1986 KOA NME & Melody Maker clippings

[Judge Holden]

Have sent these scraps on to John but thought that they'd sit nicely together in a single post. All date from 1986. The main piece is Nick Kent's MM review of KOA but there's an entertaining trio sparked off by Danny Kelly's 'Choker of the Week' NME review of 'Misunderstood' which includes a priceless comparison of EC & Bowie from Steven Wells. Passions were running high. I've also included a snippet from an unknown source which quotes a light-hearted 'Sun' editorial from around the same time.

[Judge Holden]

Sun editorial, early '86?

[Judge Holden]

I'll have to post Nick Kent's KOA review in pieces. Apologies if I screw this up. It may be best if I leave it for admin to upload.

[Neil.]

Thanks, Judge! I remember that 'Don't Let Me Be..." review at the time, and was astounded at its viciousness. It's actually a great cover version, so different to The Animals' most famous version, and Nina Simone's. I think it's one Elvis's best covers, in fact - the way it snakes along, that dark sound, the glockenspeil, the ragged vocal. What on earth's wrong with doing cover versions? Songs are for everyone, not just for the original artist!

But I remember that all those music journos ended up absolutely loving King of America, and gave it detailed and lavish praise. I also remember Melody Maker giving 'Bood and Chocolate' the title of Best Album of 1986 (King of America was also in the top five, I think). Smiths fans were livid, as it was the year of The Queen is Dead, often considered their masterpiece (but of course, Blood and Chocolate is far better!)

P.S. I love Baby's Got A Brand New Hairdo! Hilarious knees-up!

[Azmuda]

Many thanks for these! Nice work!