Song#: 0638
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 86
Peak: 35
Weeks: 12
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Formed from bits of other bands, The Tubes gained popularity through their live shows that played out like performance art production numbers. Their early songs were often parodies or satirical in nature and lead singer Fee Waybill would often perform as characters like the British druggy pop artist Quay Lewd. They signed with A&M Records and issued their self-titled debut LP in 1975, which featured the cult hit "White Punks on Dope." However, studio recordings couldn't capture the manic frenzy of their stage shows and sales were not great. A&M hung on to the group for five albums, but finally ditched the band after the release of their well-reviewed concept album "Remote Control" (#46, 1979). Capital picked up the band, brought on board mega-producer David Foster, and their next concept album, "The Completion Backward Principle," was released. This glossy pop/rock ballad (unusual for the group) was issued as the first single and it became their first to hit the Top 40.
ReduxReview: I was only slightly familiar with The Tubes before this song came out - mainly because I had heard "White Punks on Dope" and read about their freaky shows. When I first heard this song, I didn't know who was doing it and I loved it. Then I was really surprised when I found out it was The Tubes. It just didn't fit what I knew about them. This is the point where they moved towards the mainstream, which probably didn't suit their old fans very well. Yeah, it's glossy pop, but it was well done and I still really like the song.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: The concept for the "The Completion Backward Principle" LP was based on an actual sales training manual. Although the songs may not exactly follow a concept, the packaging was designed like a business document complete with photos of the band in suits, position titles, and a mission statement.
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