Customer Reviews

Pelican West

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a shelf on my cd rack and it's called the CDs that I can play year after year and never get sick of them. There are 3 on that shelf: ABC- Lexicon of Love, Japan Tin Drum, and yes HAIRCUT 100 Pelican West. This is the best whistling record ever recorded. Each track is masterfully crafted with a killer horn section, but better yet, an amazing guitar riff throughout the entire album, a guitar riff that is fast and crisp and fun. Listen to "Lemon firebrigade" and "Calling Captain Autumn."

In 1981, the Nick Heyward-led Haircut 100 put out "Pelican West." I bought it in album format and absolutely wore out the grooves on it. You'll hear this story from almost everyone who bought the album. It's probably *the* most listenable collection of songs I have ever owned. 22 years later, I can remember every track like an old friend.

You can see I'm not alone: the fact that this CD (from a relatively obscure band, let's face it) is still around and kicking - with bonus tracks no less - is a testament to just how popular this album became. If you've never heard of it and are curious, trust me: buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, but in this case, it was far too abrupt. Heyward must of gotten a little too full of himself...he shut down Haircut 100 not long after the release to focus on a solo career. That individual shot at stardom reached some modest success in the UK, but here in the States...Nick who? A shame he pulled the plug on Haircut 100 too soon.

Like every other die-hard 80's pop music fan I too searched for this obsolete title by the British group that could jam using a fusion of pop,r&b,funk,and Brazilian/Latin rhythms.So glad I got it now. Pelican West was not a shallow attempt or H.C. 100 a generic musical kitsch act with an infatuation for the Motown sound or Latin/global rhythms. They displayed that even the European Brits had and still have soul.They proved that a style of music or musical genre has no racial boundaries and warrants no artistic hindrances or reservations. There was no attempt;only succession ! H.C. 100 was comparable to ABC.However, where Martin Fry from ABC would do Motown acrobatic vocal feats, lead-singer Nick Heyward sounds,well, British but effective...

From the opening and frenetically brass charged Favourite Shirts and melodious Love Plus One, Marine Boy, Kingsize, and Love's Got Me In Triangles all deserve honorable mention as well. The five bonus tracks include a 7 minute plus extended version with more drums, guitar,bass, brass and beats (not re-mix, acapella, midnight mix, rap mix, but a normal extended version). The only questionable anomaly is the monaural (non-stereo) track October Is Orange;there is absolutely no stereo separation or imaging,yet the track is awesome with the rest of the c.d. !...H.C. 100 was a prime example of the "semi-innocence" of the early 80's with the new romantic musical movement when it was about fun, partying, dancing, and clubbing (as in dancing not beating)...

Man, when this album was hot, I was 18-years-old and working as a lifeguard in Nebraska. (Yes, we have pools there ...) This was the theme album for my summer. It's light yet substantial, and every time I hear it, I'm either at the pool, or in my Dad's 1971 Dodge Polara with the windows wide open. There was no other music like it at the time, and it's so catchy, you can't help but love it - even it you don't want to. My cassette's worn out, so I'm coughing up for the CD. Haircut 100 is my Beach Boys.

Sharon from Minneapolis

Out of the hundreds of albums and cd's I own,this gem remains my all time favorite ! Pelican West is a timeless classic of the 80's that will shine forever! Now at it's 20th anniversary,it just sounds better and better every time I play it ! Nick Heyward displays pure genius here,with an infectious sound that makes all your worries slip away! Great guitars,bass,brass arrangements,drums and percussion that will hook anyone.I've never met a person who did'nt like songs in this collection.Play it anytime,anywhere,see what happens!!It's fun,it's happy,and I'm forever grateful that it's a part of me.

If you saw this on VH-1's '80s Band Reunion, it's time to get the real thing. This album is truly a classic of early '80's English pop music. It's refreshingly nostalgic to hear the pure energy and innocence of Haircut 100's mix of sounds. A time capsule? Yes, but in the best sense. Get this album and enjoy.

A lesser known early 80s classic in The States - and what a shame. The collection is swingy, preppy and new wave all at once. Not only a unique sound, but their only release to my knowledge, making it all the more valuable. Unfortunately this band was overshadowed by the likes of Duran Duran and such but for those in the know, it is far more original and an easy listen from beginning to end.

I love this group, this album, their videos. If you want some outstanding poolside music, BUY THIS CD.

Of all the hundreds of bands that I was in tune to in the 1980's, when Haircut 100 came along it was one of those few that you like instantly. My absolute favorite track is "Milk Film" (although on the back of my LP it was misprinted as "Milk Farm"), but every single track on this one is GREAT. This would be one of my 'desert island discs'. I never grow tired of this album. It is a happy, uplifting, positive, jazzy/cool slice of what made growing up in the 1980's a wonderful time for me. Totally worth every penny...pick this one up, slide it in your car CD player, and enjoy the ride as you drive!

i only have the original cd, but it's one of my favorites...horns, congo drums, marimbas...simply a very upbeat cd...anyone who owns this loves this work...