etsy

Monday, March 18, 2013

Michael Waite and Eyes - Cosmic Wave

Michael Waite and Eyes - Cosmic Wave


Eye-To-Ear DZD 555, Canada, 1982 (coloured vinyl / ltd edition of 1000)


An eclectic mix of new wave, Super Tramp/Klaatu-ish commercial radio-prog, hard rock and electronica sounds. "Magic" on side two is a sub-standard ballad to these ears, yet somehow reminds me of Terry Brooks and Strange in its ambience (though the music is actually miles apart). Guest appearances come courtesy of Nash The Slash and Kim Mitchell, among others.
The album was originally realeased in 1982 on the small Eye-To-Ear indie label as a limited edition of 1000 on light pink vinyl (usually decsribed as white for some reason). In 1983 it was picked up by A&M and re-issued on standard black vinyl. It is interesting to note that the original issue is credited to Michael Gregtheodeg Waite & Eyes, while the A&M issue omits the Gregtheodeg. Both issues include an inner lyric sleeve.

A&M SP 9092, Canada, 1983

I rate this album highly but must warn that it is not for psych, prog or hard rock specialists as this really is a mixed bag.

1982 issue on pink vinyl.

In the early 70s Waite was in a band called Breathless with Nash The Slash. It appears they only recorded one song, "Slasher", which appeared on a promotional compilation titled 'Concept', but was never officially released. Throughout the 80s Waite made appearances and received producer credits on several albums by Canadian progressive rock band FM, as well as on Nash The Slash's 1984 album 'American Band-ages'.

Side 1 - 1a. Electric Violence 1b. Electric Violinse 2. The Prisoner 3. Time 4. Me And The Silver Surfer
5. You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
Side 2 - 1. The Machine Stops! 2. Without A Doubt 3. Magic 4. No Brains; No Pains 5. See-Behind Glasses (An American In New York)

Michael Waite-vocals/bass/piano/guitars/synthesizers/Roland drum computer/percussion/tubular bells/flute;
Martian Wars-electric 5-string violins/electric violcello/mando-guitar/Roland guitar synthesizer;
Mike O'Brien-drums & percussion

Recorded at Integrated Sound.