FAVORITE RECORDINGS - NEW WAVE AND POWER POP

	GRAHAM PARKER AND THE RUMOUR The Up Escalator 1980 Arista
	Most people would tell you that 1979's SQUEEZING OUT SPARKS is the definitive recording by Graham Parker. He probably had his biggest commercial success with his 1988 release THE MONA LISA'S SISTER (without The Rumour). But The Up Escalator has remained one of my favorite recordings since it's 1980 release - great power pop songs, catchy hooks, cool grooves... I like Squeezing Out Sparks as well, but this disc I can listen to over and over and I never seem to get tired of it.
	JOE JACKSON Look Sharp 1979 A&M
	Great album - every song rocks! Joe Jackson had the foresight to put his bass player WAY out front on his first three records. And bassist Graham Maby is fantastic - he's one of the most underrated bassists of all time. This was the first album, I'd also recommend I'M THE MAN and BEAT CRAZY (if you can find it) as well...
	THE BEAT The Beat 1979 Columbia/CBS
	This album is power pop at it's best! Click on the band name above for the only place I've found online offering it on CD! Great songs - 2 guitars, bass & drums - melodic, guitar driven rock & roll! BUY it - you WON'T be disappointed! 1981's THE KIDS ARE THE SAME is a worthy effort as well, not nearly as good as the first album, though.