Paul Collins is a true original. With Jack Lee, he formed The Nerves in 1974, whose hit “Hangin’ on the Telephone” became a single for Blondie. He then met up with bass player Steve Huff and formed the Beat in 1977 and has released “The Beat” – one of the greatest power pop albums of the 70s. The Beat has played with The Ramones, Shadows of Knight and Eddie Money. Paul’s latest album is “Flying High” after a 12 year absence. With a mix of up-tempo guitar rockers and slow ballads, the album flows beautifully. And alot like Jeff Murphy or John Wicks, age has only made these guys sound better. “Rock n’ Roll Shoes” is an excellent classic single in the Beat tradition. “Helen” is another great song with a catchy and bouncy melody. Things get a bit spotty toward the middle with lonely sounding acoustic “Bobby.” But this album has plenty of great songs including the Wilco-like “All over Town” and the Byrds-like “More Than Yesterday.” Also amazing is “Silly Love” – which cuts between chorus with awesome guitar solos. “Paco & Juan” sounds alot like Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” with a rich tapestry of characters in the song. If you haven’t heard the The Beat – shame on you! get this album and atone for your sins.
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