Dream Command - Fire On The Moon - LP (1990), U.K.

To follow up on the previous post, here's an unforeseen oddity I've come across in my collection. Years ago, when my ex-girlfriend withdrew from our relationship, she left behind a small collection of vinyls she couldn't take. One of those were Dream Command's Fire On The Moon. Once the needle touched the groove on this record and my turn table started playing, I can immediately understand why.
There's a familiar sound to this album and the voice singing the cheesy lyrics: "This may come as a surprise, but I've got x-ray eyes..." is none other than Steve Fellows from The Comsat Angels! Reading behind the sleeve cover, confirms this and also reveals the rest of the CSA line-up Kevin Bacon (bass), Andy Peake (keyboards) and Mik Glaisher (drums) were involved.
It is unknown as to why the name change came to be for The Comsat Angels this time. They weren't under litigation from another delusional telecommunications company or other band bearing the same name. Perhaps they were trying to experiment how the market in the early 90's would react with the name change? Regardless of what the case may be, this album reveals The Comsat Angels' transition from their familiar post-punk/new wave sound into a more alternative rock oriented theme, but with unsatisfying results.
It's very difficult to convey my opinion about this album. After listening and really liking Chasing Shadows, Fire On The Moon left me feeling a bit uncertain and uncomfortable. There are some real stinkers in it and the only stand out tracks worth listening to are "Reach For Me", "Venus Hunter" and "Celestine".
Apparently, my feelings about this album aren't alone. According to sources, "the album was bounced back and forth between band and record company countless times, with neither party happy with the results". With no mutual agreement to be reached between Dream Command and Island Records, the album was "leaked" in limited quantities only in the U.S. and Holland. After this awkward affair, the band was subsequently dropped from the label, but fortunately this was not the end of The Comsat Angels. Review the album for yourself and see if you like it!

Details:

Dream Command - Fire On The Moon - LP (1990), U.K.

Side A:
1. Celestine
2. Whirlwind
3. Sleepwalking
4. Reach For Me
5. Ice Sculpture

Side B:
6. Venus Hunter
7. Phantom Power
8. Transport Of Delight
9. She's Invisible
10. Mercury

Review

More Information:
Official Myspace of Steve Fellows
Biography
Discography
Fan Page

The C.S. Angels - Chasing Shadows - LP (1986), U.K.

It's been quite a month for me, which is normally reserved for hiding indoors, yet I'm glad it turned into an unexpected and pleasant one. Before the end of the month quickly slips away, I'd like to briefly say that I've come a bit closer to my friends, reconnected with an old one and survived the "invisible" rapture.
Marching forth to the main agenda, here is Chasing Shadows by Sheffield, England's The Comsat Angels. After their brief time with Jive Records and unsuccessful album 7 Day Weekend, The Comsat Angels were without a label, until the late Robert Palmer, yes Robert "Simply Irresistible" Palmer approached and encouraged front man and guitarist Steve Fellows to sign with Island Records. In return for helping find a new label for the band, Robert Palmer is credited in the album as executive producer and did some vocal work for the song "You'll Never Know".
To explain the revised name, The Comsat Angels had to call themselves in the U.S. as The C.S. Angels, because a company named Communications Satellite Corporation (or COMSAT), believed the band infringed on their trademark. I found this rather bizarre and amusing since the name was originally taken from a short story by English writer, J.G. Ballard!
The album Chasing Shadows, to those who have heard it, is considered the band's return to form, reminiscent of the early Polydor Record years, à la Waiting For A Miracle, Sleep No More and Fiction. This is immediately noticeable in the dark, edgy opener "The Thought That Counts" along with "Under The Influence" and "You'll Never Know" with some mellow moments interspersed through out the album. Truthfully, I'd say this is one of The Comsat Angels' better albums, highly recommended and can be had for less than $10 (I acquired mine for $2!) on vinyl. Unlike the band's other releases, I found it mysterious and a bit depressing to see this one was left behind without a re-issue, but hopefully that'll change someday. Have a listen!

Details:

The C.S. Angels - Chasing Shadows - LP (1986), U.K.

Side One:
1. The Thought That Counts
2. The Cutting Edge
3. Under The Influence
4. Carried Away

Side Two:
5. You'll Never Know
6. Lost Continent
7. Flying Dreams
8. Pray For Rain

Review

More Information:
Official Myspace of Steve Fellows
Biography
Discography
Fan Page