Customer Reviews

Motels

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After being a regular at Madam Wong's during 1978 and early 1979, The Motels were signed with Capitol Records on Mother's Day 1979. Recording the song list that had help create a cult following in the L.A. area, the band cut ten songs that encompassed the L.A. sound of that time. New Wave was just emerging, taking the place of disco and punk. The Motels somehow found their way through the crowd of up-and-coming bands with Martha's seductive lyrics and sensual voice. Released in September of 1979, the album and its first single, "Total Control," hit the airwaves. The band began a nation-wide tour. Martha related in a recent interview (found on The Motels website) that the first song of theirs that the band heard on the radio was "Dressing Up" while they opened in Boston. But the album had no chart success -- at least, not in the U.S. In the land "down under," however, "Total Control" went to #7, and Australia began a love affair with the band that would last even to Martha's solo carear in 1987. In the U.S., however, the single only went to #107,but the album did reach gold status in 1980 in the U.S., Canada, and of course, Australia. "Closets and Bullets" was the second single released. The line-up for the band at that time was: Martha Davis (guitar, vocals), Jeff Jourard (guitar), Marty Jourard (keyboards/sax), Michael Goodroe (bass), and Brian Glascock (drums). 1980 would see the departure of Jeff Jourard.Overall, the album is an excellent debut for an excellent band. "Anticipating" and "Atomic Cafe" are timeless, as is Martha's hauting tune "Counting." A must for any Motels fan.-Alan

This is easily the best Motels CD. Martha Davis's vocals are somewhat subdued and the music is more stark on this CD compared to the more lavish later albums, and it has an edge that the later albums lack. Martha as always is alternately pouty, sexy, even at times tragic. The dark and understated Celia is incredible as is the plaintive Total Control. Porn Reggae is a fun tune countered by Counting which hits the perfect pitch of desolation. Music from the 80's is often ridiculed, and some later Motels songs might deserve it, but this should be considered a classic CD by any measure. Get a copy and you'll see.

This is far off as anyone could get as posting about a musical group/ artist as me. The Motels where in the 80's and where was I at then? Gee Okay just never really took in the group/ lyrics to enjoy as the regular bands, Go-Go's, Tears For Fears, Hall and Oates, Sheena Easton, Laura Branigan and the rest of the wonderful era in music. In 1985 my life changed and had other priorities that would come before my music and what I wanted. With a diaper bag,bottles and a bundle of joy along with a car seat there was only 1 piece of music that I bought until my baby got older and that was Do You by Sheena Easton. Now that I am much older and wiser than a teen living my world at 18 years of age and loving life to the fullest, little do I know now, I really missed a great group of music The Motels/ Martha Davis. I love Only the Lonely and enjoy hearing it sung to me 3 times a week by Jamie Perlow, she does a magnificent job of Martha as well as 80's music for me to relive my past of music that was my favorite. So now I have much to collect and listen to for Motels and Marthas cd's are now on my list. Does anyone know information on the 2 cds THIS and Beautiful Life both were to be released in 2008. Sorry if I hurt anyones feelings of being a fan, but the saying goes never to late. Please forgive me , any info of updates on the group/singer please contact me. I am interested in a concert. Thank you

This is a truly fun record. The songs all written by the underrated and woefully unknown artist--Martha Davis. She is just unbelievable. The album starts off with Anticipating. Truly strong. When you first listen to it concentrate on Celia, Dressing Up and the beautiful Total Control. Ceila is so darkly funny. Closets & Bullets, talk about a title! It's a record for all rock fans. Head bangers and folk lovers alike. This should have been the start of a new rage. It flopped and they went on to make some pretty awful records. Too bad. Add this, if you can to your collection. Blame me if you don't dig it. Your true friend, Michael Girouard.

I have this on scratched vinyl and since joining the internet this is the only product that I have tried to purchase. A superb Album.

A young friend of mine let me listen to some Lady Gaga on her iPod.
I was surprised to find I really like it. I was more surprised when LGG
began singing "Poker Face." I recognized it and went to the web
to find out more. It was by The Motels on this debut album in 1979.

In 1979, I was a US Marine in Cherry Point, NC. My buddy Chit brought
this album (yes, actually a vinyl album) back from leave and we played
it until the grooves wore out. This album is a great, artistic leap
from other music at the time. It is exceedingly well recorded, and every
track on it is a well-written, cabaret-like past/future time capsule; they
sort of take you someplace away from your everyday world.

I went to Amazon immediately to find this original on CD so I can
take it with me everywhere. It arrived and I ripped it open and have
listened to it everyday. Celia is an awesome cut, Total Contol, Kix,
all great! Lady Gaga's poker face is good, the Motels, Awesome!

I had "Dressing Up" on tape(from Radio) for some 20 years before I even knew who it was or what it was called (Thank's Google for your help). This Track has been (and still is) my number one favourite track of all time in my collection. The Drums, the Guitars and Martha's voice all come together to make this an Air Guitarist's dream. Thank god enough people appreciate the Motels so I could get it on CD at last. The other tracks don't quite make it but worth every penny (sorry - cent) for "Dressing Up" alone.

The Motels were a "one album wonder" as opposed to being a "one hit wonder". This is a terrific piece of overlooked rock n roll that you should have in your collection.