Retro Spins: Yazoo (AKA Yaz) - Upstairs At Erics

Yazoo, they came out of nowhere in 1982, released two album (between '82 and '83), then disappeared. Featuring Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode and Alison Moyet, the two became internationally successful, having several hits worldwide. So why is it that they would bow out so fast? Did they want to leave the audience wanting more? Did one of them die? What happened?

Sadly, it's the age old tale of two people who make magic together, but ultimately didn't get along. Clarke was reluctant to make anymore records under the Yazoo name, combined with a general lack of communication between the two. This led to the split up, but perhaps one for the best. Clarke would go on to form Erasure, and Moyet would embark on a highly successful solo career.

Despite this, the circle would eventually close. In 2008, the duo reconciled, reunited and embarked on a successful reunion tour. This would coincide with remastered releases of their two albums, as well as a box set, which featured the remastered albums, remixes and b-sides.

My introduction to Yazoo began with a random Youtube search for "Hits of the 80's". I came across Situation, which while it wasn't great, was at least decent enough to tell myself I should look into it more at a later date. Well, today is that time.

Situation was featured on Yazoo's debut album, Upstairs At Erics, which if you haven't guessed, is today's Retro Spins. Based on the immense success of the duo, I admittedly had high hopes. However, I was also cautious to get too excited, because synthpop music is really hit or miss with me.

As it fired up, I was delightedly treated to Don't Go, probably the albums strongest track. From there, things kind of took a dive, along with my general interest. It wasn't until track seven, Only You, that I once again took any interest. Unfortunately, this quickly dropped out again with track eight.

Situation followed, and while it was fun to hear the song again, it just didn't compare to Don't Go. It was because of this that I really didn't enjoy it all that much. I also kind of lost interest in the record, as a whole. Though I finished it out, impressed, I was not.

Overall, I don't see what all the hype was about. Perhaps it's like The Beatles, where you have to appreciate it for the way the sound of music was being changed. I don't know. Either way, I'm not too excited to jump into their final and follow up album.

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