"Fade Away" by Loz Netto

Song#:  1476
Date:  06/04/1983
Debut:  92
Peak:  82
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Rock, Synthpop



Pop Bits:  Netto initially found a bit of fame with the band Sniff 'n' the Tears. The London band had a hit 1979 with "Driver's Seat," which reached #15 in the US. It was their only chart entry. Netto left the band after their second album to pursue a solo career. He got signed to Polydor and recorded his debut LP "Loz Netto's Bzar." This first single got some notice and made it to the Pop chart for a few weeks. It was enough to call for a second album, but it failed to generate any interest. Netto issued a couple more albums on other labels such as Atlantic, but nothing really came from them. This song would be his only solo chart entry.

ReduxReview:  I guess the best thing I can say about this tune is that it is interesting. I like the production and the guitar hook in the latter half, but as a whole it's not strong enough to be a chart contender. It chugs along just fine, but there is little here that remains memorable. A nice effort and pleasant listen, but that's about it.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The Sniff 'n' the Tears hit "Driver's Seat" was a hit in several countries but could only muster a mild #42 in their UK homeland. It seems that the plant making the vinyl singles of the song had issues and could not press them. So after the band appeared on "Top of the Pops," there were no singles to be sold. The lack of product helped cause the song to fade out early on the chart. Fortunately, the single reached the Top 20 in several countries including the US. In the Netherlands the song reaching #8. It got a second life there in 1991 when it was featured on a TV commercial. The tune became popular all over again and a single was issued. This time it reached #1 on that country's chart.  2) Netto's debut album included the song "Slow Dancing." The song ended up getting recorded by Chaka Khan in a duet with Rick James. It was included on Khan's 1982 self-titled album. It was not issued as a single. Former Eagles member Joe Walsh also recorded the song for his 1985 album "The Confessor."

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