Friday, July 30, 2010

Band: Platinum Blonde, Album: Standing In The Dark, Song: Not In Love

"Are You Sitting Comfortably?"  The familiar phrase used on this album before the band launched in to it's new wave assault on the listening public.  This was 1983, and at the time of it's release, video was becoming a prominent vehicle for exposure with the creation of Much Music in Canada.  Platinum Blonde were put on heavy rotation and by the time their second album broke in 1985, entitled Alien Shores, they were a household name.  Not to mention the #1 hit, Crying Over You that came from that album as well.  Standing in the Dark was a strong debut for this Canadian band that allowed it to stand alongside it's international peers such as Duran Duran.  It's a very strong record with at least 4 singles including the one I have chosen here, Not In Love.  I remember buying this 45 actually when it came out.  There is a certain darkness to the song and I really like how it builds up to the chorus.  Some interesting facts about Platinum Blonde.  They started out as a Police cover band.  The original line up on Standing in the Dark was a 3 piece.  Mark Holmes, Sergio Galli and Chris Steffler.  They added the late Kenny Maclean to the band in 1985 for the album Alien Shores.  If you live in Toronto and are familiar with the live music venue, the Mod Club, then you should know that Mark Holmes opened it.  At the time of this blog, there were vinyl copies available on Ebay and Discogs ranging from $4-$25.  There was one Cd copy on Ebay for $112.  The band has released a greatest hits compilation entitled, Seven Year Itch, that includes this song and is available for download from Itunes.  You can watch the video on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1_PM5nLZeI).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!