Shock is the fifth studio album by the band The Motels, recorded in 1984 and 1985 and released in August 1985. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
The 1980s marked a significant era for music, with the rise of various genres and the introduction of innovative sounds. Among the many genres that gained popularity during this time, New Wave Rock emerged as a unique and influential style that blended elements of punk, pop, and electronic music. One of the standout albums from this period was "Shock", the fifth studio album by the American band The Motels. Released in August 1985 on Capitol Records, this 12" LP Vinyl Album captured the essence of the New Wave Rock movement and showcased the band's evolution in both sound and artistic expression.
The Making of "Shock"
"Shock" was the result of intense creative efforts by the band members, recorded over the course of 1984 and 1985. Produced by Richie Zito, the album demonstrated the band's desire to push their boundaries and experiment with new musical elements. The Motels' lineup during this period consisted of Martha Davis on vocals and rhythm guitar, Guy Perry (aka Adrian Peritore) on lead guitar, Marty Jourard on keyboards and saxophone, Michael Goodroe on bass, Brian Glascock on drums and percussion, and Scott Thurston on keyboards and guitar.
Album Artwork and Design
As with many iconic albums, the cover artwork of "Shock" played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the music within. The album cover design was a collaborative effort between Roy Kohara and John O'Brien, who created a visually striking and enigmatic image. The cover photography, handled by Tony Viramontes, added an air of mystery to the album, enticing potential listeners to explore the musical journey that awaited them inside.
The Music of "Shock"
"Shock" was a captivating blend of New Wave Rock, featuring Martha Davis's distinctive and emotive vocals, backed by the band's solid musicianship. The album presented a matured and refined sound, showcasing the band's growth since their earlier releases. With a diverse selection of songs, "Shock" offered a range of emotions and themes that resonated with the listeners.
The album's opening track, "Shame", immediately set the tone with its pulsating rhythm, infectious hooks, and thought-provoking lyrics. It served as a perfect introduction to the musical journey that lay ahead. Other tracks like "Cries and Whispers" and "Hungry" showcased the band's ability to infuse their music with energy and emotion.
"Shock" also featured songs with a more introspective and introspective tone, such as "Icy Red" and "Mercenary". These tracks delved into themes of vulnerability, love, and human relationships, displaying the band's capacity to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
The Legacy of "Shock"
"Shock" was met with critical acclaim upon its release and garnered the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. The album's success further solidified The Motels' place in the New Wave Rock scene and continued to cement Martha Davis's reputation as a formidable frontwoman.
Over the years, "Shock" has remained a beloved album among fans of 1980s music and continues to be appreciated for its unique sound and artistic vision. The LP Vinyl Album format adds an extra layer of nostalgia, taking listeners back to a time when physical albums were treasured and enjoyed as a complete musical experience.
Today, "Shock" serves as a time capsule of the 1980s New Wave Rock era, a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined the decade. It stands as a reminder of the impact The Motels had on the music scene and their lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
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Music Genre: New Wave |
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Album Production Information: The album: "MOTELS - Shock " was produced by: Richie Zito Album cover design: Roy Kohara, John O'Brien Album cover photography: Tony Viramontes |
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Record Label Information: Capitol Records 1A 064-24 0394 DMM |
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Packaging: T his album "MOTELS - Shock " includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in EEC |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MOTELS - Shock |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "MOTELS - Shock " |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "MOTELS - Shock " is:
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CAPITOL Records , 1A 064-24 0394, DMM 1985 Capitol, BIEM/STEMRA
Martha Davis is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who gained prominence as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the band The Motels. Born on January 19, 1951, in Berkeley, California, Martha Davis has had a successful and influential career in the music industry, particularly during the 1980s New Wave Rock era.
Davis formed The Motels in 1971 in Berkeley, California. The band underwent various lineup changes before settling on a stable formation, with Davis as the frontwoman. The Motels achieved commercial success and critical acclaim with their unique blend of New Wave, post-punk, and pop rock sounds.
As the band's creative force, Davis was not only known for her distinct and emotive voice but also for her songwriting skills. She penned many of The Motels' hit songs, showcasing her ability to write thought-provoking and evocative lyrics that resonated with the audience. Davis's songwriting often delved into themes of love, relationships, and introspection, adding depth to the band's music.
The Motels' breakthrough came in 1979 with the release of their self-titled debut album, which included the hit single "Total Control." The success of their debut album laid the foundation for future achievements. In 1982, The Motels released "All Four One," which contained their most commercially successful song, "Only the Lonely," reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
With her distinctive style and charismatic stage presence, Martha Davis became an iconic figure in the New Wave Rock scene. Her fashion sense and unique vocal delivery contributed to The Motels' appeal and made her a role model for many aspiring female musicians.
Despite The Motels going through various lineup changes over the years, Davis remained a constant presence, ensuring the band's continued relevance. She led various incarnations of The Motels and released albums under different lineups while preserving the band's signature sound.
Beyond her work with The Motels, Martha Davis has also explored solo endeavors, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her solo work allowed her to experiment with different musical styles and showcase her talents outside of the band's context.
Martha Davis's influence extends beyond her music career. She has been an inspiration to many female artists and musicians, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her legacy as a pioneering frontwoman in the New Wave Rock movement continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Capitol 2C 070 - 86.146 , 1980 , Made in France
"Careful" - The Motels' second studio album, a 12" Vinyl LP Album, showcases their New Wave brilliance. Released in 1980, it features Martha Davis's mesmerizing vocals and introspective lyrics, delivering hits like "Danger" and "Whose Problem?"
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"The Motels - Little Robbers" is a 12" LP vinyl album that showcases the unique sound of the band. Released in the 1980s, the album features a blend of new wave, pop, and rock elements. With its catchy hooks, atmospheric melodies, and Martha Davis' captivating vocals, this record captures the essence of The Motels' musical style and stands as a memorable contribution to the era's music scene.
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Capitol 2S 068 - 85.999 , 1979 , Made in France
"The Motels" - Debut studio album by The Motels, released in September 1979. Recorded in May the same year, the album showcases Martha Davis's captivating vocals and the band's distinctive post-punk and New Wave sound. Hits like "Total Control" and "Closets and Bullets" established their signature style, making "The Motels" a standout in the late '70s music scene.
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Capitol Records 1A 064-24 0394 DMM , 1985 , Made in EEC / Europe
"Shock" by The Motels - A dynamic New Wave Rock masterpiece on 12" LP Vinyl Album. Released in August 1985, the fifth studio album features Martha Davis's evocative vocals and the band's refined musicianship. Produced by Richie Zito, it delivers hits like "Shame" and "Cries and Whispers," exploring themes of love and vulnerability.
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