Fatal Charm - King Of Comedy (Carrere)

Inspired by the film of the same name, starring Robert De Niro, although I don't see the connection. But this is uplifting stuff. The Nottingham three piece hit you from the word go with some potent guitar orientated hysteria - American style. Well worth a listen. (Ro Newton, No 1, May 11, 1985)

www.fatalcharm.co.uk

Marcel King - Reach For Love (New York Remix) (Factory)

A surprising release from Factory Records, and by 'eck it's a belter. A definite contender to New Order's "Blue Monday" for best dance record ever. Pulsating and irresistible. Play at maximum volume. (Ro Newton, No 1, May 11, 1985)

Animotion - Obsession (Polygram)

A top ten hit in the States, but the Americans never did have any taste. A catchy but unoriginal brand of synth-funk churned out by six rather wet looking people trying their best to appear as non-conformist as possible. Frankly, it doesn't wash. (Ro Newton, No 1, May 11, 1985)

Strawberry Switchblade - Who Knows What Love Is? (Korova)

Strawberry Switchblade have taken over from Bananarama as cutie pie press puppets with waspish tongues. Temporarily ensconced in the public eye, these girls can do no wrong. This is a gooey adolescent love song which lacks the catchiness of "Since Yesterday", although the trumpet playing is like a blast of fresh air. Full marks to the session musician. (Ro Newton, No 1, May 11, 1985)

A very pleasant ballad, but I can't help feeling that Strawberry Switchblade are deliberately aiming at the more mainstream pop market. Not that that's a bad thing - I just feel they could be really really interesting and obscure. (Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy, Smash Hits, May 8, 1985)

More breathy goo from the Scots duo. It's pleasant but only for those who sigh when they see the Andrex puppy nuzzling that rabbit on the advert - not realising he's only licking him to see whether he prefers it roasted or braised. (Mike Gardner, Record Mirror, May 11, 1985)

This record is mellow. It is for lazing around in the sun doing as little as possible to. The lyrics are great! With such lines as "I get myself a glass of milk and a colour magazine" they won't move the people to revolt, but they are about day-to-day happenings. (Simon O'Brien, Smash Hits, May 22, 1985)

Note: Simon O'Brien played Damon Grant in Channel 4's Brookside. Apparently.

Duran Duran - A View To A Kill (EMI)

After a six month breather, Duran follow in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey and Sheena Easton with a James Bond theme. Co-written by themselves and John Barry, the collaboration is obvious. This contains all Duran's stock ingredients - frenzied guitar and bass, but Bond-ised with tell-tale, dramatic bursts of brass. The dull drumbeat smacks of The Power Station... I Say it's time Simon Le Bon's vocals were laid to rest. (Ro Newton, No 1, May 11, 1985)

The lyrics to this are connected to the Bond film this forms the theme to, I presume, as they are a little oblique. Musically, it's also full of Bond allusions - full of seas of strings and brass stabs. Quite stunning production. Producer Bernard Edwards seems to have superceded Nile Rodgers in every direction. Takes a long time to get to the hook, but very interesting. (Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy, Smash Hits, May 8, 1985)

Those expecting a load of old Thunderballs will be surprised at this grower. Simon Le Bond - licensed to thrill - does his Bryan Ferry/David Sylvian impression on the best Bond theme since Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better". (Mike Gardner, Record Mirror, May 11, 1985)