Overlooked & Forgotten Power Pop (Never Reissued)

 THE ELEVATORS - FRONTLINE (1980)

 

Though two members of the Elevators lived in Boston, the band was based mostly in the Pioneer Valley's Northampton area. The band was most often likened to the Cars, and this comparison was apt in several ways. Both units had a prominent keyboard sound, both featured a rock-solid lead guitar, and the lyrics of each group could be characterized as quirky. Perhaps most importantly, both the Cars and the Elevators released exceptional first albums. The album opens and closes with great Tommy Myers songs, "Frontline" and "On the Wire," respectively. "Girlfriend's Girlfriend" was released as a single. Some ELO (due to vocal harmonies) and 20/20 reminiscences (maybe Earle Mankey production) can be heard on some tracks. The LP was produced by Earle Mankey (ex-Sparks) who was the producer of many power pop bands of the time (such as The Pop and 20/20).

WU (260 mb)