Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the
U.S. charts very rarely embraced blatantly retro bands like the U.K. did.
Sometimes, a band like The Stray Cats would defy the odds and connect
with a large commercial audience in the States but that was a rarity. Bands
like Sha Na Na were considered a novelty act by the critics and would
generally be ignored. At that time in America, the ‘oldies’ were so in the past…
However, in the UK, nostalgia was
warmly embraced by the masses. The charts were filled with Greatest Hits
collections by Rock ‘n’ Roll greats such as Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly,
and Elvis Presley, among others. Inspired by the never-ending interest in
all things Rock ‘n’ Rolly, the British clubs, pubs, and live venues were
overflowing with retro bands who would recycle older hits and bring them
bang-up-to-date with a modern twist. The whole Glam Rock scene was essentially
American Rock ‘n’ Roll dressed up in glitter, feather boas, and platform shoes!
Outside of Glam, there were artists like Alvin Stardust, who would use
‘50s Rock as a blueprint and then take it straight into outer space! Even the
original Punk Rock acts of the late ‘70s had retro roots!
Speaking of Punk Rock, even
though the genre knocked a lot of the pretentious Prog rockers off of their
perches, nobody expected that the ‘retro’ artists were going to continue to
survive and thrive. While they barely received any media attention over here, Darts,
the good-time nine-piece British outfit were just getting started when Punk began
infesting the charts… and they certainly held their own, often outselling the
likes of Sex Pistols, The Clash, etc. If you missed them the
first time around, then it’s time to get caught up with 7Ts/Cherry Red
Records’ four CD box set DARTS: THE ALBUMS 1977-81.
Darts may have seemingly come
from nowhere but most of the band’s members were already seasoned
professionals. Griff Fender, Rita Ray,
and Horatio Hornblower were former
members of Rocky Sharpe and the Razors.
Iain “Thump” Thomson, George Currie and John Dummer were previously part of the John Dummer’s Blues Band line-up. The remaining members of Darts
included founder Den Hegarty, William “Hammy” Howell and Bob Fish (formerly of Mickey Jupp’s band). The band’s sound
blended Doo Wop with ‘50s Rock, ‘40s Swing, and ‘60s Pop and Soul. With four lead
vocalists, horns, and an infectious backbeat, Darts made a joyful noise. The
band nearly signed with Stiff Records but chose to join the Magnet label
instead. Perhaps, if they had signed with Stiff, they’d be remembered more
fondly outside of the UK and Europe… But let me assure you, any band with a
member that goes by the name Horatio Hornblower must not be ignored!
Their first two albums – DARTS (1977) and EVERYONE PLAYS DARTS (1978) – were produced by American Pop legend Tommy Boyce, best known as one half of Boyce & Hart, the songwriting/production team who penned big hits for The Monkees and other ‘60s pop bands. Perhaps Boyce’s involvement might explain the guitar lick on “Too Hot In The Kitchen” sounding suspiciously like “Last Train To Clarksville”’s legendary riff? Both albums are mostly comprised of obscure ‘50s and ‘60s nuggets although the band’s various members offer up some tasty originals. The albums are immense fun, laying the musical foundation – and inspiration – for bands like Madness, Bad Manners, Dexys Midnight Runners, and The Specials. Both albums were successful in the UK charts and the band scored a string of hit singles including three #2s in a row! Disc One features two bonus tracks while Disc Two contains six additional cuts.
1979’s DART ATTACK was produced
by another Pop legend: Roy Wood (Wizzard/ELO/The Move). Mixing Roy’s
love of Spector-esque production and Darts’ infectious charm resulted in an
album that was even more lovable than their first two releases. While the band
still operated in the ‘retro’ arena, they sounded a lot more contemporary (in
1979) than ever before. Boyce’s production on the first two albums was geared
for AM radio speakers but DART ATTACK sounds more robust and
full of life. Even a well-trodden oldie like “Duke Of Earl” sounded fresh and
exciting. With more self-penned tracks on an album than the previous releases,
this full-length was perhaps the best representation of what Darts was all
about. The CD includes four bonus tracks including their #10 hit “Get It” and
the Roy Wood-penned “Sing Out The Old, Bring In The New.”
DARTS ACROSS AMERICA
(1981) was not a live album as the title might suggest. Instead, it was an
album recorded for the American market. Mixing their classic sound with a
slightly edgier sound – with some synths added to the mix – the album was
closer in spirit to the band’s first two albums. This time, however, the band
tackled some more popular covers (“Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Think”),
some more obscure numbers, and a handful of originals. The 13 bonus tracks
include some great non-album single sides as well as five tracks that were
recorded for their unreleased FRANTIC ANTICS album. These
previously unreleased tracks reveal the band were continuing the ‘contemporary
retro’ sound of DART ATTACK before they abandoned the project.
After these four albums, the band
released some indie singles over the next four years before quietly splitting. Thankfully,
this four CD set will introduce – or reintroduce – you to a band that
exemplified the innocence of Pop and Rock. Prepare to be dazzled!
Your pal,
Stephen SPAZ
Schnee
DARTS
THE ALBUMS 1977-81
(4CDs)
(7Ts/Cherry Red Records)
Avaiable NOW!