Search - Re-Flex :: Politics of Dancing

One of my all-time favorites

02/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Totally agree with the previous reviewers. This album is marvellous 80s pop-synthesizer rock at its best. If you're not foot-tapping all the way through to these infectious tunes, you're probably dead. I've loved this album since the 80s and it still hits my music player on a regular basis. Just can't seem to tire of these upbeat songs no matter how hard I try. It seems to me that almost every track could have been a single.I apologize in advance because it is impossible to describe these (or any) songs in words for those who have never heard them but enthusiasm for this album has got the better of me so here goes anyway...highlights of the album for me (in no particular order):- The Politics of Dancing
The extended version of the title track just rocks so powerfully and majestically. The single version of this track is the one Re-Flex track you may just have heard of (you might find it on 80s collections CDs) and if you like it, buy this album now - all the songs are of this quality and catchiness.- Something About You
This song is all about lusting after your favorite lady and I love the way this builds to an incredible screaming climax with those amazing keyboard stabs in the background. One of the reasons I play keyboards to this day was the hypnotically-compulsive way they were used in this song.- Keep in Touch
What an intro to a song. Layer upon layer of synths, drums and percussion mesh together and then burst into the catchy finale of the album. - Hurt
All about turning the tables to get revenge. Even the chords in this one sound angry (in a pop way).- Praying to the Beat
The starting track of the album starts with a sampled speeded-up talking clock..."Good morning, the time is 6.30am". Whenever I wake up at this time, I'm thinking of this line (boy, am I sad!). This is a clever social satire on how we are slaves to the office working day. You'll be humming this one to work for sure.- Hitline
Incredibly cynical lyrics about commercial contrived pop songs in the form of a commercial contrived (and brilliant) pop song. Hilarious irony - done so well. These guys were so good they could mock their own artform while creating an outstanding example of it. I'm often reminded of other 80s artists like Nik Kershaw listening to this one - he similarly hid away biting lyrics in the guise of innocent catchy tunes.I'll stop there before I bore everyone to tears.I've hardly written any reviews on Amazon in the past seven years but really felt compelled to say something about this gem of an album.A friend of mine who first introduced me to this album back in the mid 80's once remarked how it was strange that what was one of the best and theoretically most marketable (every song could be a hit) pop records of all time never got anywhere.I don't understand it to this day. It is amazing to me how these guys just seemed to vanish into thin air. Still, they created something outstanding while they were around.It's a testament to the pop artform. The 80s at their very best. Your friends will thank you time and time again for introducing them to this album."

The Ultimate in '80s pop!

Steve Carrabis | West Roxbury, MA United States | 09/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So I stumbled upon this cassette (hehe) in 1983 while a Freshmen in college. My frat brothers thought I was nuts, but after listening they too were hooked, and the title song quickly became an anthem for us! I sold the tape to a used music store four years later when I moved from school. Missing and regretting selling that cassette a year later, I visited that same shop and re-purchased my cassette (it wasn't on CD yet)!Now I own it on CD (and still have the cassette!).I guess, I am HIGHLY recommending it. Especially if your music tastes revolve around the '80s! The thunderous beat just transports you. Love it.Enjoy"

The Politics of Dancing-"whew"

Rex W. Petterson | Southbridge, MA United States | 03/08/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A sultry, mid-winter day on a Florida highway, the rented DeVille sailed like a teakwood yacht on a Caribbean swell.
Just five hours ago I was slogging through a typical Chicago snowstorm, freezin' my noogies, the misery of a mid-western existence like ice-marrow in my bones, and the Hawk blowin' its sub-zero screeches in my face.
I had no cassettes, but the diversity of radio stations kept my fingers busy pushing on the "Seek" button. Had to stop for a moment, allowing my attention to focus on the road which was zippin' by at 80mph. A low "hummmmmmmmmm" distracted my thoughts when it just kept goin' on....and on...and then the drums. The bass started a resonant thump in my chest with the synthesizer starting to wire-up. And then the "Politics of Dancing".
I've never heard a better road song in my life.....and it really fits the bill. Try it, you can't help but like it....over and over again."