TVD Victory Lap | The Vapors

Is anyone surprised to learn that Jane’s Addiction’s first LP ‘Nothing's Shocking’ was released in 1987? I mean, when the term ‘80’s band’ is mentioned, Jane’s never comes to mind. Ever.

I hear ‘80’s band’ and I think Culture Club, ABC, Yazoo, Echo, Flock of Seagulls, Modern English, well...you get the point. Yet, the BEST 80’s band? The Vapors.

This tepid overview via Trouser Press: “One of the first in a breed of fresh-faced bands who fit neatly into the UK pop charts and accompanying teenybopper trappings while retaining vague new wave credibility, the Vapors started at the top and quickly sank from view. Their first single, "Turning Japanese," was a coy paean to masturbation and an enormous international hit; the inability to match it made both of the Vapors' subsequent albums big disappointments. They weren't that bad, though.

'New Clear Days' follows in the veddy British vein originated by Ray Davies and carried on by Paul Weller and Madness. Some of singer David Fenton's songs show a talented, mature tunesmith at work; unfortunately, they all suffer in light of the awesomely catchy jingle that dominates the record, overshadowing the subtler, more thoughtful material.

'Magnets' also lacks a peer for "Turning Japanese," although "Jimmie Jones" (about Jonestown) nearly meets the challenge. Unfortunately, Fenton's greater aspirations and budding political conscience are severely out of step with the band's unbreakably commercial image. Had they not been doomed by their own devices from day one, the Vapors might have proven well worth following.”

That luke warm enthusiasm aside, both LP’s are TVD classics, perhaps just because they were THERE, in my hands and head at the time. But given distance and time, still hold up quite, quite well, thankyouverymuch.

Two LPs--one victory lap!

The Vapors - Spring Collection (Mp3)
The Vapors - Live At The Marquee (Mp3)
The Vapors - News At Ten (Mp3)
The Vapors - Lenina (Mp3)
The Vapors - Silver Machines (Mp3)
The Vapors - Waiting For The Weekend (Mp3)
The Vapors - Letter From Hiro (Mp3)
The Vapors - Galleries For Guns (Mp3)