Search - Robin Lane :: Piece of Mind

The Best Come Back of 2003

David D. Warner | Washington, DC | 02/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first fell in love with Robin Lane and the Chartbusters shortly after the release of this wonderfully unique band's self-titled debut album (during the early 1980s glory days of MTV). How time flies, no? Since those early days, I have mourned the Chartbuster's departure from the music mainstream. While I still cherish my vinyl copies of Chartbuster releases, I have long lamented the fact that their music had all but disappeared from our musical lexicon since the demise of the turntable. Robin and her band stood head and shoulders above the pack back in the day ... and now, to my utter delight, they do not disappoint with their lastest "reunion" release, PIECE OF MIND. In fact, like a good cheese or a fine wine, the passage of time has only made the Chartbuster's sound richer and sweeter on the pallatte. Collector's Choice Music recently re-released the Chartbuster's debut album ... and I quickly snapped up MY copy. But sadly, their smashing follow-up, IMITATION LIFE, is still unavailable in digital format. Fortunately for us, one gem from that wonderful recording, "Idiot", has been re-recorded by the band and appears on PIECE OF MIND. Thank you!! This CD is a must-have for anyone who remembers Robin and her compatriots as fondly as I do. I truly hope that this return effort spawns a new Chartbusters era."

A tame comeback

11/23/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This reunion CD is a mix of previously-unrecorded material from the band's heyday 20 years ago and new songs. It feels like having old friends back again, and Robin is still in fine voice. When I heard the opening notes of the first song, and the re-recorded "Idiot", huge smiles came to my face.In the end, though, the smiles are due to nostalgia - this was a great band that should have been at the top of the charts, but that never made it, and I miss them. But you can't turn time back 20 years, and however good they may still be live (I haven't heard them since 1980), whatever hype you may read, no matter how good the band feels about producing their own CD this time around (their energy and brilliant guitar interplay wasn't properly captured in the 80's recordings but is simply gone, along with youth and one of the original guitarists, in 2003), there's nothing here that rises above the mediocre, and much that sinks below it. The sound is often a pleasant reminder of the band that once was, but the lyrics range from forgettable to banal to embarrassingly weak. "The Letter" makes me wince, and "Psychotic Disorders" makes me absolutely cringe - if I wanted sophomoric humor, Blink 182 does it better. There's nothing here that would stand on its own merits and be interesting to someone who wasn't already a fan of Robin's music two decades ago (I was a rabid one). I'd hoped for something new, perhaps a more modern sound and more mature lyrical sensibilities to compensate for the loss of youth. But even Asa Brebner's R. Crumb-like cartoons - the other thing on this CD that brought a smile to my face - haven't changed since "Imitation Life" 22 years ago. This is a fun reunion, but without any marked artistic growth.Sometimes a middle-aged musician makes a comeback with a real edge to it. Returning with a completely new sound is probably rare (Marianne Faithfull and perhaps Janis Ian would be examples of one-hit wonders who came back years later with serious well-done music performed in new styles). But people like Neil Young (Freedom, 1989), Lou Reed (New York, 1989), and Patti Smith (Gone Again, 1996) came back with flair and vision and courage over two decades after their debuts, with lyrics surpassing the work of their youth. You won't find that here. Hearing this band back together left me with some warm fuzzies, despite weak songwriting, and that may be reason enough for the average Robin Lane fan to make a purchase. I have really mixed feelings about this CD - I'm so thrilled to have this great band back together, and I'd go hear them live in a heartbeat, but I find it hard to get excited about any of the songs here. On a human level, I salute these old friends and bandmates for getting back together to play and record music they love - that's what life should be about. But as much as I love Robin, I can't recommend this CD except to other die-hard fans, and I'm not sure even they won't be a bit disappointed. If you don't get your expectations too high though, you'll probably enjoy hearing the return of Robin Lane and the Chartbusters."

The greatest of the "New Wave" bands

Robert G. Daugherty | Los Angeles, CA | 11/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Robin Lane and the Chartbusters at the Cellar Door in Washington DC right after the first album was released and they slayed everyone there. Robin was a LOT cuter in person than on the album cover (she had shoulder-length STRAIGHT hair) and she exuded a tremendous amount of stage prescence. I was so impressed and glad to be there.



I just ordered the "new" album today. Unfortunately, Amazon has rated this album "limited availablity" even thought it's less than a year old!!! I hope I can find it somewhere if they can't. If anyone wants to burn me a copy, I'd be more than grateful. They can charge me whatever they like. I'm on Pay Pal so I'm sure we could work something out.



I agree that "Imitation Life" should be released on CD. It's killer stuff (I have it on cassette only) and long for a digital release. The first album is one of my favorite albums and I really like "Catbird Seat" too.



Robin is great and I'd love to see her again in person. I've loved her ever since I heard her haunting backup vocals on Neil Young's "Round and Round" in 1969!!! Awesome artist.

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