Customer Reviews

Pelican West (Reis)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are a New Wave afficionado like me, you cannot resist this album. It was released in the early 80's and Nick Heyward and Crew definitly gave you a lot of what it was to be a New Wave fan, namely style, fun, and most of all variety. That An innocent time and musically, the best time ever.

This album is infectious and positive. A breath of fresh air. Listening to it again, I feel like I'm again 17 and going to the high school dance where you can dance to Elvis Costello, Duran Duran, Heaven 17, Psychedelic Furs, Culture Club, Paul Young, Lotus Eaters, Ultravox, ABC, Nena, Billy Idol, The Cure, The Specials, and on and on...

In North America, we know Haircut 100 because of the success of Love Plus One, an excellent song. If you like this, you will love Favourite Shirts. This band mixes Calypso, rock, and sax into the song. Totally New Wave. A must album for anyone who wants to explore this genre. Just looking at the CD cover, the hairstyle and preppy fashion takes you there.

Lou, Toronto, Canada.

I'm a hardcore Duran Duran fan. I breathe Depeche mode. I can't last a day without listening to New Order's 'Technique'. So for an 80s fanatic like me to call Haircut 100's album 'Pelican West' the greatest New Wave album out there is quite bizzare. I guarantee you, my friend, give this album a listen and you won't soon forget Nick Heyward and Haircut 100.

The album (and the band) is known for two songs in particular; 'Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)' and 'Love Plus One'. But there's so much more to this album. The depth of this album is quite phenomenal, to say the least. The marimba on Love Plus one, the flawless arrangement on Lemon Firebrigade,and the electric piano in Marine Boy all add up to one beautiful soundscape the enters one ear and doesn't come out the other. No, it stays with you the whole rest of your life. Now, I'm not old enough to have been there when this band first came out. I'm not even old enough to have seen them break up! But I know good music. This whole album screams 'Beach Music'. Buy this album and please don't skip a track. You need to witness the journey fold out for yourself.

the first time i heard haircut 100 was in the summer of 1982.How laid back everything and everyone was in those days,and this album fit right in to that carefree attitude everyone seemed to have.You heard haircut 100 everywhere,on the beach,blasting out of car windows,blaring out of bars and nightclubs,everyone had this album.I will classify this album as pure escapism.When the world of today starts shattering your nerves,throw haircut 100s Pelican West in your car stereo roll down the windows,and let your cares fly right out the window,YOU WILL GET HOOKED!!!!!

I paid a pretty penny to buy this CD and it was well worth it. It is one of the crown jewels in my music repertoire. I would no sooner part with it than I would my left arm. I was a huge fan of Haircut 100 when they were in heavy rotation on MTV (that dates me, for sure). Now the band is reunited and sounding better than ever according to the critics.

Buy this CD and throw it on at your next beach party.

When this album came out in 1982 I was 2yrs old & I wished I could've been old enough to remember when Haircut100 broke out. I definitely would have had this LP playing in constant rotation. A very energetic, fun & certainly a different album. Nothing but saxophones, congas, guitars, & drums. Surprisingly no synthesizers, especially in '82 when synth-pop dominated. I can't even pick a favorite song, the whole album is wonderful. I highly recommend it

"Love Plus One" is the most well known, but not nearly the best song on this album. Every song is great, but I'd have to agree that "Favourite Shirts" is one of the best songs ever done. Other personal favorites are "Kingsize", "Nobody's Fool","Fantastic Day", "Calling Captain Autumn" and "Ski Club" (I still can't believe this song was orginally a b-side). Think of this music like taking upbeat New Order, Heaven 17 at their best, the Specials and putting them all together on a little island drinking Mia Tai's at the beach. One of the coolest guitar sounds ever put on an album. As one reviewer said this is just happy music. If you need a little boost or even if you don't, this album will transport you to a very good/fun place. I hope the band is reunited because this is just plain perfect music.
b.t.w. can't recommend Nick Heyward's solo stuff, doesn't even come close to Pelican West

Haircut 100 utilized horns like nothing I've heard in pop music before or since, and they gave the world this unique and brassy record before their star set forever into obscurity.

Their only hit isn't a very good indicator of what the rest of 'Pelican West' is like; it's inescapably catchy but doesn't have the lavish horn-driven sound of the rest of the cuts. Not that I'm criticizing; if I were in a band I would want recognition and riches as well! It is unfortunate that so many misguided snobs equate 'Success' with 'Selling Out', and I would hate to be misunderstood to be saying that "Love Plus One' is inferior because it succeeded so well. Should you decide to purchase this CD, you will be delighted to discover that it is filler-free, original, and brimming with true creativity.

The wry humor doesn't hurt, either. "When will life become a major film?" When, indeed? If you missed this the first time around do yourself a favor and pick it up now.

This is the kind of album you listen to when you want a nice, friendly pick-me-up. It is infectious pop music at it's best. Even now, decades after it's release, it has a freshness that jumps out of your speakers. A classic for the ages!

I was 16 when this album came out. Seeing the videos on MTV was also very fun. These clean cut guys in crew neck sweaters - someting else. My buddies and I used to sing Favorite Shirt. Good memories and outstanding musicianship. Heyward's solo albums are also very good.

I've been trying to find this band for the longest time. I've heard the song "Love Plus One" several times, and could never figure out which band was behind it. But, no more am I lost! I have found the band behind the song and I'm happy to say that...I LOVE THIS BAND! I love all 80s music. However, I'd never heard of this band, and the songs on this disc just makes me happy. Their stuff is classic! :) The music is fun, funky, poppy and flavored with that '80s sound' galore. This album is definitely a must have for any 80s music buff!