FEBRUARY 16, 1983 ENTERTAINMENT ADRIAN'S “CAT” BELEW HIM AWAY WP!!! If Adrian Belew were to hand in his resume, you would notice over the years he has ‘consistently played with and been a part of some of the most truly progressive and influential bands ever assembled. As an alumnus of the schools of David Bowie, Frank Zappa, King Crimson and many other one shot guest appearances on other major artists albums, it’s a wonder that he’s not more of a household name. As a guitarist with no equal, and to hell with Clapton,Page, and Van Halen, he gets plenty of cudos from his peers. Sadly, not many of us mundane types know him. To say that Belew uses his guitar and assorted para- phenalia as an artist uses his paint, brushes and canvas is only scratching at the surface of what the guy can do. You name the emotion, animal, Can Adam Ant survive the fickle world of pop music and keep performing as only he can? Can he drop three- quarters of his backup band and make it with just the help of his trusty guitarist? ‘he answer 1s a guarded yes. While Friend or Foe has the istinctive ‘Ants sound, ’there are some differences. You’ve probably heard the cut “‘Goody Twoshoes”’ on the radio by now. It’s the most infectious song, at least from a humming point of view. With lines ‘‘We don’t follow fashion, would be a joke, you know we're going to set them, ° so everyone can take note’’, Adam Ant tries to tell us that everything is still peachy. Elsewhere he tells a different story. In ‘Here comes the grump’ we see a new side to his - music. It is introspective and almost serious in its med- itations on Adam's successes. Almost serious, because we all know (?) that Adam Ant takes nothing serious! So it is with ‘‘Crackpot History and the Right to Lie’. It is a bit strange to hear him raving about Liza Miéinelli though. "Desperate but Not Serious’ is the most hypnotic song on ‘the album. Adam’s use of an eerily restrained singing style: countered by a throbbing bass Ants in Pants ? machine and yes, even music, Belew can do it. His first solo album shows off his talents only sparingly; he is still too in tune with the music he does for King Crimson to break out into a completely original style. In fact, even though he is often derivative on this album, his music is still gripping. The most powerful cut and most rivetting is ‘‘Big Electric Cat’’. His guitar wails forth an incredible array of electronic animalisms. His _ playing brings to mind a gigantic solar powered feline who is, indes- cribably, hungry for red meat. If you get this album, find some crazy friend with a 500 watt amp, tough speakers and no neighbours, and play this one LOUD!!! At the opposite end of the decibel spectrum is a sweet instrumental piece called “‘Naive Guitar’’. It sets its own pace and plays itself line and, for him, subtle drum work, makes a very interesting piece. Adam Ant’s remake of the Doors ‘‘Hello, I Love You’”’ is a very good try, but when the original is so good it becomes an reper aey to mess with, simply because so many people know how it should sound. It’s not a failure though, it’s just a little hard to listen to the ‘Anticized’ version, with it’s syncopated drums and whacky, horns. The rest of the album is stan- dard fare, with the exception of the final cut on side two. ‘A man called Marco’ is an instrumental homage to the one band member who remained loyal to Adam when he wanted to tour North America, an area where Ant has never matched the phenomenal successes he enjoys in Europe and En- gland.: es #6 iddily“enough, it’s played by Marco humeete who ais help- ed produce this album. It’s a good tune, if a little tedious in actual performance, especially after you’ve heard it a, few times. ‘Friend or Foe’’ is an inter- esting album, and one that Ant fans will want to pick up. If you’re not a real big fan but like ‘Goody Twoshoes,’ you will probably be satistied with the single. ~ through. It is low and beaut- iful in its approach, and it works. Play this one for your mom. The title cut is notable for its imitation rhinoceros noises. The lyrics are only so-so, but the tune is fine. ‘Animal Grace’ is another standout. It is a tune that would make a great theme for an action-adventure spy movie. The big standout though from a ‘‘can you guess who this is’ standpoint, has to be “Adidas in Heat’’. It tells the tender story of pin- headed jocks everywhere, of the types who get off on listening to ‘‘the thrill of vic- tory, the agony of my feet.’’ You are also given a rare in- side view of someone’s ‘‘para- phenaliac regalia of an athletic supporter.”’ Sound like something that Zappa might do? You're right. in execution, it nearly out-Zappa’s old Frank him- self. It’s strange and fun to listen to. What can we expect from Adrian Belew in the future? More King Crimson luckily and hopefully a more coherent solo album in the not so dis- tant future, an album with more of the real Belew. ASA Fashion Show! With party favors prizes and music by Doc Fingers with Special Guest Jack Lavin ahead for reservations. NOTE: We observe a dress code. 96 CHURCH ST. NEW WEST 22nd. Phone Lou Valentino ROCKIN’ TONITE New Westminster's only live Rock Club. Featuring the top bands in Western Canada. No charge Monday thru Thursday special event nights. MONDAY - Inflation fighter night (to help those recession blues TUESDAY - Sweet Dreams contest WENDSDAY - Guest artist night THU RSDAY - 57 Blackie St. New Westminster (behind the Old Spaghetti Factory) Phone:522-0011 3:00pm - 2:00am Monday thru Saturday Hours: Ladies night (no men till 10pm)