1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong power-pop from former leader of Translator, April 2, 2005
This review is from: Charm Offensive (Audio CD)
Barton's tenure with `80s band Translator supplies chiming guitars and angular vocals for this U.S. solo debut, but the New Wave markers are blended smoothly into a revitalized palette of power-pop, with flecks of soul, funk, and psychedelia. Producer Ed Stasium (Smithereens, Ramones) dials up a punchy sound, and Robbie Rist (a/k/a Cousin Oliver) redeems his ruination of The Brady Bunch with tight, powerful drumming.
An on-going fascination with the British Invasion is evident in the original harmony rockers "Bertha Jane" and "Hold a Shadow Down," the Kinks-inspired riff of "When You're Gone," and a head-banging cover of The Beatles' "She's Leaving Home." Barton writes with both the self-doubt and the growing confidence that arrive with age. This is echoed musically in the melancholy baritone guitar of the ballad "Monument" and the propulsive rhythms of "Shy" and "Tina Finds the Silences."
Twenty-years removed from his original spotlight, Barton is fresher and more energized than ever. Fans of his earlier work will hear familiar sounds, but more broadly this is a great spin for anyone who loves power-pop.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ROCKS, sounds like classic Translator, June 13, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Charm Offensive (Audio CD)
Charm Offensive is Steve Barton through and through. I wish the album was longer though. Hopefully we will not have too wait as long for Steves next Pop masterpiece.
When will TRANSLATOR have their due day, Someone please release Translator,s 4 albums on cd. RHINO or Ryko would be so cool.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Exploding Surprises!!!!!Charm Offensive, December 11, 2005
This review is from: Charm Offensive (Audio CD)
23 years after the debut of Translator's Hearbeats & Triggers, Steve Barton has emerged with a release of tunes that equal the intensity of the forementioned group's album. Translator was definitely ahead of it's time and Columbia didn't quite know what to do with the band. It's amazing to see Steve's creativity intact. Steve displays he is a power house with strength of young punk while he's entering his 5th decade. I can't single out any of the songs because every track is superb. The 30 second cuts don't do these songs justice. It rocks harder than Translator mainly because Robert Darlington isn't part of the mix. Can't wait to see his band live and hopeful it will get listened to and bought. Steve Barton deserves success with talent like this. Buy It.
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