From the cover of the archival 2 CD set released in 2008 (L-R)Steve Barton, Dave Scheff, Larry Dekker and Robert Darlington
The New Wave genres' resurgence which began a decade ago is gaining more momentum as evidenced by the continued regrouping, touring and releasing of new materials these past few years by many classic 80's New Wave -associated outfits that have been inactive( as a band) for many years
These include The Wild
Swans, OMD, The Wake, Three O’clock, B-Movie, Red Box, This Final
Frame, Blue Zoo, White China and the subject of my blog, Translator, among many others.
The Translator is known
here among New Wave enthusiasts as one
of the four 415 Records–associated groups
that were in heavy rotation on FM
radio like WXB 102 during the 80’s. The other three are Red Rockers, Romeo Void and Wire Train.
Brief History
The San Francisco-based group
was formed in Los Angeles in 1979 initially as a trio of singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Barton,
Larry Dekker on bass and Dave
Scheff on drums. The group was soon joined by another
singer/songwriter/guitarist Robert Darlington completing
the line-up.
Their 60’s inspired guitar-driven music were influenced by The Beatles, Cream,
and the Byrds, among others. A meshing of melodic jangly guitar riffs and hooks, fast drumming , folk-rock, pop, psychedelia, with edginess and passionate lyrics.
During the early to
mid-80’s, the band was popular in non-commercial college and New Wave music
stations, but unlike contemporary and similar group like R.E.M., they never
achieved mainstream success. The group disbanded in 1986 after the release of their fourth album.
The musical landscape during the early 80's was ruled by New Romantics and Synth-pop groups and the melodic guitar-based groups were relegated to second tier. Some say they are ahead of their time and could have been more successful in the 90's where alternative guitar-driven bands occupied the mainstream.
The musical landscape during the early 80's was ruled by New Romantics and Synth-pop groups and the melodic guitar-based groups were relegated to second tier. Some say they are ahead of their time and could have been more successful in the 90's where alternative guitar-driven bands occupied the mainstream.
Studio Albums
Between 1982 to 1986 the group made four studio albums:
1. Heartbeats And Triggers, 1982
2. No Time Like Now, 1983
3. Translator, 1985
4 .Evening Of The Harvest, 1986
Heartbeats And Triggers
- "Everywhere That I'm Not"
- "Necessary Spinning"
- "Everything You See"
- "When I Am With You"
- "Nothing Is Saving Me"
- "Sleeping Snakes"
- "Favorite Drug"
- "Everywhere"
- "Dark Region"
- "My Heart, Your Heart"
Their excellent debut album has all the materials for a classic 80's record like R.E.M.'s Murmur. Led by the song that kicked-off Translator, "Everywhere That I'm Not," a very catchy, jaunty and hummable tune that( ironically) deals with a relationship that is ending.
Everywhere that I'm Not
Other notable tracks to me are: "Sleeping Snakes," "Everything You see," "When I'm With You," "Nothing Is Saving Me" and "Everywhere"
"Better than solid" songwriting.
This album is a great starting point to those who want to explore the group's discography. No better album to get acclimatize to the difference in style and approaches of both songwriters which , however, are complimentary, giving the band a more cutting edge. Generally, both song writers have the flair for melody, guitar hooks and edgy rock but band-leader and main songwriter, Steve Barton, handles the fast-paced (sometimes frenetic) and rockier side, whereas, Robert Darlington's has a more introspective, mellower and folky approach. "Dave Sheff and Larry Dekker provides the solid rhythm section throughout."
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No Time Like Now
- "Un-Alone"
- "Beyond Today"
- "I Hear You Follow"
- "Break Down Barriers"
- "L.A., L.A."
- "I Love You"
- "No Time Like Now"
- "Everything Is Falling"
- "Simple Things"
- "The End of Their Love "
- "About the Truth"
- "Circumstance Laughing"
A mellower , slicker and more polished production compared with their debut.
For me, their most pop and "New Wave" sounding album. Their only album where they utilized Sax.
Notable tracks are: 'Un-Alone," Beyond Today," "I Hear You Follow," "I Love You," and "No Time Like Now."
Translator
- "Gravity"
- "Fall Forever"
- "Come With Me"
- "Friends Of The Future"
- "New Song"
- "Another American Night"
- "O Lazarus"
- "Inside My Mind"
- "Heaven By A String"
- "Breathless Agony"
This is not only my favorite Translator album but is actually one of my favorite albums.For me, of all their albums, this has the most radio-friendly tunes such as "Gravity," "Come With Me," " and "O Lazarus." It should have brought Translator mainstream success much like R.E.M.'s Document.
I understand, it was not even promoted in the U.S.A. Thanks to the astuteness and to the impeccable taste of the DJs manning the New Wave radio stations here in the 80's like WXB 102, this record, among New Wavers, is more popular here than in their home country.
This is also Translator's most psychedelic album.
Come With Me
Other Notable tracks are: "Fall Forever" and "Another American Night."
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Evening Of Harvest
- "Standing In Line"
- "These Old Days"
- "Crazier Everyday"
- "I Need You To Love"
- "Is There A Heaven Singing"
- "Winter Crying"
- "Stony Gates of Time"
- "Complications"
- "Point Of No Return"
- "Tolling Of The Bells"
- "Evening of The Harvest"
" Come to a crossroads, don't know which way to choose" , sings Steve Barton in "Point Of No Return"
Most notable track to me is, "These Old Days," a song in the same vein as "Come With Me." An earnest, moving,and touching love song. I swear this could have been my favorite along with "Gravity" and "Come With Me" had I heard this on the radio in the 80's.
Other notable tracks: "Standing In Line," "Crazier Everyday," "I Need You To Love, " " Is Their A Heaven Singing," "Winter Crying," "Stormy Gates Of Time," "Complications," "Point Of No Return," "Tolling Of The Bells" and "Evening Of Harvest." ( The rest of the album actually).
Although they made four
solid albums, they “only had one hit single”, “Everywhere That I’m Not”. It is their signature song.
But here in the
Philippines, Translator is known and loved by fans for the classic and enduring "Gravity” and “Come With me” , from their self -titled third album.
Post-break up
Although, the band had broken up in 1986, they continue to reunite occasionally such as performing gigs in 2006 and in 415 Records reunion in 2009. In 1996, ten years after their breakup, the band was put into spotlight anew when Beatles fans mistook their version of "Cry For The Shadow"( 'a 1983 b-side ) as a new Beatles recording for the Anthology sessions.
Steve Barton continued
recording solo and released the albums, The Boy Who Rode His Bike Around The
World, in 1999 and Charm Offensive, in 2005. As Steve Barton and The Oblivion Click, the following : Flicker Of
time, 2006 and Gallery, 2008. His latest solo work , Projector, where he played all the instruments, was released in 2011. A personal album, coming in the aftermath of his dad’s death.
The Boy Who Rode His Bicycle Around The World
Charm Offensive
Flicker Of Time
Gallery
Projector
Robert Darlington published Ether a
book of poetry in 2008. He released his
first solo record (an EP), Prism, last
2012. Dave Scheff drums with his band and Larry Dekker continue to play bass to various groups.
Prism
Reunion
After 26 years, Translator with the original line-up released their 5th album, Big Green Lawn last April, 2012.
A 7-track mini-album that is available only in digital format (in Itunes and Amazon).
For me, most of the
New Wave bands from the 80’s that have been releasing albums of new
materials are creating some of their best music , though we don’t get to hear them on the radio.
This is also true for the Translators. Even after 26
years they haven’t lost a step.This
album is like a vintage Translator album, albeit, shorter. It has the nice catchy melodies,
jangly ringing guitars and great lyrics. In fact, the tracts here can fit anywhere in either
of their 3rd and 4th albums.
Notable tracts are the lead single “Soul On
Fire,” “Everywhere About You,” the title track “Big Green Lawn” and “Every Night I Change”.
Soul On Fire
Though the lead single is a brilliant song, my favorite tracks are “Big Green Lawn” and Every Night I Change.”
"Every Night I Change" is a 60's sounding rocker with a nice catchy guitar riff and with poignant lyrics.
“Big Green Lawn” is
very interesting and never fails to draw a smile from me every time I
listen. I
would describe it as somewhat a Morrissey or a Paddy
McAloon (Prefab Sprout) type of music. The theme is quite odd and the melody and the manner of vocal delivery are very evocative.
Steve Barton is singing about feeling depressed and yearns for a place of
comfort…
" ...Sometimes I touch the
fire to see if it still burns me
Sometimes I touch the wind
to see if I turn the world
or the world turns me
Now that I forgotten how to read maps
Where will
I go when my world collapses
Im
hearing voices in the thunderclaps(?)
So I need a holiday
Take me away to a neighborhood on a …..
Put me
on a chair with a blanket across my lap
On a
big green lawn"
"...Sometimes I touch the rain to see if it still cools me
Sometimes I hide from the wind to see if I fool the World
or the worlds fool me"
"...Sometimes I touch the rain to see if it still cools me
Sometimes I hide from the wind to see if I fool the World
or the worlds fool me"
"...And
the nurses are so good to me
They give me my pills
Oh
so gently..."
Big Green Lawn
A place with a big green lawn? With good and gentle nurses? Now what sort of a place is
that?
that?
All in all, this is a solid mini-album by the Translators. A must-buy for Translator's fans
and is highly recommended to 80's New Wave fans here especially those who love
"Gravity" and "Come With Me."
The gravity won't let me go...
I'm a dream and your fading away...
I'm a dream and your fading away...
Gravity
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