There was definitely a lot of progressive rock built into the pop music of the late 1970’s and City Boy is a fine example of that. I definitely wouldn’t consider them prog, but some of their songs come close. This is a reissue of one of their vintage albums and it should appeal to fans of band like Prism.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
No Ordinary Life
Take a power-pop basis. Add in some sounds not that far removed from the Cars' rocker. You'll find yourself in this territory. Yet, it feels dated, but it's also a cool pop rock tune. I really dig the guitar solo.
Rat Race Still sounding a bit dated, this rocker is less prog in nature, but no less catchy and classic.
The Blind Leading The Blind There’s a definite reggae edge to this. I like the cut a lot. It’s less dated than the first two pieces and feels a bit like The Police. There is some tasty saxophone over the top of the arrangement, too.
Le Guerra De Mondo A bouncy number, this is quite cool. It’s got a bit of reggae built into it, too, but it’s also the coolest rocker we’ve heard to this point. There are hints of progressive rock laden here and there. It’s catchy and yet unique.
Lovers This rocker is very nearly progressive rock. It’s accessible and still quite meaty. It’s one of the highlights of the set. I like the mid-section with it’s vocals over percussion approach quite a bit.
It's Personal The title track is definitely a prog rocker. It’s arguably the best piece on show here. It’s one that sounds less dated than a lot of the others and it’s more complex and dynamic. It rocks out pretty hard, but with a lot of class.
Who Killed Delores A funky number, this is one that sounds more dated than the majority of the disc.
Names And Addresses Another hard rocker, this is a strong cut. It’s another that’s very much in a progressive rock styled motif.
Exit The Heavyweight Basically a powered up ballad, this is another that’s got a lot of progressive rock in it. It’s catchy and potent and another highlight of the set. There’s a tasty guitar solo on this one.
