Beautiful Babies and Runaway Daughters

To continue on this tear for synth-pop (which I think will continue for quite a bit after this as well) I give you perhaps the United States' best, and definitely most under appreciated contribution.

Coming from San Diego, a city which is only now getting a musical voice, Dane Conover managed to not only get signed by MCA, but also produce a slew of low-budget videos such as the one above. Unfortunately, success did not find its way to this great album. Considering the sound of the record (produced by Earle Mankey), the major label, the rise of MTV, and the outstanding quality of the music, it is hard to believe this even happened. Perhaps the public was not ready for its own synthy weirdos... Regardless, we have it now, and this is a real masterpiece that may even outdo synth-pop classics like The Pleasure Principle, Dare!, and Rio. Trees has the same kind of cold and eerie depth of his British counterparts, but is delivered with something of Southern California carefree vibe rather than the bleak English roots. This, however does not mean the lyrics are any less foreboding and apocalyptic. The majestic "Red Car" and "Midnight In America" are prime examples of a U.S. response to Gary Numan's works like "M.E." and "Metal," while "Shock of the New" - which really kicks the album into gear, may be the greatest unsung anthem of the New Wave era. Yet, it may be "Wildwood" that is the true showstopper with Conover's vocals and haiku-esque lyrics somehow submerging bright California pop into the cold and dark world of synth-pop.

It seems to me that Conover has remained busy since, but this is the only Trees record. It's a shame, but at least he gave this style a unique masterpiece.


Trees - Sleep Convention (1982)