Episode 28: Terminal Jive (1979-1980)

Terminal Jive had the misfortune of following up No. 1 in Heaven, which enjoys legendary status today. It also had the misfortune of Ron and Russ's original slate of songs being defenestrated outright by Giorgio Moroder and Harold Faltermeyer.

What we have instead is seven-and-a-half songs (you'll figure out what I mean) written by committee - the lead single being a crucial exception.

Terminal Jive was written and recorded in a hurry, but it doesn't mean there isn't a lot to enjoy here. Faltermeyer, along with W. Snuffy Walden and a coterie of studio cats, work to fashion a sound that was new and vibrant and fresh. You know the gated drum sounds of the 80s? It's here already. The synths are a generation newer than the Moog on N1iH, and Walden's guitar is pure new wave angular punchiness. Oh - and several songs on here are actually damn good.

I begin the episode eulogizing Marc Moulin of Telex, whom Ron called his "best friend since 1979." Then Monte and I begin our Jive to see if it truly is Terminal.

You can email me (Christian) at podcastsparks@gmail.com

important links: Marc Moulin - Official Website

FanMael https://www.sparks-onefortheages.com