVay Orchestra. He started to play for the Mecca Organization playing around the country before headlining at Mecca's big venue, the Lyceum Ballroom in London's west end.. Ray McVay then became a household name in the UK when he was featured on the TV... Read review

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Advantages: See review
Disadvantages: see review

...ballads than absolutely necessary. The twin-attack of commercial ex-thrash and grunge would soon render such meddling futile, and leave L.A. Guns regretting their failure to leave a more substantial lasting impact on the scene pre-implosion. In 1991, however, nobody was more convinced of the L.A. scenes permanence than the constituents themselves and Hollywood Vampires had potential MTV singles in abundance, boasting monster ballad Crystal Eyes, the criminally underachieving Its All Over Now and infectious mid-tempo rockers Here It Comes and Kiss My Love Goodbye. Yet Hollywood Vampires starts from an entirely different perspective, with the haunting Over The Edge, an eerily atmospheric blues boogie about the comedown from a drug high. The theme may be hackneyed, but the music marks a welcome departure for an L.A. band, as the band... Read review

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