The Motels - Shock (CD)

Motels - out of gas

By Brian  Nov 24, 2003

Pros: Martha Davis' singing

Cons: Lack of quality songs

By the time "Shock" came out in 1985 the Motels were on empty. After the successful "Little Robbers" was released the Motels had to pleased that the record buying public was still interested in their music. "Shock" had t...he hit "Shame" and that was about it. Other favorites include the catchy "Icy Red", the title track and "Hungry".Duds, which were never this present on their old releases, include the slow/boring "Annie Told Me", "My Love Stops Here" and "Night By Night". I saw this group open for the J. Giels Band back in the early 80's and they stole the show. Martha hit every note perfectly and the band was tight - true 80's music at its best. The people I went with wanted to see the J. Giels Band and I made sure we got there early enough to catch the Motels and everyone was impressed.This band could easily get lost in the glut of 80's music, but listen to any of their releases today (yes - even "Shock") and it stands up well. I love the Motels and will always be a fan, but "Shock" was truly the end. The drumming almost sounds like a drum machine throughout. If you listen to their first three releases drummer Brian Glascock really completed each song with tight drummimg. On "Shock" he's really no where to be found. Good effort but compared to the rest - subpar. Read more Less