The Start (US band)

[newdave7]

An early 80s New-wavey mod band. Know of 2 songs on the USA of Mod comp. I think they are from Illinois. Anyone know anything about these guys or got anything? I've seen an album (Look Around (LP)) that I "think" is the same band but quite expensive ($69 US).

[Grunch]

I know exactly who you refer to. That record is very pricey indeed. I've been looking for a better copy for over 20 years, have yet to ever come across one, and when I see it on-line, it is always well over $50. Excellent psych kinda sounding, musically somewhat like True West was. Would love if anyone has a clean copy of this to consider for CD-R trade!!!

[newdave7]

You know, I heard one song off that album (from some blog that was listed on one of the forums) and it sounds quite diff't then the ones on the "This is Mod" comp., which is much more new-wavey and power-poppy than the more mellow album. Are these the same bands?

[Grunch]

They may actually be different bands all together. This particular one, the Look Around release, does not sound mod to me, more of a lighter psych/pop sound. It must be pretty rare, also has a cool cover. Nothing really unique about the cover but it just has a look that, back in the early 80s, when you saw that cover, you just about knew what it was going to sound like. I'd highly prize a clean recording, and recommend anyone coming across it to not pass it by. I've come close to breaking down and paying $70 for a cleaner version. Mine looks mint, but man, the surface noise just is more than I can bear. The Start - Look Around. Highly recommended.

Here is a track from that release - mind you, the quality is lacking, it comes from a cassette made from the LP 20+ years ago, but at least it shows their penchant for neo-psych/paisley-style pop that was done so well during the early 80s. This track is called Empty Rooms:

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?a ... 3904523F04