Customer Reviews

Where Are All the Nice Girls?

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

 

 

Unlike many of their label-mates on Stiff Records, Any Trouble didn't get a major label distribution deal when their debut album made its first appearance. The result was this little gem got buried in the independent world of small distribution, while Wreckless Eric and Lene Lovich (to name two) got the headlines. 'Tis a shame that had to happen. Because like Squeeze, The Records, and even Elvis Costello, Any Trouble made witty and intelligent pop. This was their debut album and it stands above many of the better known flash in the pans of the period.

"Where Are All The Nice Girls" bristles with the self effacing pop of lead singer Clive Gregson, and his bespectacled appearance drew many comparisons to Elvis Costello. The trick was Gregson replaced Costello's rancor with a world weariness that sparkles on "Second Choice" and "Girls Are Always Right." It was almost like a group of folkies had decided to up the guitars to 90 mph and blister the hell out of their fingers (witness "The Hurt").

They were also smart enough to cover Springsteen AND Abba (though their version of "The Name Of The Game" is bumped from this CD) and figure out the verisimilitude. "Where Are All The Nice Girls" was Any Trouble's shining moment, because their second album lacked the debut lp's bite, their eventual major label swan song on EMI had them ill advisedly reforming as a synth band, and Gregson's eventual solo career with the likes of Richard Thompson drifted him away from pop. Take this "Nice Girl" home, and to heart.

Unlike many of their label-mates on Stiff Records, Any Trouble didn't get a major label distribution deal when their debut album made its first appearance. The result was this little gem got buried in the independent world of small distribution, while Wreckless Eric and Lene Lovich (to name two) got the headlines. 'Tis a shame that had to happen. Because like Squeeze, The Records, and even Elvis Costello, Any Trouble made witty and intelligent pop. This was their debut album and it stands above many of the better known flash in the pans of the period.

"Where Are All The Nice Girls" bristles with the self effacing pop of lead singer Clive Gregson, and his bespectacled appearance drew many comparisons to Elvis Costello. The trick was Gregson replaced Costello's rancor with a world weariness that sparkles on "Second Choice" and "Girls Are Always Right." It was almost like a group of folkies had decided to up the guitars to 90 mph and blister the hell out of their fingers (witness "The Hurt").

They were also smart enough to cover Springsteen AND Abba (though their version of "The Name Of The Game" is bumped from this CD) and figure out the verisimilitude. "Where Are All The Nice Girls" was Any Trouble's shining moment, because their second album lacked the debut lp's bite, their eventual major label swan song on EMI had them ill advisedly reforming as a synth band, and Gregson's eventual solo career with the likes of Richard Thompson drifted him away from pop. Take this "Nice Girl" home, and to heart.

I had this album on vinyl and it was always one of my absoulute favorites from the "New Wave" era. Great lyrics and terrific hooks in the songs. A pop music smorgasborg and the extra songs are like icing on a perfect cake and I still think that "Second Choice" is one of the catchiest tunes of it's era. Along with Squeeze,the Records and the Jags,Any Trouble is one of my favorite new wave bands along with Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe and of course, Elvis Costello. They were the real followers of the Beatles.

I heard "Second Choice" when MTV was in it's infancy, and loved the tune. I could only find the album on vinyl, but when I played it, I immediately found that there are BETTER tunes on it! "Playing Bogart" is my all-time favorite. "I sit on my bed and smoke a single cigarette in the dark". So cool. They're version of Springstein's "Growing Up" makes you drive your car too fast, it's so good. And finally, the reggae-ska-type rendition of Abba's "Name of the Game" is the best. I'm so glad it's on CD now. GET IT!

You could say bands like Squeeze, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello and XTC never really "made it" to the big time, but this band didn't even get the notoriety of the aforementioned. I had already worn out Squeeze's "East Side Story" when a friend turned me on to Any Trouble. The first cut I heard was "Second Choice," and I thought that was a great pop tune...nice jangly guitars and good vocals. I was a big Springsteen fan, and heard their version of "Growing Up" and it change my mind about cover songs. There truly isn't a weak song on this, and it's incredible it's out on CD. If your musical tastes "grew up" with some of the bands above, get this CD. You won't be sorry!

In 1978, Nick Lowe put out an album called 'Pure Pop for Now People'. Any Trouble's 'Where are all the Nice Girls' (1980)is that pure pop. They were part of the Stiff label that really took in late '70s misfits(Rachel Sweet, Elvis Costello, Lene Lovich, etc), but most of whom I loved.

The first 7 songs would have made it a 5-star disk, but the last few songs are ok...dropping it to a 4. Stand-out cuts for me are: "No Idea", "Foolish Pride", "Playing Bogart" and "Second Choice".

Any Trouble could never quite follow-up the w/the quality that was on this disk (which I never even knew was converted to CD). They had great songs on not so spectaular disks ("Walking in Chains" from 'Wheels in Motion'). Clive Gregson was a great songwriter and singer who couldn't quite distinguish himself from the pack. But this disk is definately worth looking into.

Clive Gregson started his career by writing great Elvis Costello-influenced pop songs and this disc features quite a few of them. The problem is that Any Trouble was influenced by Elvis Costello in the same way an avalanche is influenced by tumbling rocks. As the old adages go: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and flattery will get you nowhere.

What can I say?

Any Trouble's 'Where Are All The Nice Girls' contains everything that anyone could ever need in one album. The contrast of up-beat, catchy pop songs against the soulful, insightful lyrics of Clive Gregson's ballads will just keep you singing along all day.

Some class playing, fine lyrics and above all, full of heart. This album was made with real dedication. Well done boys!

Mark McDee

I had the lp when it came out and loved it. Like the others said, Second Choice is an irresistable cut. Nice Girls is great, especially if you ever wondered what planet girls came from. If you like bands like Squeeze, Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe you'll probably love this CD.

I listened to this album in college in the 80's and looked for it forever in vinyl. I finally found a used record. I am so glad it is presently available on CD, I am ordering it now. This album has lots of great, catchy, pop tunes. The song Second Choice is excellent.