Stan Ridgway
Stan Ridgway
45 rpm EP
Illegal Records 1985
Stan Ridgway
Mosquitos
Geffen 1989
front cover
rear cover
Review
This is a 12 inch 45 rpm French import with three songs from Stan's 1986 solo album "The Big Heat". It is worth tracking down, even if you have the 1986 album for the sound quality. This one contains Stan's science fiction epic "The Big Heat" with such a solid bottom it will rattle your windows.
Note: The 12” 45 format was probably the best sounding vinyl format ever made because the grooves are further apart and the record spins faster than a LP. Greater detail and a louder signal can be pressed into the vinyl.
front cover
rear cover
Review
Stan Ridgway writes short stories and sets them to music. The former lead singer of the 1980's band "Wall of Voodoo" in his second solo record crafts masterful songs about everyday life; a lonely town, a newspaper salesman, a rich lady looking to do in her husband, and a bar owner, at closing time, reflecting on the meaning of his life. The production is first rate and the album flows from start to finish. Highly recommended.