Genre: rock
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Guitarophilia
Company: X-Discque
Catalog: SNIB
01
Year: 1984
Country/State: Bristol, England
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: still in shrink wrap; 12" four track EP; 3,000 copy pressing; cut top right corner
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5594
Price: $15.00
The Records are one of my favorite new wave/power pop bands which is what led me to this obscure, but highly praised and sought after EP by singer/guitarist Huw Gower.
Gower quit The Records in 1979 (Jude Cole took his place), subsequently playing hired gun for the likes of Carlene Carter and Rachel Sweet before relocating to New York City where he joined The David Johansen Band for three LPs. In 1984 he finally made his solo debut with a four track EP "Guitarophilia". Released by the small New York-based X-Discque label the collection was co-produced by Gower and Jerry Thicawa. Given Will Birch and John Wicks wrote most of The Records catalog and Wicks handled most of the vocals, I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. Turns out that I shouldn't have been concerned since this was first-rate power pop; every bit as good as The Records, or any of their competitors. Gower wrote, or co-wrote three of the four tracks; the exception being a great cover of Eddie and the Hot Rods 'Do Anything You Wanna Do'. As a singer Gower wasn't anything spectacular, but he was enthusiastic and the occasionally raw performances were well suited to the material. For some reason Regina Now handled leads on 'Love On Demand'. While all four songs were good the highlights were 'Calling Out Heretics' (apparently inspired by his opposition to the Falklands War) and the Graeme Douglas cover. A great way to start a solo career, shame it took 16 years for Gower to record his follow-up !!!
"Guitarophilia" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) She's a Mystery (Huw Gower) - 3:29
2.) Love On Demand (Annie Gower - Huw Gower) - 4:45
(side
2)
1.) Calling Out Heretics (Annie Gower - Huw Gower) - 3:54
2.) Do Anything You Wanna Do (Graeme Douglas - E. Hollis) - 3:57
Gower has a small website at:
http://www.huwgower.com/index.htm