[A Logical Animal] -- AllMusic.com refers to Animal Logic as an "experimental pop unit." That's as good a description as any for the trio that came together in 1987 and released their first eponymous album in 1989. Initiated as a potential collaboration between ex-Police drummer Stewart Copeland and jazz fusion bassist Stanley Clarke, there was no actual band until the duo found singer/songwriter Deborah Holland. Animal Logic is the kind of band that was only possible in the 80s, or at least more possible. And this band should have thrived exploring that space that permeates between jazz and rock all while making heady music videos. But instead they're just one more band that didn't live up to their promise. Perhaps Animal Logic's output was a little too artsy, or maybe they came along too late in the decade. Whatever it was, they have been consigned to the great dustheap of forgotten CDs. As you might expect after that intro, the band's debut didn't exactly light the charts ablaze. So I'm just picking three songs I like from the album, and you can read and hear move about my selections after the jump.
Flashback #1: "He's making friends in places high above | In the house of love."
The first and only single off Animal Logic (1989), "There's a Spy in the House of Love" entered and left the Official UK Top 40 chart at #92. But at least we have this nifty promo video to remind us that Animal Logic was here.
Flashback #2: "Love is an ocean | I barely can swim | So scared of drowning | I grab on to a whim."
"I'm Sorry Baby (I Want You in My Life)" was pretty much Animal Logic's version of a ballad. It's like an honor's student wrote love poetry that was set to some avant-garde jazz licks. OK, I'm kidding there. But I do feel that this tune was one movie soundtrack away from potentially being a huge, sensitive hit.
Flashback #3: "The words inside you can't come out | You analyze what it's about."
Animal Logic made only the one music video. But there are a handful of live performances out there. One industrious YouTube user decided to mix the album version of "Firing Up the Sunset Gun" with TV clips of a live performance and create a "live" music video. This song deserves more, but it's better than the nothing we would have been left with. Enjoy!
Once again, I remind you that the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. As I've made my three offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
That snare though. Man.
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