Walking on water (Mike + The Mechanics) (LP 3221 - 3222)

Mike + The Mechanics + Paul Carrack  Rewired (CD/ DVD, Virgin Records, 2004) ***  

Mike + The Mechanics  The Road (CD, Sony Music, 2011) ****  

Genre: Pop 

Places I remember: Virgin Megastore (Dubai)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Try To Save Me (The Road)

Gear costume: The Road

They loom large in his legend (The Album Collection playlists): Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5

Active compensatory factors: Mike + The Mechanics is a side project for Genesis guitarist/ bass player Mike Rutherford. Paul Carrack comes via Ace (who featured on this blog a few years ago). Rewired was their sixth album and first one after the death of vocalist Paul Young. Apparently, Mike doesn't like the album but it sounds good to me. Paul has a great voice and the synth-pop style of this album suits him.

The Road was their next album, but it took a few years to get here. Only Mike survived from the Rewired band.

The template returned to pre Rewired Mike + The Mechanics songs. It's therefore chocka with melodic AOR, starting from track one - The Road.

Where do they all belong? A greatest hits compilation, snappily titled - Hits, is my go-to, and your best introduction.

Tongue tied (Ace) (LP 250)

Ace Time For Another (Vinyl - Anchor, 1975) ***

Genre:  English pop/rock

Places I remember:  Real Groovy Records

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: No Future In Your Eyes (great harmonies - they should do that more often!)




Gear costume:  I think It's Gonna Last, Message To You

Active compensatory factors: Second album for Ace - that band Paul Carrick was in before Mike + The Mechanics, remember.

It's a continuation of the bright pop sounds found on their debut album Five-A-Side.

While pleasant, my main problem by side two's end is the succession of mid paced songs. A couple of rockers wouldn't have gone amiss.

Where do they all belong? They made a third album which I don't own, so your best best is to next check out the stellar Paul Carrick work for Mike Rutherford's band. You won't be disappointed!

The real feeling (Ace) (LP 54)

Ace Five-a-side (Vinyl - Anchor Records, 1974) ****

Genre: English pop/rock

Places I remember: Slow Boat Records in Wellington

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: How Long is the brilliant single.




Gear costume: 24 Hours is a fine example of the great Ace sound - terrific beat thanks to the drums/bass combo, great organ/guitar licks, terrific Paul Carrack vocals, excellent horns.

Active compensatory factors: Ace were a great but underrated Beatles influenced band from the seventies. Most notably, they are known for Paul Carrack and his pop hit How Long (no question mark).

But the band (and this, their debut album) are way more than just that song. They played a fine funky brand of pop.

There isn't a dud track among the ten songs (five a side - ha!).

Where do they all belong? Paul eventually moved onto Mike + The Mechanics - you'll meet them along this journey!