LOVE ON THE LINE

In the late 70's BJH's popularity in the UK was fading. The gradual stylistic change towards more streamlined and contemporary sound only resulted in the leaving of keyboardist Woolly Wolstenholme, whose input also in composing had IMHO been an essential part of the whole, even if his songs were a small minority against those of John Lees and Les Holroyd.

Eyes of the Universe (1979) was the first studio album without Woolly. It's not bad at all, both Lees and Holroyd had written some strong songs rivalling two or three preceding albums. But now into this single containing the two first tracks of the album.

Holroyd's catchy pop-rock piece 'Love on the Line' sounds very American, but is nevertheless quite enjoyable. Curiously the sharp repetitive riff reminds me of The Alan Parsons Project instrumental 'I Robot'.

John Lees' song 'All Right Get Down Boogie (Mu Ala Rusic)' has a disco flavour and terribly hollow tongue- in-cheek lyrics, as one may expect from the idiotic title. Without his energetic guitar work it would be a complete throwaway number. Unfortunately the group increased disco influences on their next album Turn of the Tide (1981) which is much worse than Eyes of the Universe. Sadly this single represents its less impressive side.