Romantics - Romantics (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

A rock 'n roll treasure, it simply doesn't get any better th

J. McDonald | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1979/1980 self titled release by The Romantics is one of the finest powerpop releases of the last 30 years. The track "What I Like About You" has risen to the status of legend and has become one of the most played and recognizable rock 'n roll anthems of all time. "What I like About You" exists in the same timeless and cherished rock 'n roll universe as songs like "you really got me", "louie louie" and "wild thing". But, before you label the Romantics as one hit wonders you'll need to get your facts straight;

"What I like about you" never reached the top 40. The highest billboard chart position of the song was #49. The album itself, while considered mildly successful, did not have a stellar chart performance. They finally DID have TWO top 40 hits from their 1983/84 album "In Heat" ("Talking in Your Sleep and "One in a Million"). So it's rather funny to hear of the Romantics referred to as "One Hit Wonders", when the "hit" referred to was not actually a "hit" and they had TWO other top 40 tunes.

The fact that the song "What I Like About You" has become a Rock 'n Roll standard, is a testament to the raw talent and songwriting brilliance of the Romantics. There are too few happy endings in Rock, but for the Romantics it was DESERVED and certainly EARNED. It's an absolute shame that the Romantics are continually neglected in various rock 'n roll guides, books, and by many so-called "authorities" and "critics" of rock.

The Romantics may have been off the mainstream radar for the majority of their career, but they have continued to grow and tour for over 30 years. When sampling the groups catalog you'll find "hit worthy" songs by the truck load. From sweet powerpop, raw garage rock, funky R&B tinged rock, a few Motown inspired efforts, British invasion inspired tracks, and blues based rock.

This release can stand solid next to the best efforts of the Kinks, Who, Stones and Beatles. In an era ruled by disco and dinosaur rock, the Romantics had the heart, vision and talent to bring the Rock 'n Roll dream back to life! If you claim to be a collector of REAL rock 'n roll, your collection will not be complete without this CD.

*** TEN STARS ***

-JM"

One of the greatest power-pop releases of all-time!

Joey M. | Las Vegas, NV | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An important piece of music to own for any fan of REAL rock 'n roll!In the late 70's and early 80's for just a brief moment in time it seemed as though Rock 'N Roll was born again. Groups like the Romantics, The Knack, Shoes, The Records and many others stormed the music scene. Taking their inspiration from groups like the Beatles, Stones, Kinks, and the Who this new wave of power-pop groups envisioned a bright future for rock 'n roll. Melody, harmony and a strong rock 'n roll beat were back in style!!!The Romantics were leaders during what I call the "last breath of rock 'n roll". This album is a fantastic debut worthy of placement next to the best offerings by the Kinks, Beatles or any other "legendary" group you can offer up.The Romantics are still out on the road giving it all they've got 24 years later. ...Buy this CD - It's a MUST HAVE!!!"

This is the "romantic" era of the Romantics!

John B. Taylor | Alexander City, AL USA | 07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came of age in the early 80s, so I was a little late to catch this album the first time around. Of course, I was well aware of What I Like About You, although for its seeming ubiquitousness, only made about #49 on the charts. I actually used to wear out the their album from 1983 or so, called In Heat. I was tempted to get this debut album because it got great reviews and contained a cover of a song by my fav band, "She's Got Everything" by the Kinks. I must give my stamp of approval, as they did an admiral job and punked the original up a little. The absolute gem on here is "Tell It to Carrie", with "Keep In Touch" and "When I Look In Your Eyes" being A+ as well. I noticed the lyrics are more innocent and "romantic", as opposed to the more testosterone driven songs I remember from my teenage days listening to In Heat; whose title says it all. I say get this album for great power pop and one of the best Kink's covers this side of the Jam's "David Watts"."

Detroit (Power) Pop City

Otto Luck | Detroit | 09/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The skinny tie, peg-leg trouser brigade never gets much respect, maligned for decades for a streamlined fashion sense that hasn't exactly aged well, but which had a certain charm in the late 70's and early 80's. Problem was, you had to have the body fat content of a praying mantis to pull it off. But the little girls clearly understood.

Detroit's Romantics have never been able to live down those snazzy red leather togs and boofy `dos they sport on the cover of their debut album, one which inarguably stands at or near the summit of the big rock candy mountain that is power pop, fusing the sonic punch of local influences like The Stooges and MC5 with a new wave ebullience purloined directly from scores of Rickenbacker-toting, British Invasion fops. Too bad much of their thunder was stolen by The Knack.

But the 800-lb. dinosaur of the record, "What I Like About You," has since reached iconic status, much like "My Sharona," thanks to generous, cloak-and-dagger licensing of the song by the band's estranged ex-managers to push everything from a certain watered-down, panther-piss American beer to Barbie dolls to T.G.I. Friday's. And it's undoubtedly been saluted by furious, tipsy air guitar from most any frat-boy who's ever stood around a keg trading lies and pulls from a bottle of Jagermeister.

Producer Pete Solley harnesses all of the spark The Romantics displayed on a few indie singles and crafts a fast, loose, and tough little slab which forges its own path without falling all over itself to pay tribute to Liverpool, Muswell Hill, or Shepherd's Bush along the way. Guitarists Wally Palmar and Mike Skill are bonafide three-chord wonders, crashing through three- minute gems like "When I Look in Your Eyes," "Girl Next Door," and Kinks cover "She's Got Everything." Bassist Richie Cole does his damnedest to rein in alpha male drummer and Keith Moon disciple Jimmy Marinos, but it's just no use. Marinos barely restrains himself behind his kit and sad to say that when he left the band, they were never the same.

"The Romantics" is the sound of a thousand clammy club gigs captured on a flat, two-sided, 12" circular piece of vinyl, a snapshot of four wide-eyed, East-side kids who, unfortunately, would never again sound so pure, excitable, and innocent. They would have been world-beaters as the house band in Elvis Presley's "Girl Happy." If it was filmed in Detroit instead of Fort Lauderdale, that is."

Amazing

Greg N. Buchanan | Tustin, CA | 07/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had this album in both vinyl and cd format. I cannot believe whenever I put this album on (even after a hiatus of several years) how it simply blows me away.Fantastic tunes, great driving music, great party music and great to listen to when you are doing odd jobs around the house. Just remember, TURN IT UP (to eleven even)!"

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	Romantics Romantics Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 When I Look in Your Eyes Tell It to Carrie First in Line Keep in Touch Girl Next Door What I Like About You She's Got Everything - The Romantics, Davies, Ray [Kinks] Till I See You Again Hung on You Little White Lies Gimme One More Chance
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