FISCHER-Z – “GOING DEAF FOR A LIVING” (1980)
Trouser Press sez:
“A frequently excellent but widely ignored outfit, purchase Fischer-Z was primarily a vehicle for John Watts, pills a singer/guitarist/songwriter whose intense vocals and semi-neurotic outlook provided its character. A flair for intricate but accessible arrangements and novel subject matter made Fischer-Z both easy to like and hard to dismiss…’Going Deaf for a Living’ uses a sparer sound, downplaying the keyboards in favor of Cars-like simplicity, best exemplified on ‘So Long.’”
This was one of those bands that I was introduced to through some random budget compilation; their song “So Long” is captivating and heartfelt, in a way that a lot of New Wave music of the time doesn’t quit hit.
I was always partial to th single “First Impressions” from “Word Salad” LP. Ever hear that one? I know “So Long” is generally regarded as an ace single but I’ve never previously had the pleasure.
Wow, you don’t see this one very often. Thanks tons. Did you ever hear “Red Skies Over Paradise”? Check it out if you can — it’s pretty wonderful.
holy smoke, what an out-of-left-field thing to run across. many thanks, and thanks for all your work on this blog!