I have memories of hearing "Hold Me Now" played on the radio quite a lot during my childhood and it remains one of my favourite songs by Thompson Twins. Despite admiring the band's music, I never actually bought any of their records and this recent charity shop find is the only Thomson Twins vinyl I have ever owned.
"Into The Gap" is the archetypal multi-million selling record that was hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Much of this commercial success can be attributed to the radio play garnered by the singles that were culled from the album. Along with "Hold Me Now" I also liked the single "Doctor! Doctor!" - but I have no memory of hearing "Take Me Up" before. To be honest I am truly surprised such a dismal track reached number two in the UK charts.
One of the things I found most interesting about this record are the bass sounds. It seems the distinctive fretless bass that features on almost every song is actually derived from an Oberheim OB-Xa synth. Tom Bailey plays the keyboard with such skill and fluidity that these basslines could be mistaken for an electric bass guitar. Interestingly I read the bass patch is actually a modified clavinet preset and when the memory of Bailey's OB-Xa was wiped, the sound went with it.
I think one of the reasons I like Thompson Twins is because I am drawn to the sound marimbas and other percussion instruments. On tracks like "Sister of Mercy" or "Who Can Stop The Rain" Alannah Currie provides some amazing embellishments that really lift the songs. Other highlights for me are "The Gap" and "No Place For The Wicked" which are catchy songs that are expertly produced. Maybe I will have to acquire more Thomson Twins records after all. 3.5/5
