Brave and Vogue in a Zone of Clones: Top Ten 45s from Garbo’s Daughter

10. Rex Smith: “You Take My Breath Away/Better Than It’s Ever Been Before” (Columbia, 1979)
Following a two-album stint with aptly named metal mess “Rex,” Rex Smith seized his fifteen minutes as would-be rock star Michael Skye in the 1979 made-for-TV teen movie Sooner Or Later. The immensely relatable film and its soundtrack, a far cry from Rex’s previous posturing, became fast favorites of the after school special set and adults alike. The slick production and slushy sentiment of “You Take My Breath Away” propelled it to #10, but the unapologetically camp boogie of “Better Than It’s Ever Been Before” is the true high point, corresponding with the pivotal scene where newly-teenaged Jessie (Denise Miller) gets her first eye- and earful of Michael and The Skye Band during a shopping mall performance.

9. Vik Venus: “Moonflight/Everybody’s On Strike” (Buddah, 1969)
Vik Venus may have claimed to be “your main moon man,” but he was actually Jack Spector, a popular New York DJ. This single features “Moonflight,” his enjoyable pseudo-interview with a crew of astronauts who reply in a medley of clips from Buddah’s bottomless bubblegum vault. The real treat lies in the mystery of the completely unrelated b-side, “Everybody’s On Strike.” A curious session creation, the songwriting credit for this soulful stomper is attributed to the elusive “Wannaby Herd” and showcases an unrelenting groove guaranteed to get your ass shakin’ on the dance floor.

8. The Arrows: “Touch Too Much/We Can Make It Together” (RAK, 1974)
Mid-70s pinups with a decidedly international flair, The Arrows were fronted by American bassist Alan Merrill (formerly of Japan’s Vodka Collins), with Israeli import Jake Hooker on guitar and Briton Paul Varley on drums. Though their later stateside claim to fame is as the originators of the oft-covered “I Love Rock & Roll,” the trio were immensely popular in the glitter-crazed United Kingdom. In addition to scoring a string of hits on legendary producer Mickie Most’s RAK label, The Arrows helmed their own variety show for two successful seasons. Crafted by Most and writers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman (the resident RAK dream team behind Suzi Quatro, Mud, and The Sweet), the sultry swagger of “Touch Too Much” is backed with Alan Merrill’s optimistic pop confection “We Can Make It Together.”

7. The Paley Brothers: “You’re The Best/Magic Power” (Sire, 1978)
Based out of Boston, blond brothers Jonathan and Andy were feted by teen mags as they flirted with the fringes of the New York punk scene. The Paley’s classic self-titled power-pop LP was produced by Earle Mankey (more about him later!) and released on Seymour Stein’s Sire Records. The Paley Brothers collaborated with label mates The Ramones on a cover of Ritchie Valens’ “Come On Let’s Go” for their Rock ‘n’ Roll High School soundtrack. “You’re The Best” also appears in the cult classic film.

6. Twinkle: “Micky/Darby & Joan” (Instant, 1969)
British singer-songwriter Twinkle is best known for her controversial 1964 hit “Terry,” but she wrote and recorded many great singles throughout the 60s and early 70s. “Micky” b/w “Darby & Joan” was released on Instant, a subsidiary of Rolling Stones/Small Faces impresario Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records.

Produced by Manfred Mann’s Mike D’Abo and featuring Madeline Bell on background vocals, this single is a perfect example of Twinkle’s unique style: unrequited love songs delivered with heart and wit.

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