I'm not saying the other WASP records leading up to this one aren't good, but I'm not enamored of them as much as others seem to be. However, The Crimson Idol is a different story. Essentially, it's a Blackie Lawless solo album, and it's a rock opera about a reluctant rock star kid. In 1972 this would have been a big deal, but in 1992, it got relegated to Europe. And guess what? Despite all of the potential trappings, it's a fine record - certainly a fresh change from the sex shock material which the group was normally known for. Check it out.

As with Spectrum VII and Compass Point, this album and 1981's Invictus (Means) Unconquered share similar themes, as traditional country music became vogue again, embraced by a new, younger crowd (sound familiar?). Coe attempted to capitalize on the opportunity through guest contributions (mostly on I've Got Something To Say, where he even duets with George Jones) or covering other artists. His versatility shines through, but I miss the sweeping and often strangely authentic epics which were all over previous records. The artist sacrifices that aspect to make two very decent commercial albums.

This album - and the follow-up Compass Point - are cut from a similar cloth, mixing tropical themes with typical DAC fare. Of the two, Spectrum is by far the stronger effort, although both records are interesting tangents in the Coe catalog. Spectrum is so clear a statement it's a wonder it never made a large dent I the mainstream consciousness, and for my money, is among the man's best works.

Seventh Wave's idiosyncratic brand of synth-heavy progressive rock bore a passing resemblance to Split Enz, who certainly were not as technologically inclined. Even the vocals on this record sound like synthesizers. And the band sounds big - intense, much like the odd floating head displayed on the album cover. Revisit once in a great while.

What was left of the splintering Juicy Lucy lineup called in the Blodwyn Pig rhythm section and recorded a set of mostly competent rockers and surprisingly sensitive ballads ("All My Life").