The history of Animotion is an interesting one, and one that I'm sad that I didn't necessarily dive into when going through their self titled debut.
Animotion was formed by Bill Wadhams, Astrid Plane, Paul Antonelli, Charles Ottavio, and David "Frenchy" O'Brien in 1983. Though Wadhams initially provided both vocals and guitars, the latter instrumental duties would ultimately be taken over by Don Kirkpatrick. Signing a recording deal with Mercury, the six would enter the studio with session keyboardist Greg Smith to record what would become their debut self titled album, released in 1984.
The album was lead by the Knight and Des Barres penned and recorded single, Obsession, originally released by the aforementioned duo for the movie, A Night In Heaven. Under Animotion, the single shot up the charts to peak at number six. It was followed by the minorly successful hit, Let Him Go, which charted at number thirty-nine.
Though it's not really known why, Antonelli would depart the band, later forming the band Radio Werewolf. Meanwhile, O'Brien would also leave in 1985. Much like Antonelli, there doesn't appear to be a documented reason why he departed. However, he would go on to work in the public library system in Los Angeles, California, where he remained for the rest of his working life, passing away in 2019. Session musician Greg Smith joined full time, along with new drummer, Jim Blair to fill their roles.
This new lineup entered the studio to record their follow-up album, 1986's Strange Behavior. Fun fact, it would be the last album recorded for Casablanca Records before the label completely folded. Though the album spawned two singles, they didn't fair as well on the charts as those from their debut. I Engineer peaked at number seventy-six, while I Want You stalled at eighty-four.
Frankly, I find Strange Behavior to be a diamond in the rough. A forgotten gem from the era of the greatest music of all time. I hadn't heard anything bad by track six, and in fact was really trying to resist the urge to add everything to my shuffle list. I think it's far superior, as a whole, to its debut, and it makes me think I need to go back and listen to that album again.
After editing myself, I ended up adding I Want You, I Engineer, Anxiety, Out Of Control, Stranded, and The Essence to my shuffle. I felt these best represented the album, without going overboard on my end. Frankly, this could easily be a wall vinyl for me. For those of you who don't know what that means, I reserve my vinyl purchases for albums I find perfect from start to finish, which I then put in a frame on the wall.
Seriously, check this one out. You're missing out if you don't. It's a real shame the album sales didn't match my level of enjoyment. Animotion could of perhaps gone on to be a very different story. Whereas, as it stands, turmoil set in to the band as they entered the studio to record their third album. It culminated in firings, quitting, and the unique tale of a band that ultimately ended up with no original founding members. We'll go into that one tomorrow.
For now, and again, I highly recommend checking out 1986's Strange Behavior. It's a goodin'.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS October 6, 1984 |
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