This is another band I mean to do something on at some point, likely with another low charting song from the same year which has a similar argument, or just all the fascinating facts related to them and their members/collaborators. I always was impressed that Black Stations charted as well as it did on Billboard's chart given it was a direct indictment of radio format segregation, not to mention racism in general. The fact it was their only Billboard "hit" makes it even more impressive as an achievement. And Cooling the Medium is superlative. I really feel like they were on track to have a Peter Gabriel So-like breakthrough, but never did. It breaks my heart that Martha Johnson has Parkinson's.
Echo Beach” was a genuine radio hit across the Benelux, whereas “Black Stations, White Stations” found its life in the clubs. It was the sort of twelve-inch that sat beautifully in those mid-tempo sets so many of us were playing back then, I certainly did. Only recently have I dug into the rest of their dance repertoire. What a band.
Another winner! As soon as “Cooling the Medium” started, Tina said “Awww great song!” and proceeded to sing, dance and clap her way through the whole song. She did know the second one but not as well. She didn’t know the artist name but only because she called them Martha and the Muffins.
This is another band I mean to do something on at some point, likely with another low charting song from the same year which has a similar argument, or just all the fascinating facts related to them and their members/collaborators. I always was impressed that Black Stations charted as well as it did on Billboard's chart given it was a direct indictment of radio format segregation, not to mention racism in general. The fact it was their only Billboard "hit" makes it even more impressive as an achievement. And Cooling the Medium is superlative. I really feel like they were on track to have a Peter Gabriel So-like breakthrough, but never did. It breaks my heart that Martha Johnson has Parkinson's.
There were not a ton of women on the scene in the 80s, but the ones who broke through were all such leaders.
Martha, Pope, Siberry, Segato, Luba, Dalbello. Heavy hitters! 🇨🇦
Love it! I know This Is The Ice Age like the back of my hand but haven’t ventured much further. I will have to check out Mystery Walk.
It’s a great listen, Garry. 👍🏻
Sold off most of my record collection but kept the Muffins and M+M .
Great stuff.
CanCon loyalist! 🫡
You know it 😜
Echo Beach” was a genuine radio hit across the Benelux, whereas “Black Stations, White Stations” found its life in the clubs. It was the sort of twelve-inch that sat beautifully in those mid-tempo sets so many of us were playing back then, I certainly did. Only recently have I dug into the rest of their dance repertoire. What a band.
Another winner! As soon as “Cooling the Medium” started, Tina said “Awww great song!” and proceeded to sing, dance and clap her way through the whole song. She did know the second one but not as well. She didn’t know the artist name but only because she called them Martha and the Muffins.
My credibility is back! 😂
I’m gonna give a pass as even the Muffins themselves gave up on the name change.