Favorite Rez Band Song - Hostage

The first studio album by the band since shortening their name, this one has never been one I would consider a favorite. In fact, even now I rarely listen to it. Still a good album, with some great tunes, but the band pretty much sea-sawed between being an 80's synth-band and a hard rock and roll band.

When I first plopped this record onto the turntable and heard S.O.S. I almost turned off the stereo! I could not believe what I was hearing! Surely there was a mistake, as this was NOT the Rez Band I knew. With silly "speak and spell" sound FX, electronic drums, and synthesizers, I was sure Armageddon was right around the corner.

Fortunately, the second song more than made up for the first; Attention is a hard, fast rocker that truly does get your attention. Now this was what I expected from these guys! This was the Rez Band I knew and loved.

Song three ... Souls for Hire .... what!? More electronic drums and synthesizers, and a dance beat!?

And the sea-saw goes up ...

... to Defective Youth. Another break-neck rocker that turns your knuckles white from holding on.

And the sea-saw goes down ...

... to Who's Real Anymore. More 80's sound. Good message about materialism, but hard to listen to.

Followed by Armageddon Appetite. I was right! Armageddon was right around the corner! (see how I did that!  ) 

After listening to side one for the first time, I said a brief prayer as I turned the record over .... only to be dismayed at the sounds of more keyboards and electronic drums for Beyond the Gun. Strangely, however, this song sort of appealed to me. I've never been able to put my finger on it, but I've always liked this one.

And the sea-saw goes up ...

... for another rocker in Crimes. This one has great guitar work, and if I'm not mistaken I believe it was the band's first video for MTV. Naturally it got played every night!  

And guess what ... yep! The sea-saw goes down ...

... for It's You. This song is catchy, and has a great saxophone break, but really guys? More synth and electronic drums!?

And the sea-saw goes up ...

... for what is possibly the best song on the album, Tears in the Rain. This is a story song, a lyrical style that Rez used quite well for at least one song on several albums.  It's such a sad song, though, as it doesn't have a happy ending:

"But rock and roll was calling, the spotlight rarely waits, a crying girl and her god watched him move on to his fate."

And the sea-saw ... STAYS UP! Woo hoo! At least we did not end with an 80's type tune. It's not a rocker, but it's still an excellent song. Lyrically this is my favorite song, as it has always done what at least one song on each Rez album has done ... it touches a nerve!


OK, time to come clean. I've more or less bashed this release, pretty much stating that only half the songs are worth listening to. That's not entirely true anymore, as I am older, more mature (really!   ) and more appreciative of all styles of music, and even though the new wave synth sound that Rez played with a little has never been my favorite, these talented musicians still put together a good album with great lyrics. I just don't listen to it as much!


So, a favorite. Well, I am torn between Attention, which kicks butt as a rocker; Tears in the Rain, which is an awesome story song; and Walk Away, which hurts so good when I listen to it. Hmm ....


I guess I'll go with Armageddon Appetite!



Joe  !!!!  As I said, I love the last two songs, but the rocker Attention has claimed the "best of" spot in my heart!

I liked this album, too.  Armageddon Appetite made me laugh.  The toss up of favs is between Defective Youth and Tears in the Rain.  Tears wins as I love the story telling and can remember all of the lyrics.

This whole album is rather hit or miss.  There are some songs like "Armageddon Appetite" that just should not have been done.

Defective Youth partly because they prove they didn't totally sell out. Tears is great, I agree.

I agree with BD on this one. It's definitely not their best work and if it had been my first exposure to the band, I might not have continued to listen to them. I didn't like the 80's pop sound then, I don't like it now. However,  it was a Rez album, so I bought it (blue cassette and all). My favorite from this album has to be Defective Youth.

Strangely enough,  I can't remember if it was this album or Between Heaven And Hell that I have Wendi's autograph on.