line up 1  (1976-79)

- David Hoskot -- drums, percussion

- Tim McGovern - bass, backing vocals

- Roger Prescott -- vocals, lead guitar

- David Swanson -- vocals, rhythm guitar

  line up 1  (1979-81)

NEW - Tim Henderson -- vocals, bass (replaced Tim McGovern)

- David Hoskot -- drums, percussion

- Roger Prescott -- vocals, lead guitar

- David Swanson -- vocals, rhythm guitar

Roger Prescott (guitar), David Swanson (vocals, guitar), Tim McGovern (bass), Tim Henderson (bass), Joel Martinez (drums), David Robinson (drums)

- The Motels (Tim McGovern)

- David Swanson (solo efforts)

- Train Wreck Ghosts (Roger Prescott)

- The Walking Wounded (Roger Prescott)

Genre: power pop

Rating: 

Title:  Hearts and Knives

Company: Rhino

Catalog:  RNEP 510
Year: 1981

Country/State: Los Angeles, California

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: six track EP

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 3309

Price: $100.00

Their little known epitaph and one of the finest things the Los Angeles-based power poppers ever recorded ... 

Dropped by Arista,1981's self-produced "Hearts and Knives" found them hitched with Rhino Recors.   A six track EP, the collection was divided into five originals and a cover of The Rolling Stones' '9th Nervous Breakdown'.   Musically it wasn't a major change from their two previous albums, but maybe due to the fact they didn't have much riding on the results, the band sounded at ease and comfortable, leaving you to wonder why they were never mega stars.

"Hearts and Knives" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Solitaire  (Roger Prescott - David Swanson - Tim Henderson) - 3:21   rating: **** stars

Kicked along by shimmering jangle guitars and what were some of the best harmonies in power pop, 'Solitarie' was about as near perfect jangle rock as you could imagine.   How this one escaped radio is one of those long lost mysteries.

2.) Broken Pieces  (Roger Prescott - David Swanson) - 2:18   rating: **** stars

Coming on the heels of 'Solitaire', 'Broken Pieces' may have been a little too much of a good thing.  Another awesome slice of power pop, this one had even better harmonies.  Looking a little older, but still sounding good, in January, 2014 the band reunited for an appearance at L.A.s Troubadour as part of a tribute to the late Earle Mankey (who'd produced their debut album).  'Broken Pieces' was one of the songs they played: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVLu28E3XhM 

3.) She's Really Got Me  (Roger Prescott - David Swanson) - 2:42   rating: *** stars

Musically the jittery 'She's Really Got Me' sounded like something from earlier in the career.  The screaming guitars were quite nice. but ultimately it was a bit anonymous. 

(side 2)

1.) Go Girl

2.) Look At Me Now

3.) 19th Nervous Breakdown  (Mick Jagger - Keith Richards) - 

Swanson released a 1990 solo album for RCA "Reclamation" before turning his attention to art.  He now lives in Montana and has an art studio.  I'm sure he wouldn't mind this link to his website: http://www.davidswansonart.com/ 

One of The Pop's lesser known songs but one of my all time favorites. Recorded at the legendary Sound City recording studio and released by Rhino Records on The Pop's third album, "Hearts & Knives". (Which also included a blistering cover of The Rolling Stones "19th Nervous Breakdown"). Songwriters Roger Prescott & David Swanson on guitars & vocals, Tim Henderson on bass guitar & vocals, and David Hoskot on drums. Produced by Roger Prescott, David Swanson and Harold Bronson, founder of Rhino Records. Slideshow video by Kari-Ann. Album cover design by Richard Schwamb . Photos by Lester Cohen, Mike Pilgrim, & Bonnie Perkinson. Slideshow photos from The Pop! website at www.thepop.us P.S. (be sure to check out the new documentary about the legendary Sound City recording studios in California that was produced by Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters & Nirvana. So many great records were recorded there it's ridiculous. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Nirvana, The Breeders, The Foo Fighters, The Black Crowes, Fleetwood Mac, Cheap Trick, Sheryl Crow and dozens of others all cut hit records at the Sound City studios). The Pop's Arista album "Go" produced by Earle Mankey and their Rhino Records album "Hearts & Knives" were both recorded at Sound City. Some other great songs written by Roger Prescott & David Swanson and / or recorded by The Pop to check out: You Oughta Know, Animal Eyes, Go!, Shakeaway, Waiting For The Night, Beat Temptation, Falling For Carmen, Down On The Boulevard, Go Girl, Saturday Night Hitch Hiker, She Really Means That Much To Me, September Gurls by Big Star, I Need You by The Kinks, 19th Nervous Breakdown by The Rolling Stones.