2/5 Pre-NRG Cowley's "Basement Tapes"
  by Robert J. Santaniello (Flushing, NY USA)
Let's begin this review by saying that Patrick Cowley (along with Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk) probably influenced the electronic dance music of the late 70's and 80's more than any other contemporary artist. His sound, using rudimentary synthesizers and programs patched together painstakingly by hand, has NEVER been replicated in the 25+ years since his premature death, though many have tried and failed. One word to sum him up: visionary. It was therefore with excitement (and some trepidation) did I greet the news a small label would be releasing his long-thought-of-lost collaborations with Jorge Socarras from 77-78. Unfortunately, "Catholic" is a major disappointment. Anyone who loves Cowley's trademark masculine HI-NRG sound needs to steer clear of this as it's really a collection of minimalistic and under-produced demos of prototype New Wave. We can give points to the project on that score in that Cowley and Soccaras pre-figured with this release much of what was to come as new wave in the 80's. But unfortunately, it's not very melodic and it's downright silly at times lyrically. Socarras is not the best vocalist either and the master tapes, supposedly cleaned up for this release, are full of hiss and noise. Cowley purists will, however, enjoy hearing Patrick sing on one of the tracks and the accompanying booklet is full of impish and cute photos of Cowley in his prime. The late Marty Blecman, Patrick's partner in Megatone Records, did not want to release this project and we can now understand why. However, before he died Blecman indicated there was at least 2 albums worth of unreleased Cowley material tucked away in the Megatone vaults, including an early and risque dance track done with Sylvester called "Make it Come Hard". John Hedges supposedly owns the rights to much of Megatone's catalogue. If he's reading this, please be advised Patrick's fans would like to see some of that stuff see the light as day, as well as long overdue Cowley Remix or Cover Tribute CD's.